Hua Hin, Thailand, January 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Doctors in Hua Hin are advising foreign residents to be especially careful this weekend due to the risk of COVID infections, as an influx of domestic tourists from affected provinces is expected.

Medical experts from Be Well Medical Center have issued a recommendation to local residents, urging them to take increased precautions against COVID infections during the upcoming New Year's celebrations.

With Bangkok's entertainment venues closed, Hua Hin is expecting a surge in domestic tourists over the long weekend. Hua Hin has a large population of Thai and foreign retirees who, due to their skin color, pose an increased risk of COVID-19.

The medical center recommends that residents avoid crowded events and places where hygiene and social distancing cannot be guaranteed. Be Well emphasizes the importance of social distancing, hygiene, and wearing masks.

Be Well Medical Center is a family health center that opened in December 2019.

The head of Be Well is Dr. Chris Taylor, a former ship's doctor on cruise ships with extensive experience in preventing virus outbreaks: "The risk of encountering infected individuals increases at crowded indoor events. We encourage everyone to maintain social distancing, and those at high risk of severe COVID-19 should consider staying away altogether."

Be Well's chief physician, Dr. Paemika Pidchayathanakorn: "We should all take responsibility and help each other, especially this weekend, to prevent a COVID outbreak in Hua Hin and other, as yet unaffected, locations."