There are no prizes for guessing what the hot topic of discussion on the forums has been for the last few weeks. With Thailand’s political crisis deepening and tourist numbers plummeting the situation seems to be going from bad to worse for those in business in Hua Hin. Violence on the streets of Bangkok once again cased chaos as anti-government protesters clashed with security forces in deadly shootouts. Foreign countries issued travel advisories warning against coming to Thailand and foreign arrivals dropped by over half this month.

The western media certainly have not helped the situation by sensationalising reports, publishing biased commentaries, and labeling the country as a war zone. Hua Hin as usual has seen little effect aside from the drastic drop in foreign tourism at an already quiet time of the year. Domestic tourism is on the increase though as Bangkokians flee the city in droves and Hua Hin’s inadequate road system grinds to a halt again.

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The lineup for the 2010 Hua Hin Jazz Festival has been released. Look out for American musicians Eric Marienthal, Jeff Lorber, and Jimmy Haslip playing on the beach on Friday 18th, and Lee Ritenour on Saturday 19th. The Jazz Royale stage in the town will have Thai and Filipino bands featuring over the weekend. For more information please visit www.jazzfestivalhuahin.com or the forum for the latest news and updates for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2010.