Welcome to Thailand
With a population of more than 62 million, Thailand lies at the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly midway between India and China. The country is bordered by Myanmar to the west, Laos and Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia in the south. Topographically, Thailand divides in four regions: the mountainous North, the low-lying fertile Central Plains; the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and tropical coast and islands of the South.
Throughout 700 years of independence, the Thai Kingdom has displayed remarkable continuity, underpinned by an adherence to Buddhism, the national religion, and to the monarchy, which has been constitutional since 1932. The present monarch, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, has reigned for more than 60 years and is deeply revered and loved by the people.
The nation’s enduring traditions exemplify a quintessential 'Thainess' which indelibly colours the culture and gives the sense of an ancient land that is different. Yet, the Thais combine a sincere respect for the past with zest for the new, and visitors can enjoy myriad attractions that harmoniously blend the traditional with the contemporary.
Bangkok
Founded in 1782 on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is the Thai capital in every sense of the word. It is the seat of government, home of the Royal Family, and centre of all major industrial, commercial and financial activity, as well as being the nation’s main port and international gateway.
During the last 25 years, Bangkok has undergone more change than at any other period in its history. Concrete and glass high-rises have reshaped the skyline and multi-lane expressways re-mapped the city’s thoroughfares, while a Skytrain mass transit system and MRT subway open up new ways to experience the city. Moreover, in September 2006, the city took a major step towards becoming the region’s aviation hub with the opening of state-of-the-art Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Options for shopping, dining and entertainment have also vastly expanded in the last couple of decades. Now, in addition to unique handicrafts ands souvenirs, a host of modern luxury buys are available, from gems and jewellery to interior décor items and designer fashions, while shopping venues range from upscale air-conditioned plazas to kerbside stalls and night markets. As for dining, Thai restaurants are matched by others offering virtually the whole gamut of world cuisines, while entertainment can be as diverse as a classical concert at the Thailand Cultural Centre or a jazz singer in a cocktail lounge.
At the same time as developing as a thoroughly modern metropolis, Bangkok has succeeded in preserving monuments to its traditional Oriental splendour. It is still a city of temples and palaces. Indeed, Bangkok, in Thai Krungthep, “City of Angels”, retains a unique personality, allowing the visitor to discover a city that is truly different yet, at the same time, one that offers every modern convenience.
Nowhere is Bangkok’s amazing juxtaposition of old and new more vividly seen than along the Chao Phraya River. This is the city’s original focal point and main artery, and palaces, temples and other monuments to classical splendour are to be seen along its banks, while the canals leading off the river reveal glimpses of the aquatic lifestyle that typified what was once known as “The Venice of the East”. But the Chao Phraya is also a favoured location of the modern city, the site of luxury condominiums and 5-star hotels, including the 24th PIC venue, the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
Bangkok’s irresistible blend of the traditional and the contemporary is further experienced in the accommodation it offers. The Thais have a time-honoured tradition of gracious hospitality and Bangkok can justly claim some of the best hotels in the world. All great hotels derive their reputation from service, but in Thailand generally and Bangkok especially, guests are treated to personalized service marked by the attentiveness, graciousness and smiling courtesy that is the unique hallmark of Thai hospitality.
Delegates of the 24th PIC will have very opportunity to experience the essential Bangkok, in the conference venue, in a gala dinner held at the riverside gardens of the colonial-style Portuguese Embassy next door to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, to experience the sheer enchantment of Loy Krathong, a time-honoured festival held on the night of the November full moon, when people gather by rivers, lakes and ponds to pay homage to the Mother of Waters and wish for good fortune.
Climate
It is the cool season in Bangkok during November, generally dry and sunny. Temperatures range from nighttime lows of 20 degrees Celsius to daytime highs of 32 degrees Celsius.
Time
The time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles).
Tap Water
Tap water is clean, but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended. Most hotels provide drinking water in guestrooms, and bottled water is readily available at shops and convenience stores.
Business Hours
Most commercial business in Bangkok operate on a 5-day week, usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a noon to 1 p.m. lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open from 8.30-9.30 a.m. to 3.00-3.30 a.m. Monday to Friday. Major shopping plazas and department stores generally open at 10.00-10.30 a.m. and close at 9.00 p.m. seven days a week.
Dress
Smart/casual is the dress code throughout the 24th PIC. Jacket and tie are needed for formal meetings, and smart casual dress for social events.
Language
The official language of the conference is English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.
Currency
The local currency is the Thai Baht, divided into 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), and 20 (green) Baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. For currency exchange rates please see www.oanda.com. Most major credit cards are accepted, as well as travellers’ cheques in principal currencies. Travellers’ cheques and foreign currency notes may be exchanged at most commercial banks, while major hotels also offer exchange facilities. Cash can be withdrawn from local ATM machines using leading international credit cards.
Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice, although is increasingly common. Hotels add 10% service charge plus 7% government tax to billings, and most restaurants add a 10% service charge.
Passport and Visa
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Many nationals are granted 30-day stays on arrival, but participants are advised to check visa requirements by visiting www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php, which is the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Thailand.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy to cover loss and medical problems is recommended. The organizer will not be held responsible for illness, accidents or losses suffered by the participants or accompanying persons while in Thailand before, during or after the conference.
Transportation in Bangkok
The quickest way to get around town is by the BTS Skytrain and the MRT subway. Meter taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive with a 35 Baht flag-down.