INFRASTRUCTURE
Bangkok has been undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization since 1960. The increasing population is due in part to the development of infrastructure, such as road networks, real estate developments, land value, and a growing economy that resulted in expansion into the surrounding areas and the migration of people to the city from all parts of the country.
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, - / *1 Ê7/ ,Ê-1** 9Ê Ê"/ ,- 1- --]Ê-// Ê / ,*,- ]Ê"6¿/Ê 9Ê Ê 1-/, Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority
/Ì>Ê7>ÌiÀÊ*À`ÕVÌÊÉÊ Water Management ->iÃÊÊ >}Ê>`Ê6VÌÞÊÀi> At present, the Metropolitan Waterworks To develop an effl uent treatment system, To build walls to prevent and solve Authority (MWA) provides the public and establish a “Flood Control Center” fl ood problems caused by seasonal, water supply in the BMA, Nonthaburi with 55 network stations, using low-cost northern and marine overfl ows in the and Samut Prakarn provinces at an treatment techniques and building Bangkok area.
Ê Õ°° average of 4.15 million cubic meters additional water treatment systems, while Ó]äää per day, over a 1,486.5 sq. km area. restoring the beauty and cleanliness To develop an information technology
£]xÎn°Î £]xää £]xäx £]x£È°£ of canals and rivers. system to support drainage systems £]{n£°Ç £]{În°x £]äÇÈ The BMA continuously monitors the throughout Bangkok. £]äää È°{ £]ä£Î° Ó°x nnä°Î quality of the water supply and canals. To provide timely solutions to fl ood risk xää It has adopted the following strategy areas caused by heavy rains through ä on environmental management and enhancing the effi ciency of pumping Óäää Óää£ ÓääÓ ÓääÎ Óää{
*," 1 /" - - energy conservation: and drainage systems. Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 5858 99/7/06/7/06 88:59:07:59:07 AMAM Electricity Telephone digital networks: Advanced Info Services (AIS), The Electricity Generating Authority Bangkok is served by two fi xed-line telephone Total Access Communications (TAC) and True Move. of Thailand (EGAT) Load Forecast operators: the Telephone Organization of Thailand A wide range of service packages are available, Committee forecasts that the power (TOT), a state enterprise, and True Corporation Plc., with many prices and options from which to choose. consumption demand in Bangkok and a private company, both of which can install phones The number of mobile subscribers has soared from its neighboring provinces of Nonthaburi in a timely fashion; usually a matter of days. Local a less than 2 million in 1997 to about 31.5 million and Samut Prakran (covered by calls are not timed and carry a fi xed charge of 3 in 2005. Metropolitan Electricity Authority) will baht per call. Areas outside Bangkok are served by grow by fi ve percent between 2006 TOT and another private company, TT&T Plc. The The internet is widely available within Bangkok and and 2008. fi xed-line network has a total capacity of over 8 throughout the country. About one dozen private million lines, of which about 7 million are in use. companies offer services for personal and corporate Bangkok’s highest electric consumption, accounts. Prepaid or subscription services are about 40 percent of total consumption, International calls are handled by the Telephone available at reasonable rates. Monthly rates from is by the industrial sector, with Organization of Thailand (TOT) and the Communications some companies are as low as 500 baht per month approximately 35 percent consumption Authority of Thailand (CAT), which provide direct for unlimited service. The government has committed by business and 22 percent by access to just about any country. International rates itself to making broadband internet service widely residential sectors. have been falling due to competition among providers. available and affordable. In 2004 the number of internet users rose to over 6 million people, Mobile phones are readily available at competitive or approximately 10% of the population. prices from three main service providers using GSM
COMPARISON TELEPHONE AND MOBILE’S STATISTICS OF TELEPHONE SERVICES: 2004 TELEPHONE LINE IN USED IN BANGKOK: 2000-2004 n]äää]äää È]Ó{ΰ iÕ>À Ç]äää]äää Li½ÃÊ* i £x]ä{Î°È Óä]ä°ä È]äää]äää È]Ó{Î]nÇÓ x]xnx]Óä{ £]nÈÓ°{ x]äää]äää ViÃÃ>Àià Î]äÈn°x ià {]äää]äää Î]Ó££]£x Î]În]Î£È {]£ää°ä Î]äää]äää Î]x£n]äÇä Î]{xx]È Î]{Ón]{Ó Ó]Çx]ä£È £]xÈx°x Ó]äää]äää £]nÎÎ]{{Ç /"/Ê À«À>Ì Î]Ç£n°£ £]äää]äää {]xÓx°Î nÓn]änä ä x]äää £ä]äää £x]äää Óä]äää Óx]äää Óäää Óää£ ÓääÓ ÓääÎ Óää{ >Ê/ii« iÊ iÊ iÌÀ«Ì>ÊÀi>®
>Ê/ii« iÊ iÊ7 iÊ }`® /ii« i Li½ÃÊ/ii« i iÊ >«>VÌÞ Source: TOT Corporation Public Company Limited Source: TOT Corporation Public Company Limited
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 5959 99/7/06/7/06 88:59:25:59:25 AMAM CONVENTION CENTERS
Thailand is one of the main places in Asia for trade fairs, most of which take place in Bangkok. All industries hold trade fairs at least once a year, while some are held several times during the year.
