The expat community in Hua Hin has been shocked by a recent spate of murders, many of which have been under similar circumstances. The highest profile was the killing of Asia Times Online editor in chief Allen Quicke whose life was taken at his home in Naebkehardt road on August 17. The police report suggests the crime was a simple robbery that got out of hand, a culprit was quickly apprehended and the case closed.

Other attacks on foreigners in the town center have also been on the increase however not all of them are reported. While Hua Hin still remains a safe haven it will soon change unless real action is taken against what appears to be a rising criminal element and more brazen assaults upon its residents.

(more…)

Hua Hin’s expats and visitors were shocked last month by the brutal murder of British retiree Raymond Hind in what was later discovered to be a pre-meditated attack carried out and arranged by relations of his estranged Thai wife. The forum was the first place to break the news in English, word of which spread rapidly as messages of support and condolence for the family poured in from across the globe. Ray Hind was 68 years old and will be missed by many friends here in Hua Hin and his daughter and granddaughter back home in the UK. RIP Ray.

As shocking as they are, incidents such as this remain few and far between here in Hua Hin, especially when compared to what goes on across the pond in Pattaya. A glance at any local newspaper will reflect this however as Hua Hin continues to grow the bad elements are likely to increase along with the good.

(more…)

Hua Hin received a welcome boost in visitor numbers in June as the annual Jazz Festival drew crowds from across the region for the three day event. Two stages were set up on the beach at the Sofitel and Intercontinental hotels, the latter being a welcome addition to the event which usually suffers from overcrowding.

With a large area opened up for parking and plenty of space on the beach the Intercontinental stage was definitely the place to be for Saturday afternoon where the Brass Monkeys from the Philippines had the crowd on their feet into the early evening. Incognito from the UK also put on a good performance later in the evening as did Crescendo and Lee Ritenour over at the Sofitel stage. Unfortunately this venue suffered the usual rising tides, squeezing crowds and traffic chaos as the hoards inched their way onto the beach. Photos from the event can be seen on the forum and at www.huahinpictures.com

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.

This month has been one of turmoil for many travellers to and from Hua Hin and Thailand with the political violence disrupting Bangkok, Songkran week resulting in the usual closures and road chaos, and the Icelandic volcano stranding thousands of passengers here and forcing more holiday cancellations. Just when we think Thailand’s tourism industry couldn’t suffer anymore it does.

The forum has been abuzz with discussion on Thailand’s political rift that seems to be widening, fortunately here in Hua Hin it is business as usual with no sign of any disturbances or shirt colour disparities. The results appear to be a surge in domestic tourism to the town as the holiday week witnessed unprecedented traffic levels with Bangkokians escaping to the sea side. Petchkasem Road became a solid three lane bumper to bumper queue of Benzes, Lexuses, BMWs and SUVs as Thailand’s “haves” inched their way into Hua Hin while the “have nots” threw bottles and stones at riot police in capital.

(more…)

The Hua Hin forums had a long overdue facelift and software upgrade this month and readers have been treated to a multitude of new features and functions in addition to a new look and cleaner, fresher layout. With around 70 visitors per hour the site continues to grow and attract Hua Hin visitors and residents looking for information and quick answers. There is also a HHAD presence on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter now so if you use these portals you can get the latest updates from Hua Hin instantly in your profile.

The heat has started early with a number of blisteringly hot days recorded in March and more expected next month. Water shortages and outages have already been experienced by some around town and droughts have been forecast this year in some parts of Thailand. There is no doubt that April 13 will be wet as this is the day that Hua Hin celebrates Songkran, or Thai New Year, avoid it if you want to stay dry.
(more…)

HHAD forums continue to grow this month with more news and information about Thailand and Hua Hin and more questions from those wanting a quick answer from the town’s busiest website. There is now a Twitter feed offering daily “tweets” with the latest updates from Hua Hin and the forum, you can follow it on your computer or mobile at http://twitter.com/2huahin

Chinese New Year went off with a bang in Hua Hin as festivities at Market Village and all of the major hotels welcomed in the year of the tiger. The weekend celebration attracted the usual Bangkok crowd eager to get away from the big smoke to their favourite resort by the sea. Occupancy at Hua Hin’s high end hotels was even better than the regular new year indicating a possible shift in visitor demographics to the town.

