General Information about Thailand

Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: summer (hot and dry) from March through May, rainy (hot and wet) from June to October, and winter (cool and dry) from November through February. The average annual temperature is 28 degrees centigrade (83 degreesFahrenheit), with summer highs topping 37 degrees centigrade and winter lows reaching 20 degrees centigrade.

Language
Thai is the national language, although Lao and Chinese are also spoken by significant numbers of people. English is widely understood in the cities.

Religion
Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths, all of which are allowed full freedom of expression.
Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (Wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.

Currency
Foreign currency changers are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs.
Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20-(green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five-, one-baht disks, as well as 50- and 25-satang brass disks.

Visas
Travelers are required to have onward ticket to enter Thailand. Citizens of most nations can get a 30-day visa upon arrival. Two-week extensions can be obtained by going to the Immigration Department. Check the latest scoop from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.lonelyplanet.com and www.tceb.or.th

GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOUR HOTEL

Arrivals Hall - Finding Your Way To The Taxi, Buses and Limousines
When you emerge into the Arrivals Hall, bear directly right and then turn left outside of the terminal.

Public Taxi
Metered taxis are available on the same level as the arrival hall. There is a 50 baht surcharge on top of the meter. The trips to the city will cost between 200 – 400 baht (plus highway tolls of 65 baht) and will take about 30 – 40 min. depending on traffic. Please note that passengers will be responsible for paying the toll fees.

CityBus
The airport operates 4 airport express bus routes to downtown Bangkok. The buses are air-conditioned with ample luggage space. The fare is 150 baht for the entire route. Passengers can get on the bus on the first floor of the terminal. The four routes are as follows:

Additionally, 12 city bus routes operated by Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) serve the airport's dedicated bus terminal. City buses offer a cheaper alternative of Bt35 flat fare, compared with the airport express bus. However, passengers must take a shuttle bus to the public transportation center's bus terminal before they can board the regular city buses. The 12 routes available are as follows:

Car
The airport has 5 main access routes. Among these the most convenient route is via the Bangkok Chon Buri Motorway (Highway No. 7). Another main airport entrance is in Samut Prakan province via the expressway from Bang Na to Bang Pakong.

Limousines

Counter of the AOT Limousine Service

Additionally, flat-fare limousines are available at the Arrivals Level (2nd floor). The limousines cost 1,000 baht.

30th April 2009
Late-breaking Abstract Submission Deadline

20th April 2009
Notification of Abstract Selection

4th July 2009
Deadline for Early-Bird Registration