What do you use HHAD for?

Post by **Wanderlust** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:49 pm

Just idle curiosity really, but I wondered how other people saw the forum and use it. The curiosity has been sparked though by the reaction some posters get when they post items not concerned with either Hua Hin or Thailand, most notably in Current Affairs, and I wondered if this reaction was applauded or derided by the members. If the use you have for the forum is not present in the poll please add your own reason in a post and select Other in the poll.

Post by **Wanderlust** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:51 pm

Humph! There was an Other option when I created the poll but now it has disappeared! So if your option is not covered, please post what you use HHAD for....

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:49 pm

I don't mind talking about anything except current affairs which quite frankly bores me shitless. I dont know why but it always has...

Post by **redzonerocker** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:14 am

Wanderlust wrote:Humph! There was an Other option when I created the poll but now it has disappeared! So if your option is not covered, please post what you use HHAD for....

staying i touch with what's going on in thailand & hua hin in general.

i quite like the current affairs section, it's informative & educational & no matter where you reside, some of the topics can have some affect on your life in some way.
some are repetitive & tedious, but that's easily avoidable, don't read them!!!

Spitfire · Post by **Spitfire** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:24 am

I reckon that the forum is good for any topic and has sections to reflect that, there are sections for any topic. The forum has participants from all over the world, not just Thailand, and everyone can confidently share whatever info in relevent places.

Forums do grow and have to morph with the expansion, HHAD is in that area of not being a small forum anymore, heading for mid-sized, close to 5000 members from all over the place/world/Thailand and will change with it's member level and diversity of members and origin, also properly moderated which many are not.

Hua Hin is a nice place that many visit, they find the forum and it's a quality forum that doesn't have the bollox that some other obvious ones do, that is appealing to the non screwed-up brigade, which does exist here in Thailand and elsewhere. This assists with the feeling of people wanting to contribute about many sections regardless as they will not end up talking to the loonies, most of the time, and anyone that goes south too much gets reminded of the score, I like that.

I agree that this forum is predominantely and firstly a forum for Hua Hin but at some point it will have a membership that is international and widespread, which could be argued that this is already the case, due to its ambiance/tolerance/pleasant environment to exchange views in etc. It will have to expand by default/popularity etc. The truth is that it expands quickly because Hua Hin is a popular place and the forum is a pleasant environment to exchange info in and is run well, it will have to evolve through it own success.

Post by **caller** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:49 am

Everything really, but for current affairs, for the topics I'm interested in, perversely, its almost an outlet that is needed. I can air my views anonymously here (and even then take care), not so easy to do in my homeland at the mo, which I find sad.

SF is right, the forum has developed in response to the size and mix of its members, whether local ex-pats, 1st time visitors, business owners, those elswehere in LOS with an affinity for the place and the international membership.

In reality, its already well into its '3rd' phase with links to journals and new sites covering the surrounding areas, which is great and the main reason I'm heading to Bang Saphan on my next visit.

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:52 am

Wanderlust wrote:Humph! There was an Other option when I created the poll but now it has disappeared! So if your option is not covered, please post what you use HHAD for....

Just fyi WL, has happened to me also. You have to create another option box after your last filled in option and just leave it empty. If you don't do this, your last filled in option doesn't list for some unknown reason. Pete

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:36 am

I use it primarily to disseminate and to gain knowledge of all aspects of Thailand and surrounding neighbor countries to assure expats, already here and potential, are current on what's useful to know. That ranges from politics to how to make sum tum, and everything in between.

It's inevitable though that long term members start to feel a kinship with other members, evolving HHAD into a community rather than just a forum. That's a good thing and nice to know you can give and receive support when needed.

We do need more stories from expats about everyday life though. Not only for the needed laughter and humour they provide, but also to teach about life here. Learning here for all of us should never stop. There isn't one expat alive who knows it all, or even enough. Pete

Post by **STEVE G** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:56 am

I use HHAD for two reasons.
The first is that due to the fact that I can only spend about three months a year in Thailand, I find it to be a very good way of staying part of the community whilst I'm away.
The other is purely for entertainment and this is actually a very good forum for that.

Post by **HuntingTigers** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:34 am

I polled for 'Only information on Hua Hin and area' yet I knew this wasn't strictly true as all my, albeit limited, number of posts have not been on HH directly. However, my prime reason for using this forum is to read about what is happening in the HH area.

I first visted HH in September and was quite taken with the town / city(?). The type of info I'm looking for is 'on the street' comments by local expats, e.g. What bar is charging what for Leo, best meal spots, places to avoid etc. I also find the maps invaluable.

When I first arrived I wandered around HH totally disorientated until I began to get my bearings - however at 01.10in the morning, on my first night I got lost. Not having seen a map of the town centre I was totally at sea. I mean, to those who know the place, you wouldn't think it was possible to get lost walking from O'Neils to the Top Marks Hotel. Ah well, when I went there it was all lit up - when I went back to the hotel everywhere was shuttered up. I actually walked past the hotel.

After asking two Thai guys and showing them Top Marks Hotel biz card which does show the location - they weren't any help, I retraced my steps and found the hotel. Luckily I wasn't pissed otherwise I'd have been walking around all night.

As an aside why don't these polls allow multiple selections - It is only the difference about programming in a check box rather than a radio button (exclusive option). The benefit of this is that most people choose a product / service based on many criteria, not usually just one property. Just a thought. HT.

Post by **margaretcarnes** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:46 am

Mainly to keep up to date with what is going on in HuaHin, and to hear peoples views on it. Not so much for the bar scene as I don't live there anymore, and have my favourite places anyway. Info on new eateries can be interesting though.
Certainly not for property info as it isn't relevant to me, but for many people these days it is.
Other Thailand news, including poliical activity always interests me, as well as anything concerning culture and history (which Pete is very good on BTW.)
News and Current Affairs debates can be a useful way for expats to keep up to speed with what is going on in the wider world, and to hopefully gain a broader perspective than simply watching the TV/Internet versions. I know from experience that many smaller events and changes back home were missed while living in HuaHin.

Post by **TAMAN** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:03 am

fiinding out what is happening in HH which is where I want to live full time. As the decsion to go has been made, but the timing yet to be determined, I like to keep up with the local news. HHAD is a good sorce of local news.

I also find interesting some of the discussions that take place as there are some interesting folks out there with some interesting views on life, the universe and everything.

Post by **richard** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:20 am

I have always loved HH

Now that I am living in the sticks it is nice to stay in touch

At some stage I will be back and want to feel up to date

Post by **shunpike** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 12:45 pm

I checked 'info/discussion on Thailand', but I'm also keen to keep in touch with what's happening in the Cha-am/HH area specifically. I plan on building a vacation house in the region and expect I'll retire there in about ten years. As I get closer to building the house, and spending more time in the area I suspect my use of HHAD might change to becoming more interested in local stuff...where to eat, price of building supplies..etc.

So far I've really enjoyed following the furum and have come to look forward to various posters take on things.

Post by **richard** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:09 pm

I might add

I use a few Thai forums and they are not a patch on HHAD.

Interesting threads and lots of information. questions always answered and despite some mud slinging good fun to be a part of it.

It has been mentioned that HHAD get togethers would be useful for those living in HH. I agree

Nothing like a face to face and being able to put faces to avatars. I think it should happen more often. In fact its great to meet a mud slinger and make peace as it were.

Long may HHAD continue in its well run manner

I have many friends over the globe who follow it as the best source of info on HH. some will eventually come to sample its delights

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