In response to a directive from the Thai Minister of the Interior to prepare for heavy rainfall and strong waves, the local authorities have been both ensuring that the red and green flag system at beaches are in place, and urging the public to be aware and observe the flags; if red flags are flying, everyone must avoid entering the sea as conditions are dangerous. This coincides with the end of the monsoon season, which typically sees dangerous seas caused by high winds.
The current unsettled weather in the Hua Hin area is normal for the time of year, and, compared to most of the rest of Thailand, is relatively mild, with many northern and southern provinces being badly affected by flooding. It is a timely reminder of one of the major benefits of living in or visiting Hua Hin, which is that the area is historically the driest in Thailand and has the most benign climate of the country. However, many first time visitors to the Hua Hin area may be a little disconcerted by the affect of the weather on the appearance of the beach, which can get strewn with debris, both natural and otherwise, when high tides recede; much of this debris is simply natural material that has been stirred up from the Gulf of Thailand and the prevailing winds and waves have deposited on our beaches, although this does also include a considerable amount of man-made waste, most of which emanates from either Bangkok or careless fishermen and other vessels in the Gulf.
Hua Hin municipality often organises beach clean ups during and after monsoon effects, but there is also a private non-profit body that has been arranging regular year round efforts, called Trash Hero. They have been operating in Hua Hin every Sunday afternoon (from 4pm) since 2015, meeting at different designated spots to clear specific areas; anyone can join in by just showing up. More details about the organisation can be found on their website, while specific details of the next cleanup can be found on their Facebook page; there is no cost, no sign-up, just show up! Cleaning materials, gloves and refreshments are provided. They also sell Trash Hero T-shirts with all funds going back into the project. Donations are also very welcome.
One of the more than 400 Trash Hero Hua Hin cleanups
Even outside of monsoon season, the sea along this coast should be respected, and any safety advice and warning flags should be heeded, as despite the generally shallow water extending out from the beach, there are spots where vicious rip currents can occur – not on Hua Hin’s main beach, but extending both north and south at some of the delightful small beaches found along the coast, and swimmers of all abilities should be careful. These currents can pull you far from shore very quickly.
