Climbing crime in Hua Hin
Hua Hin News 25/04: Hua Hin has always been seen to be a safe haven and even has the name “Paradise City” however recent reports indicate that attacks, theft and break-ins are on the increase in and there is little being done to curb the problem. With an influx of new housing developments come better opportunities for would-be thieves and criminals preying on these new inhabitants and their perceived affluence. The booming Hua Hin construction industry itself attracts transient labourers often from poorer parts of the Kingdom who in many instances are in the perfect place to commit crime. Nearly every soi in Hua Hin has some form of property construction or renovation occurring and with it a gang of builders and labourers.

A poll recently conducted on a local forum indicated that over 33% of foreigners polled living in Hua Hin have experienced a break-in or robbery. Sadly the police are seldom interested; especially if foreigners are involved, and simply go through the formalities of reporting the incident. Some residents have suggested a neighbourhood watch scheme and some developments already have gated security but the reality is that nothing will stop a determined thief. Many are simply opportunists though so a few basic steps to secure your property, leave lights on, and have neighbours take care of the place if you need to leave it for any length of time will go a long way. Beefing up the security around the windows and doors will also deter an opportunist thief however there could be more sophisticated gangs at large, in which case we need to rely on the local police which currently does not leave us with much hope.


Hua Hin gears up for Songkran
Hua Hin News 10/04: The world's largest water fight is about to descend on Hua Hin in celebration of the Thai new year or "Songkran". Fortunately though the event is a little more dignified in Hua Hin compared to Pattaya, Bangkok or up country. The main wet day down town will be Sunday 13th with possible showers on the 14th. It would be wise not to drive anywhere this weekend and stay indoors if you want to avoid getting wet altogether. For those that want to revel in the fun get down to the center of town and around the soi Bintabaht and Dechanuchit areas where the most action will be. As usual the government have tried to ban inappropriate clothing and high powered water pistols and as usual this is likely to be ignored. To read more about songkran in Hua Hin and a few guidelines take a look here: Hua Hin Songkran.

Flying high at the 2008 Hua Hin kite festival
Hua Hin News 9/03: The tenth annual Hua Hin kite festival was held over the weekend of the 8th/9th of March at the Rama VI camp around 15km north of Hua Hin. The turnout for the two day event was good despite the lack of signs to the venue and limited promotion in town leading up to it. Both locals and tourists alike arrived in droves to see the spectacular array of kites on display, these ranged from giant sea creatures to snaking Chinese dragons. There were also impressive displays of stunt kites and formation flying as international and local teams battled for air supremacy. Images from the 2008 Hua Hin kite festival can be found here.

Hua Hin aims for upmarket image
Hua Hin News: Tourism operators are intensifying their efforts to transform Hua Hin into a trendy upmarket destination. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are promoting Hua Hin domestically and abroad and expect tourist arrivals to grow 10% by next year. THA says there are 287 hotels and resorts already operating in Hua Hin and Cha-am, with a total of 11,000 rooms. Another 1,000 rooms will open this year, 30% of them in "trendy" or "boutique" hotels. TAT's Product Promotion Department, said the agency was promoting Hua Hin in foreign markets, particularly in Scandinavian countries, as well as in Japan, South Korea and elsewhere in Asia targeting high-income tourists and niche markets, such as honeymoon couples.

Google Earth gives Hua Hin a lift
Hua Hin News: After many months of waiting and many rumours on reasoning Google Earth have finally updated their imagery for the Hua Hin area. The area covers from just north of the airport to just south of monkey mountain at Khao Takiab and around 15 kilometers west to where the bypass runs. Individual vehicles and buildings can now be made out as the zoom will take you to an elevation of around 300 meters whilst still maintaining clarity. Enterprising local media organisation HuaHinMedia.com have taken this opportunity and, using Google software, are designing a map for Hua Hin with all local hotels and attractions accurately labelled. Take a look at www.maphuahin.com to see how they are proceeding.

