One of the issues faced on a regular basis in many areas over the years in Hua Hin has been the water supply. Twenty years ago this was more focused on the water quality, and while this can still occasionally be a problem, it has largely faded into the background, and has been replaced by the more frequent issue of actually getting enough, or any water, and is largely as a consequence of the steady, and sometimes spectacular growth of Hua Hin from a small fishing community into the city it has become. This has most recently been demonstrated by the problem of very low or no supply in several areas, most notably in the Soi 94 and 102 areas, but experienced in many areas.

Following a meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Sanphop Uengrassamee with the Waterworks Department, it has been revealed that this particular occurrence was caused by a damaged pipe, a 1,000 mm HDPE raw water pipeline, that transports water from the Pran Buri Dam to the Khao Laeng Water Treatment Plant, with the damaged section on Rural Highway Tubtai–Pranburi Dam Road, near Ban Nong Phai Intersection. This led to the plant being unable to produce enough tap water, affecting several areas across Hua Hin, including Soi 102, Soi 94, the western part of Nong Kae, Khao Phithak, Bon Kai, Chomsin Golf Course, Bo Fai, and stretches along Phetkasem Road.

The meeting, held at the end of last month, said that work was underway to address the problem, and that residents should see a gradual improvement to the supply, although no date was given for when the work would be completed. The work is said to be part of both urgent and ongoing measures to strengthen the water supply system and reduce inconvenience for residents.

If you still experience ongoing water issues, it is advised that you contact the water department on 032 511 677, or visit them in person at Soi 76 (next to Phon King Phet Park on the left going west towards the old railway station).

Image: Hua Hin Municipality Waterworks

A heartbreaking tragedy appears to have had at least the solace of closure for the friends and family of James Stevens, the American man who was reported missing in August, sparking a search by police and Sawang Sanphet Foundation rescue workers, after a body was found in a remote forest area deep within the mountains of Cha-am.

A local resident, who was in the area looking for bamboo shoots, contacted the police after spotting the body, and police and rescue workers recovered it from a difficult spot deep in the forest, with the team having to climb a kilometre uphill to reach the location, and footage of the recovery appeared shortly after on social media. It took them about 3 hours to complete the operation. Initial reports stated that the body matched the description of Mr Stevens’ missing persons report, and this has subsequently been confirmed; our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Stevens. At the time of writing no cause of death had been established, but it is a legal requirement in Thailand that all deaths of foreigners, regardless of circumstances, have thorough autopsies carried out.

It seems that Mr Stevens went to that location fairly soon after the last known phone location in Hua Hin on 20th August, as it has been estimated that his body had been there “several weeks”. There were no signs of a struggle, and police found a backpack and a childhood drawing nearby. Mr Stevens was a well liked and active member of the community, a keen hiker and cyclist, and was part of the “Hash” that has been running in Hua Hin for many years; members of the Full Moon Hash arranged a special tribute memorial run that took place on Sunday 28th September, with all proceeds being donated to his wife.

While we don’t know the circumstances of this tragic event, many similarities can be found with other cases where the individual suffered from depression, mental health or other issues and took their own life; if anyone reading this is having such thoughts, or knows someone they think needs help, please try to get the help needed. For foreigners, one of the few places in Hua Hin that has specialist mental health services is the Be Well Medical Center, but other support is available for particular issues, and if it involves alcohol or other substance issues, we recommend contacting Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous as a first step – both have regular meetings in Hua Hin. There is no shame in suffering and seeking help – we are all human.

Image shown is a general picture from the mountains near Cha-Am to illustrate the difficult terrain, but not the exact location of the recovery