The three main trade fair and exhibition centers in Bangkok are:
Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center
Exhibition Area 36,000 sq.m.
Discovering the City the Discovering Car Park 4,700 cars
Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center
Exhibition Area 160,220 sq.m. Car Park 20,000 cars
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
Exhibition Area 64,665 sq.m. Car Park 700 cars, 30 buses
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6060 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:17:04:17 AMAM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ZONE: AVAILABLE AREAS
Industrial estates in Thailand resemble town or city Industrial Estates in Greater Bangkok that provides the complete infrastructure necessary Metropolitan Area for industrial operations, such as an ample electric and water supply, fl ood protection, wastewater There are 8 industrial estates located in Bangkok treatment, solid waste disposal, etc. They are and its neighboring provinces in the Greater accessible to seaports, airports and other Bangkok Metropolitan Area: transportation centers. In addition to providing Industrial Zone/Available Area communication facilities and security systems, Industrial Estate Zone Zone /Area an industrial estate also contains commercial (Rai) (Sq.km) banks and a post offi ce. Some have customs Bangkok Area offi ces, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and Bangchan Industrial Estate 510 0.82 Minburi, Bangkok other facilities needed for investors and workers. Gemopolis Industrial Estate 176 0.28 Praves, Bangkok Lardkrabang Industrial Estate 1,899 3.04 Ladkrabang, Bangkok They are, in fact, self-contained communities. Vinicity Area Bangkadi Industrial Park 907 1.45 Samutprakan Industrial Estates in Thailand are classifi ed Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate 6,135 9.82 Pathum Thani into three categories Bangplee Industrial Estate 1,004 1.61 Samutprakan Bangpoo Industrial Estate 3,902 6.24 Samutprakan u Those owned and managed by the Industrial Samut Sakorn Industrial Estate 1,041 1.67 Samut Sakhon Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), a state Total Available Area 15,574 24.92 enterprise attached to the Ministry of Industry. Source : IEAT
u Those that are joint-ventures between the IEAT Industrial estates are generally divided into and private developers. two zones:
u Those developed, managed and wholly owned by General Industrial Zones (GIZ), which are reserved private developers. for the location of industries manufacturing for domestic and/or foreign consumption.
Export Processing Zone (EPZ), reserved for the location of industries manufacturing for export only. Most industrial estates with EPZs have government customs houses for fast clearance.
