Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is the centre of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation. A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor “pee” (older brother or sister) or “nong” (younger brother or sister). It is said Bangkok is one of the safest cities to visit.
Category
Early
Registration
On-Site
Registration
Date
Before June 10,2008
After June 10,2008
Physician
US$ 550
US$ 650
Resident/Fellow/Nurse & Technician
US$ 350
US$ 450
Gala
Dinner for accompanying person
US$ 100
US$ 100
THAI Airways International
is pleased to offer
Best Net Fare for speakers,
delegates and exhibitors.
Should passengers wish to purchase the special airfare,
please state the following at nearest THAI office:
1. Event Name: The 4th Asian Interventional
Cardiovascular Therapeutics (AICT2008) 2. Event Code:TG0806048 3. Provide Confirmation Letter or Registration
Form
All reservations and
ticketing must be made directly with THAI Airways
International offices - their locations can be found on
www.thaiairways.com
Geography
Bangkok is located in the central part of the country on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, which is the most important river that can be compared to the main artery of the nation. The location is at latitude 130 45' north and longitude 1000 28' east. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine, high temperature and humidity.
Bangkok was established in 1782 as the new capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty on a flood plain delta of the Chao Phraya River. The location was then selected with the consideration as a natural defense from enemies and the richness of water for lives earning. Since its establishment, the city grew steadily in size and importance which at first covered only 4.14 square kilometers to now, a megacity that comprises of 50 districts with total area of 1568.737 square kilometers.
Climate
The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There are three main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter (November-January) and Summer (February-April). The average low temperature is approximately in low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature in mid 30 degree Celsius.
Administration
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is the sole organization at the local authority level responsible for the well-being of Bangkok residents with some financial support from the central government. The Governor is the chief of the city administration, elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The Governor will appoint four deputy governors as executive administrators.
Economy
Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports. There are two important sectors of economy in Bangkok. First, Thailand has been an agricultural country in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main source generating income. Now the expansion of the agricultural sector is steadily increasing. During the mid-1980s, agriculture accounted for an average of about 25 percent of GDP, and agricultural commodities accounted annually for over 60 percent of the value of all exports. Second, Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors coming to Thailand.
Population
During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city establishment, Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population then was only 600,000 and urbanized area was about 18 square kilometers. After the Second World War, the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization which brought about number of infrastructures and other constructions. The registered population in Bangkok increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to 5.4 million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about 10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors and thus the alias "Land of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.
Transportations
BTS Sky Train
BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht (unlimited trips). The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. at the following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin. For more information, call: 0-2617-7340.
BMCL Subway
BMCL Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation choice. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon” line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS. There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao and Phra Ram 9 Stations. BMCL Subway has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-15 baht (For trial period only) The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 midnight. For more information, call: 0-2264-5200.
Buses
There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. For more information call 184 or 0-2246-0973. A buses route map is available at bookshops. A free city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT office .
Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice the meter is timed and calculated in the fare.
Tuk-Tuk
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.
Boats
There are various types of boat identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).
Boat (no flag) stop at all pier, has a minimum fare of 8 baht.
Rapid boat (orang flag) has a fare of 10 baht all routes.
Express boat (yellow flag) stop at only on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has a fare of 15 baht all routes. After rush hour, these boat are used for tourist purpose. There are guide boats for travellrs with guide to give information about the riverside.
The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period, it just newly had this type)
Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.
Motorcycles Taxi
In rush hours, there is a lot of traffic jam, if your late and want to be on time you can try the motorcycle taxi. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares are 5 baht. You need to bargin the fare before taking the ride.
Tips For Travelling In Bangkok
The King, the Queen and the Royal family are highly respected by Thai people. Visitors should show respect to them. For example By, stand still when national anthem is played . Or not criticizing members of the royal family
Buddhism
- Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, or put it on a plate provided.
- Wats or temples are open to all visitors. Only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Benchama Bophit, and Wat Arun charge admission fees (to cover restoration costs).
- Each Buddha image, regardless of its size or condition represents the Buddha. Thus, visitors should never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything, which might indicate a lack of respect.
- Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire. In the Temple of the Emerald Buddha women are also forbidden to wear sleeveless shirt.
- It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
- Visitors to a Thai wat (temple) do not step on the doorsill, as tradition holds that a soul resides there.
- Visitors may photograph monks, wats, images, and Buddhist ceremonies, unless it is noted.
Thai tradition
- "Wai" is a prayer-like gesture with palms pressed together and it is how Thai people greet. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
- Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, touching people on their head is considered rude. In contrast, feet are considered the most degraded part of the body. Thus, using feet to point something to someone is regarded very rude for Thai people.
- Thai people do not display affection between men and women in public. It is accepted in Bangkok where most people are westernized. But in rural area where traditional standards of social behavior are still strictly upheld, it is unsuitable to openly express the affection.
Traveling in Bangkok
- Visitors are advised to use the hotel taxi service at their hotel if they do not know their way around or cannot speak the local language.
- Only use registered travel agents service.
- Going to Floating market should be done early in the morning, for example, Talingchan Floating Market opens from 7 o'clock in the morning (on Saturdays and Sundays).
- Check for open and closing time of your destination before you go. Some place close early, some place are closed in a particuly day.
- Do not litter. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is now strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine (maximum 2,000 baht) will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
- Take sun block and a hat or cap when walking in the sun in the afternoon.
Interesting Tips
- The Thai Baht (THB) is the standard unit of currency in Thailand (1Baht = 100 satangs). Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht while coins of 25 and 50 satangs, 1, 5, and 10 Baht face value are circulation. Money exchange can be done at Bangkok International Airport and other ports of entry, some hotels, foreign exchange booths operated by Thai commercial banks in tourist areas, and main branches of Thai commercial banks.
- Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Assistance Centre immediately (Tel: 281 -5051, 282-8129) or contact the Tourist Police (Tel: 678-6800- 9 or 1699).
- Beware of unauthorized people who offer their services as guides.
Tourism information service centers are: The Bangkok Tourism Division on Phra Athit road under the PinKlao Bridge, Phone.0-2225-7612 , and there are information booths throughout Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s counters for all tourist information. The TAT's counters are located in the Arrival Hall of the Bangkok International Airport; at Terminal 1 Tel: 0-2523-8972-3, or at Terminal 2 Tel: 0-2535-2669 from 08.00 to 24.00 hrs; at the main office on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: 0-2281-0422 during working hours of 08.30 to 16.30 hrs.
- Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand; do not get yourself involved with drugs.
- Foreign nationals visiting Thailand must possess valid passports or accepted travel documents and appropriate visas before entering the country. Visitors from certain countries are permitted to stay up to 15 days without visas, provided they possess tickets confirming departure within 15 days, while visitors from several other countries are allowed to apply for tourists visas at all ports of entry. Transit visas are granted for up to 30 days and tourist visas for up 60 days. Non-immigrant, diplomatic and official visas are valid for up to 90 days.
education, culture, and transportation. A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor “pee” (older brother or sister) or “nong” (younger brother or sister). It is said Bangkok is one of the safest cities to visit.
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice the meter is timed and calculated in the fare. 
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.