(more…)

Following an expected lull over the holiday period the forums have burst into life again with more stories, experiences and information requests from Hua Hin’s visitors and residents. HHAD posted its annual readership stats which showed an increase on the previous year despite 2009 being a very slow one for businesses in Hua Hin. Current monthly readership is now over 58,000 and rising.

Photos of Hua Hin, specifically historical and old ones, were discussed as a few long term residents shared their images. The difference between the town now and say 15 years ago is astonishing, for one you could actually walk across Petchkasem road without risking death! The one time sleepy fishing village has been transformed into a modern metropolis in no time, much of which can be attributed to the 2007-8 property boom. Even in today’s tough times new resorts are springing up such as the Intercontinental, Best Western and a number of new properties in Khao Takiab. Hua Hin’s boom is not over yet, it has just taken a nap for a year or so.

(more…)

Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Spa, on behalf of Hua Hin Hotelier’s Club, has cooperated with the Vintage Car Club of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Hua Hin City Municipality to hold the annual Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade on December 18-20, 2009.

A 50 classic car procession will be on the move from Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok on Friday morning (18th) and will drive by King Rama II Park in Samut Songkram before lunch in Phetchaburi. The parade will arrive in Hua Hin for the official ceremony in the evening.

The rally will be on the move around Hua Hin throughout the Saturday (19th) and will be based at the Sofitel. More information on the event and images can be found here: [Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade 2009].

Bikers from all over Thailand will roar into Hua Hin this weekend for the annual Hua Hin bike week (which is actually only two days). The event is held at 48 rai on the canal road and features live music, tattoo contests, bike shows, miss Hua Hin bike week, and a number of market stalls selling biking products and the regular event fayre. The gathering starts on Friday the 4th at 4pm until midnight and the main event will be on the Saturday where riders convene at the Rama 6 army camp to spell out “Long Live The King” with their bikes to honour His Majesty’s birthday. Having a bike is not mandatory but an interest in them helps as there will be plenty of mean machines there. Updates and photos will be on the forum as usual.

(more…)

An annual meet up for HHAD forum members was announced this week. These informal gatherings provide a great opportunity to put names to faces and meet new people in the area. Previous years have seen events and parties on local beaches and in local bars and restaurants, this year it will be held at the Hua Hin Fishing Lodge, just 10km west of town center. Saturday December 12 has been the democratically elected date most convenient for the majority. Families are also welcome to the afternoon gathering which will consist of a good ‘chin-wag’ and a couple of cold brews with fishing optional. All are welcome so see you there.

(more…)

We are sad to announce the loss of a good friend and long-time forum member this week. Chris Brown passed away in the evening of Friday October 30 in a hospital in Prachuab following long term illnesses. Chris, known as ‘Guess’ on the boards, befriended many Hua Hin expats during his time here running the Sugar Cane bar, many would visit the bar just to have a chat with the man that has been referred to as a ‘font of knowledge’. He moved to Bangsaphan last year to settle down a little following persistent illness but remained active on the forum where he became known for his dry sense of humour. Chris will be missed by many, rest in peace friend.

(more…)

The high speed Hua Hin to Pattaya ferry service got a news update as many suspected that the project, like others before it, had fallen by the wayside. Permits and licenses to operate the service have been granted however the Swedish company that owns the project will not start it until they are 100% happy with the vessel. Public safety is their highest concern so they are modifying the ferry so that it complies with their high standards. Be sure to check the forum for more updates and news.

(more…)

This week has been one of mayhem on the roads as the security clampdowns for the ASEAN meeting begun in earnest on Monday. Those resident in Hua Hin who have registered their vehicle with the military and got the green sticker will just get waved through the multiple check points fringing the town so their only gripe will be the extended times it will take to get anywhere on the roads. Nothing different to any long weekend in Hua Hin really – just more traffic cones!

The whole registration and processing system was quite efficient so there is really no excuse for anyone permanently residing here not to have their little green security clearance. The military seem to have more of an air of approachability about them and often flash the occasional smile, maybe they don’t see many farangs. The police on the other hand also have a smile but it’s because they know they’re about to get a little tea money from you!

Petchkasem Road is now a long strip of orange with four confusing lanes and fewer opportunities to turn on or off it – that will definitely be one to avoid this weekend unless you wish to spend most of it staring at the car in front! It sounds the perfect opportunity to get out of Hua Hin, drive down the coast and find a secluded beach to chill out on.

(more…)