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(FDI) in 2005 GLOBAL CITY (Million Baht) Top 5 Foreign Direct Investment 25,085.6 2,147.3 3,128.42004 1 2005 Japan 27,578.1 10,598.237.8 Singapore USA -1,155.9713.7 6,661.9 Bangkok is widely considered a global and hosts many key international Bangkok is a global city for living, Hong Kong 2,280.6 10,09 city. It has many characteristics similar organizations. It also host many investing and visiting. Germany Board of Investment6, Offi ce of the to many prominent international cities. regional international news bureaus. Source : Bangkok has an international fi rst-name Bangkok is a cost competitive global familiarity. It has active infl uence in The city has a lively cultural scene city that has attracted a large community approximately 15,000 Americans living international events and international that is growing in recognition such of residential expatriate community. in Bangkok. and regional affairs. as the annual Bangkok International Its cosmopolitan lifestyle, close Film Festival, Bangkok Jazz Festival, proximity to the beaches, mountains, Bangkok is Thailand’s investment Bangkok has a large population, and the Bangkok International Festival and other neighboring countries, gateway and a global city for advanced communications infrastructure of Dance & Music. and friendliness of the Thai people, investment from all over the world and transportation system, including has made Bangkok a friendly place particularly from Japan, Singapore, Discovering the City the Discovering a strategic international airport. According to the Globalization and for foreigners to relocate, start a United State of America, Hong Kong, World Cities Study Group and Network business, or to retire. and Germany. Bangkok attracts numerous foreign (GaWC) based in Leicestershire, England, businesses and has sizable expatriate Bangkok is grouped as a global city at According to the 2005 estimates by It is a global city that has become a communities. The city hosts year-round the same level as Beijing, Montreal, foreign embassies’ registration global destination for foreign visitors. numerous global international Rome, Stockholm, and Warsaw. fi gures, there are over 250,000 expatriates Bangkok and the many exotic resorts conventions, exhibitions, and The GaWC ranked cities based on living in Bangkok. Of those expatriates, throughout the country have become incentives meetings. provision of “advanced producer the Japanese are the largest foreign one of the favorite destinations for services” such as accountancy, community at 30,000 residents. tourists particularly from Japan, Bangkok is considered a strategic advertising, fi nance and law, by The U.S. Embassy’s American Citizens Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, diplomatic posting within the region international corporations. Services Unit estimates that there are Italy, France, and Sweden.
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6262 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:21:04:21 AMAM BEST TOURISM CITY Voted the “best city for tourists” Tips for Traveling by travel + leisure magazine õ The King, the Queen and the Royal family are highly respected by Thai people. õ Visitors should show respect to the Royal family and not engage in criticism of them. Also, people should stand still when the national anthem is played.
Culture and Friendliness of Thai Thai Tradition People Attraction “Wai”, a prayer-like gesture with the palms of the hands pressed together, is how Thai people greet each other. Generally, a younger person wais fi rst and the older one then return the gesture. It is said that Bangkok is one of the Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and fi guratively. safest cities to visit. A large number Therefore, touching people on their head is considered rude. In contrast, feet are of tourists travel here because of the considered the most degraded part of the body, and using feet to point something out many attractions, which include the to someone is regarded to be very rude. friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people do not display affection between men and women in public, although it is Thai people are very generous and accepted in Bangkok where most people are westernized. But in rural areas, where have a family based culture, calling traditional standards of social behavior are still strictly upheld, it is unsuitable to their neighbors “pee” (older brother openly express affection. or sister) or “nong” (younger brother Bangkok Attractions Overview or sister). Shopping Attractions Buddhism Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched Bangkok indeed has been a host of The City has become a shopping by a woman, or to accept anything from a woman’s Business Attractions attractions to offer and is not just a heaven from the exotic Chatuchak hand. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, place to visit briefl y on your way to Weekend Market to international brand she fi rst hands it to a man, or puts it on a plate that Bangkok is a great place to hold meetings, will be provided. somewhere else. The city is dotted with conventions, and exhibitions as there are name boutiques at luxurious shopping over 400 glittering Buddhist temples of numerous facilities convention centers and centers. Bangkok is one of Asia’s Wats or temp les are open to all visitors. Only great beauty and fascination, hotels. It is a great place for corporate originators of chic spas and medical the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, magnifi cent palaces, classical dance incentive programs and has many tourist tourism centers. It is a city where one Wat Benchama Bophit, and Wat Arun charge extravaganzas, and traditional ways attractions, shopping, varied, restaurants and moment you can be in the 21st century admission fees (to cover restoration costs). relaxing destinations. of life, especially along the timeless and the next walking through antiquity. Each Buddha image, regardless of its size or condition canals and the Chao Phraya River, the Nearby Attractions: Close Proximity to represents the Buddha. Thus, visitors should never “River of Kings”, which winds through Historical Landmarks, Beach Resorts and Culinary Attractions climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that the city. It’s worth taking a trip along Mountain Retreats might indicate a lack of respect. the river before exploring further into Bangkok also offers some of the best Visitors should dress neatly when at religious shrines the different canals to take a glimpse Bangkok is also an ideal central destination for food on the planet - authentic Thai and should never go to one topless, or wearing shorts, of old Bangkok. travelers to extend their stay in order to visit cuisine alongside the very best dishes hot pants or other unsuitable attire. In the Temple of the nearby historical landmarks, such as the from almost every part of the world. Emerald Buddha, women are also forbidden ancient capital city of Ayutthaya and the to wear sleeveless shirts. “Bridge over the River Kwai” in Kanchanaburi The many fl avors of Thai food have province; as well as the beach and golf delighted food connoisseurs the It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around resorts of Pattaya and Hua Hin - all within world over. Thai food has become the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the a short distance drive. synonymous with spicy oriental chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. cuisine. 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,63 and Buddhist ceremonies, unless otherwise noted.