Election alcohol ban hits Hua Hin high season
Hua Hin News 20/12: Local police and authorities will be enforcing an alcohol ban over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd as they did on the weekend of the 14th to the 16th in Hua Hin and around the Kingdom. Almost 3 million people have applied for advance vote casting which took place last weekend, the ban is to prevent canvassers entertaining voters before they go off to cast their vote. Hua Hin bar owners and tourists were in uproar as this is one of the busiest times of the year, bars have been ordered to close for the Christmas weekend. "Its ridiculous, farangs can't even vote and our holiday is being spoilt, we'll think twice about coming to Thailand again" a Swedish tourist told Hua Hin Report. Venue owners who violate the ban risk fines of upto 10,000 baht and 6 years in prison under election law. Local reports also indicate that Thai owned venues appear to be exempt from the bans and remain operating as usual.

Khao Tao to get 1.7bn property development
Hua Hin News 19/12: The sleepy village of Khao Tao 15km south of Hua Hin is to get another property development worth an estimated 1.7 billion baht. The luxury Malibu Khao Tao Hua Hin development by Maneeya Realty Co is set on 15 rai of land and comprises of low rise luxury condominiums and villas. The Thai-Colonial style development will have 180 condominium units sized between 97 and 308 square metres and priced from 70,000 baht per sqm and four beachfront villas with a usable area of between 367 and 1,074 sqm, each priced at 34 million baht. Sales are targeted to close within 20 months with construction completed in 2009.

Hua Hin vintage car rally
Hua Hin News: This year’s popular Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade and Art Festival, organized by Hua Hin Hotelier’s Club led by Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin, Vintage Car Club of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hua Hin Municipality and Hua Hin Market Village, will be held from 1st - 16th December 2007.

The aim of this years event is to assist in creating destination awareness, product and brand loyalty to communities over Thailand and abroad, display the charming vintage cars and various kinds of the valued arts. Furthermore, the occasion will mark His Majesty the King's 80th birthday anniversary on December 5th 2007. All proceeds will go to the Chaipattana Foundation. There will be a lot of activities happening during the 16-day event mostly take place at the Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin and the Hua Hin Market Village. [ more info: HHAD ]

Happy 80th Birthday King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Hua Hin News 5/12: Today Hua Hin kicks off lavish celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday, as the nation heads into elections following a coup that thrust him into the political spotlight. The king gives his annual address to the nation late Tuesday, one day before his birthday which will be celebrated with a string of sacred royal processions that tens of thousands of Thais are expected to attend. Hua Hin Report would like to extend our warmest wishes to His Majesty on his 80th birthday on December 5th.

Dutch paedophile arrested in Hua Hin
Hua Hin News 4/12: Thai police acting on an Interpol tip-off arrested a 60 year old Dutch man on child sex abuse charges on Monday. Willem Gerard Knoppien was apprehended shortly after police filmed a 12 year old Thai boy entering and leaving his rented home in Hua Hin. On Sunday morning a man on a motorcycle brought a 12-year-old Thai boy to Knoppien's home and police filmed the boy entering the foreigner's house and leaving one hour later. Police Colonel Banya Pinsuk, of Thailand's Crimes Against Women and Children unit said the boy had confessed to having sex with Knoppien for 120 baht , while the man who delivered him on the motorcycle received another 200 baht. Knoppien, a frequent visitor to Thailand, denied having sex with the child. [ source: DPA ]

Springfield grows in Hua Hin
Hua Hin News 25/11: The Hua Hin hotelier Springfield Group is investing 600 million baht to develop a new five-star hotel, Springfield@Sea Resort and Spa on the Hua Hin-Cha-am beach late next year. The chic hotel, located on an 11-rai plot, will have 105 seaview rooms and eight pool villas for family-oriented customers and honeymooners as well as companies holding seminars and business meeting. The hotel will have a soft opening in September, in time for the next peak tourism season in Thailand. The group aims to achieve a 70% occupancy rate in 2009 but it has not set room rates yet. [ source: Bangkok Post ]

Goodbye Dr Dave
Hua Hin News 8/11: The Hua Hin expat community is in mourning this week at the loss of David Geoffrey Boycott, better known as "Dr Dave Soul Monsta". Dave who was originally from Oldham and only 42 years old passed away in the early hours of Sunday 4th. He was an integral part of the Hua Hin community with his radio shows and contributions to the local forum, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. A growing list of messages and condolences can be read and contributed to here.

