THIS MONTH
Hua Hin Online Community
It is perhaps a sign of the times but two hot topics that are always generating a healthy response are the cost of living and the increasing crime levels. As currencies and exchange rates continue to squeeze expats, that bizarre Thai concept of increasing the prices when the customers are scarce just adds to those financial woes. The fact that virtually no Thai businesses in Hua Hin can acknowledge that there is a difference between a two-week-tourist and a permanently residing expat is frustrating. Hua Hin is a tourist town hence you’ll largely be paying tourist prices, an expat ID card to get local rates would be a great idea but as with many others it’s unlikely to happen.
The government recently added to the misery of those that enjoy a tipple now and then by increasing taxation on alcohol by up to ten percent. Since most of the population is known for its tendency to crack open a cold one on a hot afternoon, the price hike will no doubt affect all but the ardent teetotalers out there.
A great time was had by all at this year’s Hua Hin Jazz Festival. Two stages and some top performances by Shakatak and Koh Saxman had the crowds on their feet. There were a few notable differences this year with the new organisers; for one the security presence was elevated and bag checks were being carried out. It was also a little disappointing to see that there wasn’t much in the way of food stalls and virtually no seating at either venues – it was a strictly bums on the floor affair. Photos from the event can be found on the forum and on Hua Hin’s new online photo gallery at www.huahinpictures.com
The bickering in the property section continued and the moderators had their work cut out as the usual trouble makers engaged in another round of digital mud-slinging. There will always be a number of distinct groups when it comes to real estate in Thailand, those that think everything is rosy and it is perfectly safe to invest here (these are usually involved in the industry in some way), those that would prefer to rent than put money into something they can never legally own, and those that have been burned already and are out for some kind of justice or vengeance.
The advice that has always been given that when dealing with real estate in Hua Hin is to use a competent lawyer, preferably a Bangkok one as Hua Hin’s legal ‘professionals’ are often involved in the property industry anyway. Another solid suggestion offered by many is never to invest more than you can afford to lose because, as we all know by now, you can’t own it anyway!
Plenty of questions were raised on the Hua Hin property market which seems to have died a death (or gone into serious hibernation). The majority of houses populating Hua Hin’s rapidly expanding suburbia are for sale but the prices seem to be artificially elevated so nothing is moving. This leads one to the thought that people that have purchased don’t really need to sell and are just trying to make a buck, there are very few ‘bargains’ or ‘fire sales’ in Hua Hin.
A report in the ‘Phuket Gazette’ had foreign home owners in a fluster as one official down there decided that it would be a good idea to prevent Thai spouses acting as nominees to purchase land for foreigners. This would probably affect the majority of farangs married to Thais since the purchase through a company route was clamped down upon a couple of years ago. A flood of complaints hit the mainstream media and the comments have since been retracted and replaced with a statement indicating that the land office will not investigate every Thai land owner married to a foreigner, just the ones that generate complaints. What a way to generate foreign investment and confidence in Thailand!
Visas have been a hot topic as Thailand’s immigration department made another clampdown on border runners, adding to the multiple mind-boggling levels of confusion on the subject. The latest restriction placed on those crossing the border is a 15 day stamp and it seems that Thailand is trying to weed out the undesirables, or those that don’t have proper visas. What is more mind-numbing is that in the year when the economy is hitting record lows and tourism numbers continue to plummet Thailand carries on with its customary clampdowns.
Naturally the discussion evolved into one on long-term options which are also becoming rather limited. For those under 50 without an overseas income, it appears that if you are old and wealthy you are welcome. Getting a work permit is no longer that easy in the current economic environment as many companies can’t afford the expense or deal with the ever increasing bureaucracy of hiring a foreigner.
The majority of expats and long term residents are generally pessimistic about the trend of clampdowns and increase in requirements that have been imposed on them over the past 8 years. While its neighbours are waking up and slowly opening up, Thailand seems to be closing the door on almost everyone in its myopic strive for a ‘better class of farang’.
More talk on 24 hour reporting often imposed by local immigration caused a stir. As always there is absolutely no consistency, some people were getting fined and others not; and nothing has ever been written or offered as a way of guidance. You just have to take your chances.
On the brighter side of things a few HHAD members donated old computer parts that were cobbled together to build a working system which was then delivered to Pranburi for the Mercy House Orphanage. The project was developed to re-use old e-waste and provide no cost computers for needy organisations in and around Hua Hin. With the first one already out of the door they are working on the next so if you have any spare working computer parts or peripherals and want to make a difference get online and find out how.
The drop point for any donations for the orphanage is the Hua Hin Ham & Bacon shop on soi 41. The tech heads will make collections and start building, latest updates will be posted on the forum.
HHAD forums are the only definitive and original online message boards and discussions for the area with over 4,200 members and 2,000 daily readers. There are sections for finding and booking accommodation, seeking out bargains, and exploring the local area and beyond. There is also a nightlife section for the night owls, a restaurant and feeding guide along with an online meeting point for visa runners and clubs. The ever popular “Ask the expats” section is great for quickly getting the answers you need from the people that live here. Logon and find out what is happening in Hua Hin: www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/
Music Federation Appreciated for Organising Music Workshop
More than 50 participants attended the five day Music workshop organised by the Solomon Islands Music Federation currently travelling the country. The music workshop is fully funded by the Ministry for Women, Youth and Children Affairs.
In his key note address, the Minister for Women, Youth and Children's Affairs (MWYCA) Hon. Peter Tom acknowledged the initiative taken by the Solomon Islands Music Federation in partnership with the Macquarie University to organise such an important workshop.
He told participants that this is, “an opportunity that you must fully utilize for your benefit. This also provides an opportunity for those who are experienced to play the role of a Good Samaritan by helping those who are beginning the music journey.
“Music is the one thing that unites us, we identify ourselves as people of one country or tribe through music, hence to be engaged in something that is unifying, educating and empowering is what this country needs," said Hon. Peter Tom.
He told also participants that the CNURA government through his ministry is keen to assist young musicians at the rural level and this is where he believes that where they would look to the Music Federation to guide them with.
Minister Tom also added that “our future in the music industry is only as bright as the commitment and effort we put into changes we want to see.”
Mr Tom also added that it was very encouraging to see a big turnout for the workshop and he encouraged participants to strengthen their capacity or improve on their skills and knowledge through the training.
“Never once before had any such workshop for music held in the country, therefore you must make this your workshop. Respect it, support it, and learn from it and most of all enjoy it,” said the Minister.
Hotel & Restaurant News
Divas in the Park concert at Dusit Thani Hua Hin
Recently Dusit Thani Hua Hin held a romantic concert in the park featuring Thailand’s renowned singing divas, such as Nicole Theriault; Nantida Kaewbuasai; Kam The Star; and Warithada Pirompakdee, who lined up alongside such renowned bands and talented artists as ETC with a surprise appearance by Joey Boy, Thailand’s number 1 Hip-Hop rapper, top-of-the-bill International star Salena Jones, Asian Super Band, Keiko Lee, Jack Lee. All of the performers showed they could really wow an audience.
Caption to Marriott Picture
Associates from Hua Hin Marriott and Anantara Resort and Spa celebrated Minor Founder’s Day, Mr. William Heinecke’s (Founder of Minor International PCL) birthday, by visiting children at Baan Nuen Payom School in Hua Hin. Here they presented needed items and donations to the school principal. The associates from both hotels also helped develop the school by planting a vegetable garden, painting the school walls and cutting grass on the school’s lawn.
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