449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6363 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:28:04:28 AMAM SIGHTSEEING
Bangkok is an intoxicating mixture of aromas, sights and visual delights. A city of infi nite layers-get beneath one and you’ll reveal another, but that could take years. In this section, you’ll fi nd a selection of Bangkok’s traditional “must see” attractions. If you’re only here for a short time, you should allow 3-5 days to catch all the sights.
Temples and Traditions
Bangkok’s temples are a unique part of the capital’s heart and soul. The architecture is inspiring and glittering decoration is stunning. Discovering the City the Discovering City the Discovering
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6464 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:32:04:32 AMAM Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram Ratchaworawihan (The Marbel Temple)
Constructed in 1899 by Wat Saket Ratcha- King Rama V, its walls woramahawihan Wat Phra Kaeo are covered with Carrara (Golden Mountain) (The Emerald Buddha Temple) marble from Italy. Wat Saket’s major The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located in Wat Arunratchawara- feature is the Golden a separate complex within the compound of the ram Ratchaworama- Mount, dating from the Grand Palace, is Thailand’s holiest shrine. Offi cially hawihan (Wat Arun) mid 19th century. It is an named Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, the temple (Temple of the Dawn) artifi cial hill topped by a complex was modeled on the temples of the Sukhothai gilded pagoda, which is and Ayuttaya eras. Even though small in size, the This famous Chao Phraya 260 feet in height. Begun Emerald Buddha is considered one of the most riverbank landmark, by King Rama III and important icons for Thai people. The sacred Buddha located diagonally opposite completed in the reign was fi rst brought to Thonburi, currently the west the Grand Palace, is best of King Rama IV, the side of Bangkok, by King Taksin the Great. In 1784, Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmngkhalaram known for a porcelain golden mountain is one King Rama I moved the statue to the current Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) encrusted 79 meter central of the most celebrated location in Bangkok. It should be pointed out that (The Reclining Buddha Temple) pagoda (phra prang), landmarks in Bangkok’s the Emerald Buddha is in reality carved from a which sparkles in the old area. The golden large piece of green jade. The word in Thai for This large and extensive temple neighbors the sun. The temple can be Chedi houses relics of emerald means “green colored”. Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and reached either by Arun the Buddha and affords contains a gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha Amarin Road or by boat visitors who climb its 318 some 46 meters long and 15 meters high, with inlaid from Tha Tien Pier near steps a panoramic view mother of pearl soles. Wat Pho. of Bangkok from the top.