King's Cup mountain bike classic
Hua Hin News 25/10: To celebrate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty The King's 80th birthday on 5th December 2007 Hua Hin Bike Club and Hua Hin Municipality present the King's Cup Hua Hin Mountain Bike Challenge and the Queen's Cup Tour of Hua Hin. The Queen's Cup Tour will take place on Saturday November 3rd starting at Hua Hin clocktower at 07.00 with different categories for each age group leaving at timed intervals after 09.00. Finish is at the Queen Sirikit Park and participation costs 350 baht (2,000 for VIP). Sunday the 4th will see the King's Cup Mountain Bike Classic set off from Bo Fai at 13.00 after registration and opening ceremonies during the morning. Distances for the events depend on age category and range from 40 to 136km. For more information contact the Hua Hin Bike Club on 032-539292 or the Hua Hin Municipality on 032-511047.

Hua Hin business man assaulted
Hua Hin News 22/10: A well respected Hua Hin business man was assaulted at 20.30 on Monday as he crossed Petchkasem Road to purchase milk for his son. The assailant attacked him from behind and proceeded to drag him into the traffic on the main road using his motorcycle. The attack happened in full view of local market vendors at the busy intersection. The attacker was identified as a Mr Trevor Rudd (pictured) by the victim and local police, it has been reported that the British man has also made a number of intimidating and threatening motions towards other local business people and their respective businesses. It was revealed that this latest incident was the result of jealousy over the victims successful business operations in Hua Hin, Mr Rudd has been warned twice previously by local police for harassment.

Local mums launch events for kids
Hua Hin News 20/10: Local Thai and Western mums living in Khao Takiab have launched a series of events, activites and workshops for children. "Hua Hin lacks any form of entertainment for kids, especially during those long school holidays", one of the organizers told us. The workshops include artwork and creative activities which are both fun and educational and are a great way to keep the kids occupied. They also offer a range of parties and events ard are planning a large Christmas party for over 100 local children. [ source: Hua Hin Events & Workshops ]

Run up to the Pranburi Triathlon
Hua Hin News 10/10: This month athletes from Thailand and Internationally will meet at the Evason Hua Hin to compete in the inaugural Pranburi International Triathlon. Six Senses, Evason Hua Hin, Exotissimo and Spice Roads have been working together for a number of months to bring this idea to full fruition and we are all certain that you will be amazed by the scope of the event we have planned.

The planning of such an event is no easy task – there are literally hundreds of people involved – the Thai Army, the Police, local citizens, Six Senses hosts, Exotissimo and Spice Roads for the race organization and Six Senses hosts and Soul Plus Event Company who are organizing the Gala Dinner and entertainment combined with the generous support of our sponsors for the event for which we are extremely grateful.

We are all looking forward to the weekend of October 19th and 20th immensely.  The sense of anticipation and pride that this event is being held in Pranburi is already evident and growing by the day as the event weekend draws closer. Our thanks and appreciation for your support in making this happen and we look forward to working with you in making this the most memorable weekend of the year. [ source: Evason Hua Hin Press Release ]

Hua Hin property market grows
Hua Hin News 30/9: Although the property market in Bangkok and its surrounding area has shown signs of dropping 10-20 per cent this year, property developments at the country's tourist destinations are recording strong growth of up to 10 per cent. A recent survey conducted by Ocean Property has shown, for instance, that the property market in Hua Hin and Cha-am has grown 10 per cent this year, following investments totalling Bt22 billion since July 2006. Of the total, Bt10 billion has been invested in detached housing, Bt10 billion in hotels and resorts and Bt2 billion in condominiums. Ocean Property itself has spent Bt1 billion to build the Asara Villa and Suites luxury resort in Hua Hin.

Over the past year, four detached-housing projects comprising 375 premium beachfront units have been launched in the area, and condominium projects launched in the same period offer 740 units, with prices starting at Bt80,000 per square metre. Of the detached houses, 6 per cent are selling for Bt3 million to Bt4.9 million, 28 per cent for Bt5 million to Bt9.9 million, 51 per cent for Bt10 million to Bt24.9 million and 15 per cent for Bt25 million to Bt49.9 million.

Ocean Property is planning to launch a Bt600-million detached-housing project called Ocean Villa Hua Hin in the second half of the year, close to its new Asara Villa and Suites. It will have only 18 units, ranging in price from Bt25 million to Bt120 million. "The project will focus on a unique market, and we've already booked seven units," says president Nusara Banyatpiyaphod.

