GENERAL INFORMATION

Bangkok

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers, and is home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city, It offers to visitors not only the only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonized and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centers and traditional way of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Language

The official language of the Congress in English.

Congress Documents and Badges

The congress documents must be collected on-site at the registration desk. Name badges must be worn all time at the congress and the exhibition area.

Certificate of Attendance

A certificate of attendance will be INSERTED in the congress bag.

Invitation Letter

Upon request, the congress Secretariat will be happy is issue and official letter of invitation to attend the Congress. Letters of invitation are intended to help participants in raising funds, obtaining visas of permission from their institutes to attend the congress and this does not include or imply payment by IWAC 2010 Organizing committee of any expenses, such as registration fee, travel or hotel accommodation.

Passport & Visa

All foreign visitors entering Thailand must have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months, The Thai government allows 45 different nationalities to enter the country for 30 days without visa. Participants from countries whose citizens required to have visa should apply to the Thai consular office or diplomatic mission in their countries at least 6 weeks before departure. Participants are advised to contact their local travel agents or air carriers for details.

Official Travel Agent

Further information will be available soon.

Airport Transfer

Suvarnabhumi International airport is approximately a 40-minutes drive via a modern Motorway to the city center. Transfer to city from airport can be arranged with congress travel agency. Metered taxi are also available outside the terminal at ground floor level. Alternatively, Airport Link and public Airport Shuttle Bus operated between the airport and city are also available.

Liability and Insurance

Participants are requested to make their own arrangement with respect to health and travel insurance. The Congress organizers are not in any way liable for injuries or damages involving persons and/or property during the Congress.

Program Change

The Organizing Committee can not assume liability for any change in the program due to the external or unforeseen circumstances.

Traveler’s Cheques and Credit cards

Major credit cards, such as VISA, Master Card and Amex are acceptable in hotel and shops. Traveler’s cheques can be conveniently cashed at all commercial banks and authorized money exchanges.

Currency

Only Thai Baht is acceptable at stores and restaurants. Foreign currency exchange services are available at major banks and hotels.

Banking and Exchange

Most local banks are opened Monday to Friday between 09.00 – 16.00 hr. Exchange offices are available in the central area 7 days a week between 08.30 - 15.30 hr. and in shopping malls from 11.00 – 20.00 hr.

Weather

Being the southeast Asia region, Thailand has a subtropical climate. During January, the temperature averages 25c – 30c in the day and 20c – 25c at night. Bangkok

Time Zone

Thailand time is GMT plus 7. There is no daylight saving time. Sunrise is around 6.00 am. And sunset at 6.30 - 6.45 pm. throughout the year.

Electricity

Voltage in Thailand is 220 V. AC using two-pin sockets.

Commercial Exhibition

During the Congress, there will be can attractive exhibition of pharmaceutical products and medical equipment available to the Congress participants. I products and medical equipment to the Congress participants. Coffee, tea and other refreshments will be available within the exhibition area.

The exhibition hours are as follows:

January 23, 2013 After the Opening Ceremony
January 24, 2013 8.30 – 17.00
January 25, 2013 8.30 – 17.00

For further information regarding the exhibition prospectus and sponsors, please contact the Congress Secretariat.

Private Events Policy

All requests from company/organization to host private events during the Congress must be submitted in writing to the IWAC 2010 Secretariat by October 31, 2012.