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6565 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:37:04:37 AMAM Vimanmek Mansion Museum Royal Barge National Museum This is the world’s largest golden teak building, built in 1910 by King Rama V Thailand’s ornately Discovering the City the Discovering upon his return from Europe. The carved and decorated Vimanmek Mansion has an elaborate Royal Barges are Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan The Erawan Shrine architectural style refl ecting a western displayed in boatsheds infl uence and is located in the on Khlong (Canal) Surrounded by the greatest concentration of Buddhist The Erawan Shrine is a shrine that compound of the Dusit Palace on Bangkok Noi, located supply shops in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is one of the houses a statue of a four-faced Ratchwithi Road. In 1982, on the on the Thonburi side of most important Buddhist centers in the kingdom. Brahma or “Than Tao Mahaprom”, auspicious occasion of the Royal the river. The barges are This temple, which Somerset Maugham declared to who is believed to be a Brahma god Bicentennial Celebrations of Bangkok, used on royal occasions have the most beautiful roofl ine, is among the oldest full of kindness, mercy, sympathy and Her Majesty the Queen asked for and formerly served as and largest in Bangkok. impartiality. Each virtue is represented His Majesty’s permission to renovate war vessels. in the four faces of the image, radiating the mansion for use as a museum to serene grace. The shrine is visited on honor King Rama V by displaying the The Giant Swing a daily basis by hundreds of people king’s photographs, art and artifacts who make very specifi c prayers, commemorating royal visits to Europe, The Giant Swing, which and offer services to Brahma if their and also to exhibit Thai handicrafts in is in close vicinity of the prayer is granted. Such service might a showcase of national heritage. BMA headquarters, include an offering of a garland of was used in an annual fl owers, or purchasing lotus fl owers In addition, other beautiful buildings ceremony that was and candles for the temple. There in the same compound display various observed just before are often feature performances by items and artistic objects; such as World War II to celebrate resident Thai dance troupes hired H.M. King Bhumibol’s photographs, the rice harvest. Men by worshippers in return for seeing H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of used to ride on the Giant their prayers answered. The shrine handicraft masterpieces created Swing and try to grab is considered to be one of the most by rural people, paraphernalia of a bag of silver coins sacred in Bangkok and has given rank and also portraits, old clocks, attached to a pole, but many people the inner strength to and cloth. today only the bright red ease the burdens they face in their teak arch remains. lives, while struggling to overcome problems. 66
449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6666 99/7/06/7/06 99:04:54:04:54 AMAM National Museum modates Thompson’s a well-known writer SHOPPING PARADISE vast collection of of many classic Thai Within walking distance antiques and artwork novels. He also of the Grand Palace is from all over Southeast appeared in the Marlon the National Museum, Asia. Jim Thompson’s Brando fi lm “The Ugly one of the largest and marketing skills helped American” as a prime most comprehensive turn the fortunes of an minister. Thailand is a paradise for shoppers. museums in Southeast ailing Thai silk industry Regular visitors to Asia know that in Asia. The museum around, and the brand many ways Bangkok beats Hong Kong houses a vast collection that bears his name is, and Singapore for deals in terms of of artifacts found in all to this day, regarded handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewelry, parts of the country, as the fi nest brand of art and antiques. ranging from neolithic Thai silk. Jim Thompson’s times, to the Sukhothai, House is located alongside Fixed prices are the norm in Ayutthaya and Bangkok Saen Saeb Canal on Soi department stores, but at most other periods. Kasem San 2, off Rama I places bargaining is a common Road. Suan Pakkad Palace practice and prices may be reduced by as much as thirty percent. Located on Sri Ayutthaya Courtesy at all times is appreciated. Jim Thompson Road, this complex of Museum fi ve Thai-style houses Shopping in Thailand is an adventure in itself. From modern contains an important department stores and shopping plazas, to fl ea markets and roadside Despite the name, the collection of Asian stalls where bargaining is obligatory, even visitors with the greatest Jim Thompson House antiques. An exquisite willpower will no doubt fi nd something to their liking. is one of the best- lacquer pavilion is preserved examples of a decorated with a traditional Thai house in Kukrit’s House sumptuous late Ayutthaya the city. This remarkable period gold leaf mural. The average length of stay has been about 8 days over the past house-cum-museum, The house of former There is also a Khon 10 years. This fact illustrates that Thailand is the ideal place for once home to the Prime Minister M.R. Museum, where masks a longer stay. Long stay visitors to Thailand are steadily on the American silk entrepreneur Kukrit Pramoj is an and costumes of the rise, thanks to a growing infl ux of retirees and visiting friends Jim Thompson, accom- antique Thai structure classical play are on and relatives of the large expatriate community in the kingdom. that was assembled in display. According to Tourism Authority of Thailand statistics, in 2004 Bangkok. It contains a a total of 568,620 visitors stayed in Thailand for more than 30 fi ne art collection and days. This was up by 7.15% from 2003 and comprised 4.88% of its gardens are noted for total visitor arrivals. their Thai bonsai trees and for eastern and The top fi ve markets for long stay tourism were Japan (73,882 western-style sections. visitors, an 8.4% increase), United Kingdom (62,364 visitors, a M. R. Kukrit was raised 6.47% increase), United States (44,498 visitors, a 9.82% increase), in a family of royal Germany (39,151 visitors, a 1.30% increase), and China (33,337 descent and was also visitors, an 18.33% increase). Another major market is Sweden (17,304 visitors, a 7.99% increase).
