In August, the Hua Hin Municipality released its annual report for 2023, providing an in-depth overview of the city’s growth, development projects, and environmental management.
The report also offers a glimpse into the key areas of interest for both residents and visitors, highlighting the municipality’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in Hua Hin.
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Admittedly, while parts of the report are more interesting than others, Hua Hin Today, for the first time, aims to highlight some of the key insights and more engaging aspects for our readers.
Location, territory, and population growth
According to the report, Hua Hin Municipality covers an area of 86.36 square kilometres, including an extension of 500 meters into the Gulf of Thailand. The municipality’s territory is bordered to the north by Cha-am Municipality, to the south by Nong Hoi District and Pranburi Municipality, to the east by the Gulf of Thailand, and to the west by Tub Tai and Hin Lek Fai Districts.
The geographical characteristics of Hua Hin are notably diverse, with the city situated between the Tanawasri Mountain Range and the Gulf of Thailand.
This unique positioning contributes to the city’s appeal as both a coastal and mountain destination. Notably, the area has seen significant population growth in recent years.
As of September 2023, the population of Hua Hin Municipality was recorded at 62,235, comprising 29,248 males and 32,987 females, spread across 58,911 households.
The report highlights a trend of fluctuating population numbers over the past five years. In 2019, the population was 61,440, increasing to 66,533 in 2021 before slightly declining to the current figure. Despite these fluctuations, the steady increase in the number of households suggests ongoing urban expansion and a growing residential base.
Development and Smart City initiatives
In the report’s opening statement, Hua Hin Municipality’s leadership, under Mayor Nopporn Vuttikul, has been actively pursuing the goal of transforming Hua Hin into a Smart City. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has identified Hua Hin as a candidate for development in various sectors, including tourism and safety. Key initiatives include the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance security for both residents and tourists, the implementation of “Smart Poles” for real-time weather updates, and the deployment of GPS tracking systems for improved waste management.
The municipality has also integrated a City Data Platform to monitor and manage urban development more effectively. This platform aims to reduce crime rates by 50% and ensure that Hua Hin remains a safe and attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
Infrastructure and public services
The municipality’s report outlines significant investments in public infrastructure and services. The 2023 fiscal year saw a total budget of 1.736 billion baht allocated across 328 projects, with a substantial portion dedicated to education, religion, culture, and recreation. A total of 195 development projects, accounting for 59.45% of the budget, were completed during the year.
Key infrastructure projects included the maintenance and repair of traffic islands along the Huana-Taptai Road and the irrigation canal roads from Paemai to Bofai. These projects were aimed at improving road safety and aesthetics, with a combined cost of over 2.7 million baht.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Hua Hin Municipality has focused on enhancing public amenities. The city boasts seven public parks, four soccer fields, and three public libraries, providing ample recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The municipality has also installed lighting sculptures along key streets to beautify the urban landscape.
Environmental management and complaints
The report also sheds light on Hua Hin’s environmental management efforts. Throughout 2023, the municipality dealt with approximately 54,854 tons of waste, averaging 4.5 million tons per month. To address environmental concerns, the municipality received and managed various complaints related to sound, smell, water, and air pollution.
Interestingly, the report highlights an increase in complaints about dust, smut, and smoke pollution, particularly during the months of October 2022 to March 2023. This period saw a rise in environmental issues, likely due to seasonal factors and urban activities. The municipality responded by implementing measures to mitigate these issues, although some challenges remain.
Education and communities
The report reveals that there are 27 schools serving Hua Hin Municipality’s population. These include primary, secondary, and vocational institutions, as well as two universities.
The city is divided into 40 communities, each with its unique character and needs. Notable communities include Bo Fai, Smor Prong, Suan Ling, Hua Don, and Khao Takiab. These communities benefit from a range of municipal services, including access to sports facilities, parks, and public libraries.
Festivals and tourist attractions
Hua Hin Municipality’s report also highlights the city’s cultural heritage through its official festivals, which continue to be integral parts of Hua Hin’s cultural identity.
1. Traditional Toong Merit-Making: For over 100 years, the residents of the Kao Takiab community have held the Traditional Toong Merit-Making ceremony. This annual event, rooted in local beliefs, is conducted to ward off bad luck and ensure prosperity.
2. Bad Luck Away / Ship to Sea: The “Sending Bad Luck Away” ceremony is a traditional event held annually by the Hua Hin fishing community. It typically takes place on the last Saturday or Sunday of September, or on the 10th day of the Lunar Calendar month. The ceremony involves making merit, worshipping the Goddess Tub-tim, and honoring the spirits believed to dwell in the ocean.
3. Shooting or Falling Star: The “Shooting Star” or “Falling Star” game is a long-standing community activity, traditionally associated with the Songkran Festival. This event usually occurs on the beaches of Hua Hin or in temple playgrounds during the late evening, after the morning Songkran merit-making ceremonies with monks and the water-pouring blessings from elders. Popular games during this event include Kao-Maesri, the Fox Game, Kao-Linglom, and the “Shooting or Falling Star” game.
Hua Hin’s tourist attractions remain a significant draw for both domestic and international visitors. The report lists several free-to-visit sites, including Rajabhakti Park, Chat Chai Market, and the historic Hua Hin Train Station. Other notable attractions include the Pone Kingpet Memorial Park, Hua Hin Night Market, Royal Queen’s Park, and the scenic viewpoints at Khao Hin Lek Fai.
Beachgoers continue to flock to Hua Hin’s iconic beaches, with Hua Hin Beach, Khao Takiab Beach, and Suan Son Pradipat Beach being among the most popular. These beaches offer a range of activities, from swimming to dining at local seafood restaurants, further enhancing Hua Hin’s reputation as a premier coastal destination.
Hopefully, this article helps to highlight different insights and engaging aspects of Hua Hin Municipality’s 2023 annual report, offering our readers a deeper understanding of the city’s projects and initiatives.
If you are interested to read further, you can read the report in full here: https://www.huahin.go.th/new/ebook/detail/199
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