General Information  

VENUE - The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center - QSNCC
QSNCC (Queen Sirikit National Convention Center) is one of Thailand’s world class convention centres where the most important international congresses and meetings have been held for more than 10 years i.e. World Bank Annual Meeting, ASEM, UNCTAD, APEC, etc. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant business district and situated beside Benjakiti Park and lake, the QSNCC is accessible by a dedicated subway station which connects with the skytrain. Within one stop, the subway gives access to luxurious five-star hotels, street bazaars, world class and affordable tailors and magnificent shopping centres.
The Queen Sirikit National Center captures the essence of Thailand with its architecture and proudly presents its cultural flavour. The goal, simply stated, is to deliver to its clients and for its people the finest venue and services for the congresses in an unsurpassed environment of service and hospitality.
Phone: + 662 229-33 13  
Fax: + 662 229-33 19  
Website: www.qsncc.com  

Airport Transportation and Airport Info Desk - Suvarnabhumi Airport
The name Suvarnabhumi was chosen by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which means "The Golden Land", specifically referring to continental Indochina. "Golden Peninsula" or Golden Land" is a traditional name for the Thailand-Cambodia- Laos-Burma region and it is pronounced: "su-wan-na-poom".
Suvarnabhumi Airport inherited its IATA airport code BKK from Bangkok Don Muang International Airport.
The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, 30 kilometres east of Bangkok and is open 24/24.
FIATA Delegates can enjoy a fast Track Lane for the Passport control upon arrival.
A hostess will welcome you at the FIATA desk and will assist you with any information concerning your stay in Bangkok. Special Limousine service to the Congress Hotels: THB 1'000 (Rate incl. from / to Congress Hotels). Airport Express Shuttle Bus: located outside the arrival Hall. Aiport Taxis are as well available.

Banks
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 15:30, except public and bank holidays. Currency exchange centres operate in most tourist areas from 07:00 to 21:00, everyday, including holidays.
ATM machines are available at most banks and shopping centres throughout the city. They distribute Thai Baht only. ATMs generally have Thai and English language displays and will accept most internationally recognised foreign cards. Many ATM's will also accept cards under the CIRRUS, Maestro, VISA or Mastercard system.

Climate
Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate and claims to being the hottest city in the world. Sitting at the same latitude as Khartoum and Guatemala City, it is both hot and humid in equal measure.
The two periods of April-May and September-October are the steamiest. The Southwest monsoons arrive between May and October, and for many this is a welcome respite. The average of the temperature in October is between 25 and 30°C with about 60% humidity.

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted, but visitors are always advised to check with the vendors before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24 hour access are available in many convenient locations throughout Bangkok.

Cuisine
Thai cuisine places emphasis on lightly-prepared dishes with strong aromatic components. Thai cuisine is known for being spicy. Balance, detail and variety are important to Thai cooking. Thai food is known for its balance of five fundamental flavours in each dish or the overall meal: hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter.
The culinary traditions and cuisines of Thailand's neighbors have influenced Thai cuisine over many centuries. Regional variations tend to correlate to neighboring states as well as climate and geography. Southern curries tend to contain coconut milk and fresh turmeric, while northeastern dishes often include lime juice. The cuisine of Northeastern (or Isan) Thailand is heavily influenced by Lao cuisine. Many popular dishes eaten in Thailand were originally Chinese dishes which were introduced to Thailand. Dishes include chok (rice porridge), kuai tiao rat na (fried rice-noodles) and khao kha mu (stewed pork with rice). The Chinese also introduced the use of a wok for cooking, the technique of deep-frying and stir-frying dishes, and noodles and soy products.
Thai family meal will normally consist of rice with several dishes which form a harmonious contrast of ingredients and ways of preparation. The dishes are all served at the same time. Taste and enjoy this excellent cuisine!

Currency
The currency is the Thai Baht. (See Exchange Calculator) Notes: 1,000 Baht (grey) 500 Baht (purple) 100 Baht (red) 50 Baht (blue) 20 Baht (green/grey)and (grey). Coins are silver 1, 5, 10 Baht.
VAT Refunds Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable on a range of goods and services at 7%. If you're visiting for less than 180 days in a calendar year, are not an airline crew member, and leaving Thailand by plane, you can claim VAT refund (Non-Thais only) Tel: +66 (0)2 272 6576-79 (Fax: +66 (0)2 617 3559) upon departure at the airport.

Customs / Duty Free
To facilitate and expedite the clearance of passengers, the International Airport Customs Offices all over the country provide Customs Inspectors to assist passengers at the entrance of Thailand.

For a passenger who has the following only:

  • Personal belonging in reasonable amount for owner’s use and the total value not exceeding 10,000 Baht (- not restricted/prohibited items or provision)
  • 200 Cigarettes or 250 gm of tobacco or cigars, or a total weight of 250 gm at the most
  • 1 liter of alcoholic beverage at the most, the exceeding amount must be dropped in the Customs boxes to avoid being prosecuted.