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Shopping Areas
Siam Square Pratu Nam Bang Lamphu Soi Lalai Sap Silom Sukhumvit Chatuchak Yaowarat Center Point Phahurat
Department Stores
Central World Plaza Siam Paragon Siam Discovery Siam Center Peninzula Plaza Narai Phand Emporium Pantip Plaza Gaysorn Plaza
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Bangkok Nightlife Bangkok Restaurants
Bangkok’s nightlife has a reputation for and souvenirs is just as popular. But Bangkok is a city full of tasty experiences being wild and rowdy, but at the same beyond souvenir shopping and bar and food sensations. Apart from time it is relaxed, safe and enjoyable. hopping, Bangkok offers a much wider renowned Thai cuisine with its blend Rapidly establishing itself as Asia’s range of sophisticated entertainment, of spicy, sour, sweet and salty, there capital of cool, Bangkok’s diverse such as traditional performances. are also national dishes from almost nightlife scenes feature everything Most locations are easily accessible every country to be found. Dining from excellent live music, to good by either BTS or MRT. options are as unpredictable as some jazz clubs, ultra cool bars, exuberant of the dishes. Great value food courts, dance venues and great restaurants, riverside bar-restaurants, Thai style and go far beyond its once upon a dining in teak pavilions, time sleazy and naughty. air-conditioned fi ne dining, or brand fast food chains - Bangkok Notorious places like Patpong continue offers a total food experience. to attract curious tourists to the numerous neon-lit girly bars, while its adjacent night market, selling clothes
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 6969 99/7/06/7/06 99:05:06:05:06 AMAM BANGKOK ACTIVITIES
Whether you’re an interested spectator or simply wanting to do something active you’ll be surprised at what Bangkok has to offer: from taking Thai food cooking classes to the inimitable Muay Thai (Thai boxing that uses the knees, elbows and kicking) that is currently gaining a huge worldwide popularity, to ice skating, bowling and cycling. Discovering the City the Discovering
Thai Food Cooking School Golf in Bangkok Cycling Bowling
Thai cuisine has gained worldwide Bangkok golf courses offer great value Cycle the back roads at the right time Good for rainy days and when you’re popularity over the years. When in for the money with many excellent golf of day and you’ll see another facet of simply in need of a break. There are Thailand, what better way to spend clubs offering a high level of service this great city. Cycling tours have many trendy bowling alleys that are a part of your visit than to learn at very competitive prices. Golf tours become more popular over the last usually located on the top fl oor of fi rsthand from renowned Thai and holidays have grown rapidly few years, as visitors discover they shopping malls, along with a host of chefs how to prepare Thai dishes. across Thailand, particularly in the can see places not accessible by other entertainment - cinemas, video Recommended cooking classes Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area bus or car. Several different types of games, karaoke, computer games and in Bangkok are at The Oriental Thai where there are scores of delightful cycling tours, usually in small groups, food courts. Cooking School , Baipai Thai Cooking courses within easy reach of the city are now organized, mostly by School , and the Blue Elephant center. Most of them have been independent operators who know cooking school. renovated and developed to world- the city like the back of their hand. class standards.