The demand for property in Hua Hin is probably driven by the area's growing popularity as a tourist destination. The area's resorts have received 2.3 million visitors in the past year. About 80 per cent of them were domestic visitors and the rest foreigners. "We believe Hua Hin is now the best tourist destination close to Bangkok," Nusara says. [ source: The Nation ]

Marriott to launch another hotel in Hua Hin
Hua Hin News 22/9: Marriott International will add two more Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Thailand in 2008 under a management agreement reached with Destination Properties Company, Limited. The hotels are the 243-room Tipviman Hotel in  Cha-Am which will be rebranded the Courtyard by Marriott Hua Hin at Cha-Am Beach and the 180-room Kamala Bay Garden Resort in Phuket which will be reflagged the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach. Both hotels will undergo extensive refurbishment prior to being reflagged as Courtyard by Marriott hotels. [ source: Travel Daily News ]

Hua Hin properties to be marketed in China
Hua Hin News : Engel & Völkers, one of the leading European real estate companies will unveil a number of its high-end luxury lifestyle properties in Hua Hin at the China International Luxury Property Show to be held on September 7-9,2007, in Shanghai, China. The Hua Hin office will spearhead for the first time the launch of resorts properties including Black Mountain Golf Course Homes, Panorama Pool Villas and KM Beach Condominiums as well as Hua Hin Boulevard from Hua Hin, to the mainland China market. [ full story: Property Report , more information on the developments: Hua Hin Property ]

Helicopter crash in Hua Hin injures five
Hua Hin News : A helicopter of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives carrying five officials crashed on the afternoon of Friday 7th in Prachuabkhirikhan province. The copter crashed in mountainous area while the officials were inspecting forests in Hua Hin district at around 2pm. The officials were a pilot, a mechanic, a navigator and two park officials. Rescue unit found them and rushed them to Thanarat Camp Hospital in Pranburi district. Cause of the crash is still unknown. [ source: Bangkok Post ]

Hua Hin residents warned over ATM scam
Hua Hin News : Hua Hin bank card holders have been advised to be extra cautious when using ATM's following the discovery of fake card scanners and keypads attached to an ATM in Phuket this week. The devices were capable of recording card data and pin numbers which are often sent to a computer used to make fake credit cards. Police are following leads linking to credit card gangs that have been targeting tourist areas. [ full story: Phuket Gazette ]

Corporate Challenge kicks off in Cha-am
Hua Hin News 31/8: The Microsoft Corporate Sports Challenge event’s third edition commenced in Cha-am on Thursday night with an introductory session followed by preliminary rounds. The event features 210 participants from 35 teams composed primarily of corporate entities. "It is a gruelling test that will stretch your physical resources through events like running, cycling, trekking besides testing your logical skills through sessions like stock market analysis," said Abhay, who had participated last year. [ full story: The Hindu ]

More beach resorts planned for Kui Buri
Hua Hin News : Astudo Holdings Co Ltd plans 800 million baht worth of investments in resort projects next year after investing 670 million baht in four projects this year, according to chief executive Anthony McDonald. The company now has three brands of resort properties including Le Bayburi Beachfront Villas Pranburi and X2 Resort Kui Buri in Prachuab Khiri Khan. Its investment strategy is to buy existing hotels or land plots in destinations that have not boomed but have potential to grow in the next five years. That way, it is able to choose the locations and get low prices. ''That is why we chose Kui Buri instead of Hua Hin", a company spokesman said. The company invested 180 million baht to develop X2 (pronounced cross-two) Resort Kui Buri on a 14-rai plot. It has 23 pool villas to be rented out at 11,000 to 40,000 baht a night starting in December. [ source: Bangkok Post ]

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa opens
Hua Hin News : "Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa," Thailand's newest beach resort will open its doors this month, expanding the Sheraton brand's portfolio of appealing, new resort properties in some of the world's most enticing vacation spots. Nestled on the Gulf of Siam, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers deluxe accommodations, panoramic ocean views, and a coveted address in Hua Hin, Thailand's premier beach community Owned by Grande Asset Development Public Company Limited, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa will also integrate warm, personalized service and a host of comforting amenities into the vacation experience. [ full story: Hotel Interactive Inc ]

Hua Hin News : On The Grapevine