1. Dutiable items

  • Items that you did not have when you left Thailand and their quantities are not reasonable for personal use or/and the total value of belongings is more than 10,000 Baht.
  • Items that are intended for commercial use, business, or trade purposes e.g. molds

2. Prohibited items

There are goods for which either the import into or export out of Thailand is prohibited, e.g.,

  • Narcotics
  • Obscene items, and publications
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Counterfeit notes and coins
  • Protected wild lives

Violators of laws related to illicit drugs, .e.g., having and holding for use, or being a producer, seller, or transporter are subject to the death sentence.

3. Restricted items

There are goods of import and export which are restricted by law and therefore require a permit from the related government agencies.
The following examples require a permit from the government agency in order to lodge the Customs formalities:

Items Controlling organizations
Buddha images, religious or ancient arts, and antiques
Department of Fine Arts
Weapons, bullets, and explosive devices
Office of National Police
Plants and planting materials Department of Agriculture
Live Animals, pets, and animals products Department of Live Stock Development
Food and drugs
 Food and Drug Administration
Automobile parts Ministry of Industry
Cigars, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverage Excise Department
Wireless transmitters and receivers,
telecommunication equipments		 The National Telecommunications Commission

If the total value of a passenger’s accompanied items is more than 80,000 Baht, the passenger is required to follow the Customs formalities at the Customs Formality section.
For more detailed information, please connect to: www.customs.go.th/Customs

Disclaimer
The Organizing Committee will take all necessary measures and attempt to ensure that all items of the Congress mentioned in this Congress Brochure will take effect as scheduled. Nevertheless, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to make last minute changes should it be deemed necessary.

Electricity
Voltage is 220 Volt AC with flat 2 pin plugs. You can purchase adapters for shavers, laptop computers, mobile chargers, etc., upon arrival at most department stores.

Exhibition
The 2010 FIATA exhibition will be located in Plenary Hall 3, close to the main Plenary Room of the congress sessions, featuring commercial displays of National and International Organisations and Media Publishers.
The registration desk and catering facilities will also be located on the ground floor.

Exhibition area schedule: Tuesday
5 October 2010 09:30 – 17:30
  Wednesday 6 October 2010 09.30 – 19:30
  Thursday 7 October 2010 09.30 – 12:00

Language
English is fairly widely understood and spoken in most tourist areas of Bangkok. Japanese and Russian are spoken in most hotels. Bilingual Thai / English road signs are found on all road signs, Skytrain stations and some local buses. The official language of the congress is English.
Simultaneous translation in English, Mandarin and Russian will be available during plenary sessions.

Official Carrier
Thai Airways is the official carrier of the congress.
Thai Airways is proud to be the Official Carrier of the “FIATA World Congress 2010“ and is offering special congress fares to all participants.
Eventcode to apply for reduced airfares is:   TG 1010023.
Thai looks forward to pampering you on board with typical Thai hospitality.

Official Forwarder for the congress
Agility Co.,Ltd. is the official forwarding agent of the congress.

Agility Co.,Ltd.
124 Moo 5 , Romklao Road,
 Klongsampravej, Ladkrabang,
Bangkok 10520 Thailand
Contact person : Ms.Vilanda Yooprasert, Ms. Pitpassorn Lucksubb
Tel : +66 2 326 3456 ext.1158,1159
Fax : +66 2 360 8634

Agility Co.,Ltd. will welcome your questions with competence in many areas and guarantee a personalized and flexible service.

Onsite Registration / Registration desk

The registration desk will be open as follows:

Monday 4 October 2010 11:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
5 October 2010 08:00 – 17:30
Wednesday 6 October 2010 08:30 – 19:30
Thursday 7 October 2010 08:30 – 17:30
Friday 8 October 2010 08:30 – 13:00

Shopping

For many visitors to Bangkok, shopping is one of the biggest attractions. And with so many bargains, why not?! These are the most popular areas where you can shop:
Chinatown, around Sampeng Lane, Pahurat Textile Market, Pratunam Market for ready-to-wear clothing, or Suan Lum Night Bazaar for silverware, furniture, jewellery and gift items. Hop on the Skytrain to Sukhumvit Road for antiques and handicraft shops. Siam area is abound with high-end shopping malls where sophisticated and funky clothes are available. If you want to experience something a little more adventurous, make your way for the huge weekend market at Chatuchak on the outskirts of town. With its wide range of trendy fashion outlets, both famous brands and independent labels, The City of Angels lives up to its reputation as fashion capital of Asia. In order to get the best possible deals, there are some essential things you need to know. For starters, always bargain with a smile. And you might want to consider very comfortable shoes. Thai handcrafts are famous worldwide for its uniqueness and fine craftsmanship. Some craft skills are ancient, like celadon pottery, lacquering and weaving techniques, and past on from one generating to the next.