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 7070 99/7/06/7/06 99:05:13:05:13 AMAM SPAS AND HEALTH
Retreat from the city’s hustle and Since 1999, Thai spas have managed bustle and seek tranquility in a hotel to consistently secure a place as one or private spa retreat. Thai spas of the world’s Top-5 overseas spas by offer a perfect way to recreate the travelers and readers of renowned balance of body, mind and spirit. travel and lifestyle magazines, such as Blending Western and ancient Asian Condé Nast Traveler. techniques that have been passed down over generations, Thai spas Today Thai spas compete on an offer exotic and tropical surroundings, equal footing with their international legendary hospitality and provide an counterparts in the cosmopolitan centers ideal setting for the continuous pursuit and fashion capitals of the world. of inner and outer beauty. Recommended spas in Bangkok Many high-end hotels and luxury include Devarana Spa of The Dusit serviced apartment residences in Thani Hotel, Banyan Tree Spa of the Bangkok take pride in their own lavish Banyan Tree Hotel, and The Oriental in-house spas. Private spas are just Spa of The Oriental Hotel. as abundant and luxurious.
Bangkok also has medical spas, which have the primary purpose of providing comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services and conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments. St Carlos, on the outskirts of Bangkok, was promoted as Asia’s fi rst integrated Thai herbal medical spa, and was Thailand’s fi rst international medical spa offering holistic and preventive treatments. The Bangkok Dermatology Center and Bumrungrad Hospital are recent additions to the list.
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 7171 99/7/06/7/06 99:05:17:05:17 AMAM IMPORTANT EVENTS AND ANNUAL FESTIVALS IN BANGKOK
January March
ú New Year Celebration ú Traditional Thai Kites, ú Bangkok International Sport and Music Festival Film Festival ú Bangkok China Town Festival February April ú Makha Bucha ú ú Chinese New Year Bangkok Songkran Festival Discovering the City the Discovering May June July
ú Thailand Grand Sale ú Asanha Bucha ú Khao Phansa August
ú Ploughing Ceremomy ú H.M. The Queen’s ú Coronation Day Birthday Celebration ú Visakha Bucha September October November December
ú Yaowarat Food Festival ú Loi Krathong Festival ú H.M. The King’s ú Golden Mount Fair Birthday Celebration ú Trooping the colours ú King Chulalongkorn Day ú Constitution Day ú New Year’s Eve
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449-05-055_058-075_W.indd9-05-055_058-075_W.indd 7272 99/7/06/7/06 99:05:21:05:21 AMAM LIST OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Bangkok is a regional center for numerous international organizations, particularly those affi liated with the United Nations for Asia and the Pacifi c.
International Organizations United Nation
ADB The Resident Mission of the Asian ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Development Bank Asia and the Pacifi c AIT Asian Institute of Technology FAO Food and Agriculture Organization APPTC Asian-Pacifi c Postal Training Centre IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction APT Asia-Pacifi c Telecommunication and Development ARC Asian Reinsurance Corporation ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization CCOP Committee for Coordination of Joint IFC International Finance Corporation Prospection for Mineral Resources in ILO International Lobour Organization Asian Offshore Areas ITU International Telecommunication Union ICRD International Committee of the Red Cross UNDCP United Nations Offi ce on Drugs and IFRC International Federation of Red Cross Crime (UNODC) Regional Center for East and Red Crescent Societies Asia and the Pacifi c INTERPOL Offi ce for Southeast Asia of the International UNDP United Nations Development Programme Criminal Police Organization UNEP United Nations Environment Programme IOM International Organization for Migration UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientifi c NACA Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia- and Cultural Organization Pacifi c UNFPA United Nations Population Fund United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c, Statistics Division. SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Center Refugees Regional Offi ce for Thailand SEAMES Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Combodia Laos and Vietnam Secretariat UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNOPS The Regional Offi ce for Asia of the United UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Nations Offi ce for Project Services Organization UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women UPU Universal Postal Union WHO World Health Organization
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Bangkok is one of Asia’s key diplomatic capitals. Foreign embassies are conveniently located in the center of the city. Discovering the City the Discovering
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