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3 June 2011
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bye bye bazaar? late night nightlife area under threat of closure
HUA HIN THAILAND Regular readers of AWOL will be aware that there appear to be moves planned to change the central nightlife areas of the town, although whether these are driven by business or other forces is as yet unclear. One area that has been apparently earmarked in this process for some time is what is known as the Hua Hin Bazaar. For those unfamiliar with it, it is a pedestrianised area that runs between and behind Naresdamri and Damnoernkasem Roads, bookended by the Hilton and Sofitel Resorts. It used to be widely known as a late night karaoke area, but in the past few years it has changed, and while it is still a late night hang out, there is a mixture of bars, small clubs, food outlets and now remaining just two karaokes. The improvements made were largely in response to requests made by the body controlling the land, who the businesses there pay rent to; the land has for a long time been owned by the railway, but was leased out, and that lease has recently changed hands according to Thai newspaper reports. This change has apparently placed the area under threat of redevelopment, and on the 20th May the businesses in the area held a meeting to see how they could either prevent or delay any potential redevelopment, and their campaign has begun with a letter outlining their position, and pointing out that they have greatly improved the area and are reliable tenants. For any resident or visitor who has discovered this area, it is normally lively and fun, with some very long established characters, both Thai and farang, involved in the businesses there. It would be a great shame if this area was bulldozed, as it has become part of the unique appeal of the town. We wish the businesses there every success in their attempts to stay put.
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