'Hua Hin is going to make it big in the field of health care'

Be Well founder Haiko Emanuel with his wife and co-founder Manussawee (Aon)

Hua Hin faces a great future in the field of health care. Be Well's primary care plays an important role in this. This creates confidence among foreign tourists and residents of Bangkok who are increasingly visiting Hua Hin.

That is what Haiko Emanuel, founder of Be Well, said at the opening of the first satellite branch of the GP on Black Mountain. This was performed by Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul.

In the case of medical problems, patients primarily look for neutral and independent advice from a 'family doctor'. This is also in the interest of hospitals, which are in fact too expensive for primary care.

The success of Be Well is evidenced by the influx of patients. The number of members has grown to 2000 members in the first two years after its foundation. Every day 50 to 70 people visit the clinic at the Banyan. It is remarkable that every second new member is a Thai, often people from Bangkok who come to live here or have a second home. Emanuel therefore expects a growth of 50 percent next year. That is why Be Well has opted for a satellite location within 30 minutes of the 'head office'. This is located on Black Mountain at Sansara Golf Center. “We have no idea how this is going to turn out. It is a matter of learning by doing. In any case, we are prepared for a large influx,” says Emanuel. On Black Mountain there is a doctor and a nurse on certain days, while the number of possible treatments is planned to be expanded slowly but surely.

However, much work remains to be done. In doing so, Emanuel referred, among other things, to the opportunities offered by Hua Hin airport. The runway is currently being widened as investors make plans to boost the airport, built by the Japanese in World War II, to the speed of the nations. Especially Chinese and Indians will use this connection.

The importance of the airport was underlined at the opening by mayor Nopporn Wutthikul, who has no less than 40 nationalities within his municipality. He will make an effort to check with Immigration how many foreigners and from which countries it concerns. It has been established that the airport will have a new terminal, while the runway cannot be extended. According to those involved, rumors about a new airport further inland are not based on truth.