About ThailandConsidered as a business, financial and cultural center of Asia, Thailand is easily accessible by air, land and sea. With more than 80 international direct flights serving more than 10 million visitors a year, Thailand is the ideal place for regional and international business meeting and gateway. Thailand is renowned for its distinct culture, rich and varied heritage, and possesses an extraordinary scenic and majestic beauty.
Bangkok
A thriving metropolis and the spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center of Thailand, Bangkok is a multi-faceted city that caters to all interests. You can immerse yourself in sightseeing, cultural visits, entertainment, shopping and dining. Classic sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, with the Emerald Buddah Temple and the Royal Palaces, along with the traditional ways of life along the Chao Phraya River and its klongs (canals) give an insight into this very enigmatic city. Bangkok is a city of contrasts – a city that focuses on meeting your business needs and creating unforgetable memories for you to take home.
Venue
The IABSE Annual Meetings will take place at Chulalongkorn University followed by the IABSE Symposium in Centara Grand Hotel at Central World. Both are right at the heart of Bangkok in the vicinity of commercial centers and the elevated mass transit system
Participants
Over 250 IABSE members are invited to the IABSE Annual Meetings. The Symposium is opened to members and non-members of IABSE. Delegates are both professional engineers and academics from USA and around the world.
Registration and Information Desks
Separate desks will be provided for registration and information of the delegates and accompanying persons during the Symposium.
Internet
Free wireless Internet will be available in specified areas in Centara Grand Hotel at Central World.
Lunches/Refreshments
The Thai Cuisine is rated as one of the top five in the world offering hundreds of food items and dishes. In addition to the local cuisine other international dishes, vegetarian and Halal food will also be available during the lunch and refreshments.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons --- summer from March to May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through to February. The average annual temperature is 28°C (83°F), ranging in Bangkok for example, from 34°C in April to 22°C in December.
Language
Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.
Time
The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Health Regulations
Visitors do not require vaccinations unless visiting or passing through a designated contaminated area.
Customs
Customs regulations allow you to bring in a reasonable amount of personal effects, a still camera, a video camera, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco and one liter of wine or spirits. Narcotics and pornography are strictly prohibited.
Currency
The Thai currency called Baht, is based on the decimal system. One Baht is divided into 100 Satang. Coins consist of 25 Satang, 50 Satang, one Baht, 2 Baht, 5 Baht and 10 Baht. Notes are in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Baht. (1 USD = 35 THB as of March 2009)
Business Hours
Most commercial businesses in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Many stores open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on public holidays.
Airport Transfer
Cost for a public taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the City is around Baht 300. In addition to the fee shown on the meter, passengers have to pay a Bath 50 airport surcharge and the tollway fees of about Baht 100. Alternatively, limousine service is available at the airport for around Baht 1000
Electricity
The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Travelers with shavers, hair dryers and other small appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. Some hotels offer 110-volt.
