On February 5, 2025, Hua Hin officially unveiled a new statue of the “Shark Fighter,” an iconic landmark that has represented the town for nearly 70 years. The statue, standing at 1.90 meters tall, replaces the old sculpture that had deteriorated over time. Located near the Mae Tapp Tim Shrine on the Hua Hin beach, the new figure serves as both a historical marker and a photo opportunity for locals and tourists alike.
The original “Shark Fighter” statue was first erected decades ago but suffered from extensive wear and tear. Previously, the sculpture was removed, and a statue of “Phon Kingpetch” was briefly placed in its spot before being relocated to Phon Kingpetch Public Park. After several meetings, the Hua Hin municipality decided to restore the iconic statue. However, due to budget constraints, local residents and the shrine committee raised funds through charitable events, ultimately collecting 359,000 baht. With this amount, they commissioned skilled artisans from Nakhon Ratchasima to recreate the statue using cement, ensuring it would withstand the harsh coastal environment without internal metal reinforcement, which could corrode or cause damage.
In addition to the statue, the Hua Hin municipality plans to enhance the surrounding landscape, creating a more inviting atmosphere for tourists. The area will serve as a place to learn about Hua Hin’s history while enjoying the beautiful seaside scenery.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by several local officials, including Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wuttikul, and other key figures such as Boonkerd Arthanisakorn, the President of the Hua Hin Salvation Foundation. The event attracted significant attention, drawing both Thai nationals and foreign visitors who stopped to admire the statue and take photographs.
