AWOL 2014 Issue 284 30th May

Weird News Your free weekly newspaper since 2008 issue 2 84 30 May 2014 Weather Cashing In Classifieds In A Huff coup de Victor grâce? guesthouse open 24/7 Naresdamri Rd. opposite Brasserie de Paris curfew eased but future is blurry hua hin, THAILAND It is still too early to know what the long term effects on Thailand will be of the military coup, but in the short term the curfew, despite its easing this week to midnight until 4am, is clearly having an impact on business and tourism across the country. Hua Hin and the surrounding areas are probably faring a little better than most in this regard, but the hospitality and nightlife sectors have once again borne the brunt of the hardship. The only saving grace is that the timing of the coup was kind, whether planned or by chance, so that it is in what is historically the lowest part of the low season, but equally the knock on effect for the European and American summer holiday season in July, August and September and the next high season could be devastating, with people in those areas looking to book now likely to look elsewhere. A major drive by the tourism authorities will be required to try and rescue the situation, if and when the country is returned to non-military leadership. Hopefully this week’s easing of the curfew will be followed swiftly by a complete end of it, as there are several other noticeable effects - fresh fruit and vegetables, and other produce is showing some signs of being in short supply as the major markets in Bangkok have been unable to trade, with most of them normally operating in the small hours and thus unable to at present. Equally no freight or passenger trains are running during the night, so deliveries of other raw materials and goods are being limited. Inter provincial bus travel is still outlawed as well, presumably in an attempt to prevent protestors gathering. Rooms/family suites in heart of Hua Hin a/c, lcd tv, dvd player, fridge, free premium wifi, cable TV www.victorguesthousehuahin.com GET RACING FROM ONLY 400 BAHT! OPEN EVERYDAY 10.30AM - 7PM, LATE NIGHT BY APPOINTMENT Call 032 547 199 (Office) or 081 817 3000 (Mobile) Soi 2, Phetchkasem Road opposite Hua Hin Airport www.gokarthuahin.com