What to Wear
Forget tight pants and clinging dresses (at least during the day) and go for light, loose cotton clothing. When visiting temples, certain museums and the Grand Palace remember to dress appropriately: shorts, singlets, spaghetti straps and open backed sandals are unacceptable!

Security
The Tourist Police provides help for tourists in difficulties. They are responsible for investigating any problems and handling claims and complaints. Bilingual Tourist Police can be found at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) offices in Bangkok. Call Tourist Police 1155, 678-680 (Emergency). Emergency Numbers Tourist Hotline is 1155 (English and other languages spoken) Ext 1 (24 hours).

Thai Cultural Etiquette

  • The Thai Royal Family is deeply revered, and you will see portraits of them throughout Bangkok. At the cinema you must stand for the national anthem before the film is screened. It is outmost important to pay special attention and great respect to any royal issue.
  • Anger is regarded as crude and lacking in self discipline. Remain calm and smile and you will find all sorts of doors opened.
  • You should dress appropriately when visiting temples. Don't go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants, short skirts or spaghetti straps. Remove your shoes when entering a Thai home or Buddhist temple.
  • Buddha images large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred. Don't take photographs or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.
  • It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.
  • While on the rise in Bangkok, extreme public displays of affection are often frowned upon. By all means hold hands if the urge takes you.
  • Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body and do not appreciate anyone touching them there, even as a friendly gesture.

Time
Thailand Time Standard Time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).

Tipping
Among Thais, tipping is not practised except perhaps leaving the loose change from a restaurant bill or rounding the taxi fair up to an even number.
There is no reason for you to change tipping practises or to feel odd about it. In hotels, restaurants and bars frequented by tourists, tipping is more common and even expected by some. This is particularly true of "high class" venues. If you elect to go along with this, there is no reason to be extravagant about it.

Transportation - Roads
Yes, Bangkok's traffic is notorious - with good reason. It's very easy to get caught up in gridlock traffic any time of the day or night, and waste a lot of valuable time in the process. However, with excellent and modern public transport systems in place, Bangkok is surprisingly easy to navigate your way around.
The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems connect the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city, while river taxis and express boats can be used to explore many historic sites and attractions at the riverside. Taxis are cheap and appear on virtually every corner at almost any time. Tuk-tuks, once a big Bangkok attraction, are slowly disappearing in favor of more comfortable transport, but are still worth a ride at least once.
Besides the BTS and MRT, the easiest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, in addition to the traditional green-yellow and red-blue, they also come in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink.
Hotels have been selected to be in close surroundings with the Skytrain and MRT and depending on the hotels, participants will receive a transport pass or shuttle buses will be organised.

Airport Taxis
If arriving from a long flight, try to arrange with your hotel for transfer on arrival at the airport. If not, you can book an airport taxi or limousine from inside the arrivals hall. Fares are around 800-1,000 Baht.
A cheaper option is a meter taxi. You can find these on the ground floor directly beneath the arrival hall. Escalators are scattered along its length. Just outside the exit of the arrivals building is a ticket booth. Tell the attendants there the name of your hotel and they will give you a taxi voucher and inform a waiting driver. You pay the taxi driver on arrival at your destination. Fares vary depending on the time/distance from around 200 Baht upwards. A small tip is always appreciated. Depending on your hotel location, the driver may take the tollway. There are two main toll roads into central Bangkok which cost 30-40 Baht. This is an extra separate charge from the fare and optional. You should pay the driver direct as you go through the tollway. It can be much quicker to take the toll roads in standard "rush hour" periods.

Travel Insurance and Liability
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended.
FIATA and the Organising Secretariat will not be held liable for illness, accidents or theft suffered by participants or accompanying persons during the Congress or their stay in Thailand before or after the congress dates.

VISA
You need to check whether you need a visa before leaving for Thailand.
Tourists from many countries (including the US, UK, Germany, France, America and Singapore) do not require a visa when entering Thailand and can stay for a duration of 30-days. In many of these countries (including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France and Singapore) you can apply for a 60-day tourist visa before you leave. If you're toying with the idea of staying longer, this is well worth the effort and cost. Citizens of some other countries are required to apply for a 15-day visa at immigration checkpoints on arrival, while others must apply for one before they leave.
It all depends on the particular visa arrangement Thailand has with your home country. The best way to find out what this is, is to check with either the Thai Immigration Bureau (www.immigration.go.th) or the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country (the website www.thaiembassy.org lists these).
Coming to Thailand for business is a whole different story. Check out the Legalities section of our Business Essentials Guide for information about the visas necessary for those looking to work or gain employment here.
Delegates wishing to receive a letter of invitation should email fiata2010@mci-group.com.