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A. General Information City

elcome to Khon Kaen, the capital of and the Khon Kaen District. Khon Kaen is located on the Khorat Plateau, in the central-northwestern area of Isaan (also W written as , Isarn, Issan, or Esarn, is the northeastern region of ) around 450km from Bangkok. Isaan is located on the Khorat Plateau, bordered by the Mekong River (along the border with Laos) to the north and east, by Cambodia to the southeast and the Prachinburi mountains south of Nakhon Ratchasima. To the west it is separated from Northern and by the Phetchabun mountain range. Khon Kaen Citys geographical location is 16°26′N 102°50′E. The present population of the city is around 150,000 people (Khon Kaen Province population 2011 in total 1,766,066).

Khon Kaen is a regional center for education, financial institutions, government offices and transportation. The city is also an industrial center, especially for the region's silk trade, as well as an agricultural hub. Presently Khon Kaen is one of the major cities under Thailand's National Economic and Social Plan. The government had endorsed Khon Kaen as the export center for trade into the Indo-China Region.

The city is bisected by Mithraphap Road, also known as 'Friendship Highway', or 'Highway 2', the road linking Bangkok to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and Vientianne Laos. A modern, multi-lane by-pass enables through-traffic to avoid the city centre to the west, and connects to the airport and to the main roads to Kalasin and Mahasarakham in the east, and Udon Thani in the north. The city can be easily navigated by driving along either of the two north-south main roads—Na Muang and Klang Muang, which are located east and parallel to the Friendship Highway. In addition, there are two main east-west roads—Srichan Road and Prachasamosorn Road—leading east to the city of Kalasin, and West to the airport, as well as to other small villages.

August Climate data for Khon Kaen: Average high 32.0 C / 89.6 F Average low 24.2 C / 75.6 F The city also hosts the largest university in the North East: Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen University (KKU) was one of four regional universities established in 1964 as part of a decentralized development plan for higher education in Thailand. The campus is located in the northwest sector of Khon Kaen, just a few kilometers from the center of the city. Situated in a most attractive park, the campus covers approximately 900 hectares.

Faculty of Management Sciences: Since 1992, the Faculty of Management Sciences has offered fully accredited degrees in subjects directly related to the needs of business and management. More recently the Faculty has expanded its role in better serving the regional community by holding seminars and offering consultancy services to local business. 1

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B. Conference Venue

Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel Address : 9-9 Prachasumran Road Tel : (+66)43/322155 Nai Muang, Muang Fax : (+66)43/322150 40000 Khon Kaen E-mail: [email protected] THAILAND Website: www.pullmankhonkaen.com

Location and access:

AIEST delegates will be provided with airport pick up arrangement. (Please see Item D./ Airport Pick-up & Send-off, Khon Kaen)

However, if travel on your own, from Khon Kaen airport, take a taxi or hotel bus to Maliwan Road, turn right into Mitraphap Road, left into Srichan Road, and right into Prachasumran Road, where the hotel is located. By bus from Khon Kaen Bus Terminal, take a tuk tuk or minibus along Klangmuang Road, then right into Srichan Road, left into Prachasumran Road where you will find the hotel on the left hand side. From Khon Kaen Train Station, take a tuk tuk or minibus to the hotel on Prachasumran Road just minutes away.

C. Traveling Arrangement

Delegates can get direct flight from Bangkok BKK to Khon Kaen KKC Direct flight from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Khon Kaen KKC Thai Airways BKK - KKC Available on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Flight: Departure Time: Arrival Time: TG040 07.05 hrs. 08.00 hrs. TG 044 11.35 hrs. 12.30 hrs. TG 046 18.20 hrs. 19.15 hrs. Available on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday TG 042 14.45 hrs. 15.40 hrs.

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D. Arrival at the Airports

I. At , Bangkok

EASY AIRPORT STEPS To change from international flights to domestic flights at the Bangkok Airport, simply follow these steps: (Please be reminded that your baggage that has been checked-in to international flights cannot be checked through to Khon Kaen directly, you must claim it once you arrive, clear customs and check it in again for the domestic flight. Also, make sure to allocate two hours for this process. )

Step 1 : Disembark from the aircraft (International, Intercontinental flights) Step 2 : Go to Immigration (Passport and boarding pass needed) Step 3 : Passport Control on 2nd Floor of Concourse Building D Step 4 : Baggage Claim and customs (green or red channel) and exit 2nd floor Step 5 : Go to Domestic Ticket check-in on 4th Floor, Row B and C for KKC TG flights Step 6 : Pass through X-Ray Machine Step 7 : Wait for boarding in hold rooms in Concourse A or B or airport domestic lounges

II At Khon Kaen Airport KKC

Khon Kaen Airport is located a few kilometers west of downtown. The departures hall is located on the second floor which also houses some small shops selling food and gifts, while the arrivals hall is on the first floor as well as a foreign-exchange kiosk. There is small restaurant on the third floor. The terminal is connected to a large parking lot.

Airport Pick-up & Send-off (Khon Kaen KKC)

When you arrive at Khon Kaen Airport KKC, our staff will await for your arrival at the airport from the 24th to 27th of August. Once you arrive, you will see an AIEST booth there. The staff will escort you to Pullman Hotel by our shuttle van. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can check-in at the "Special AIEST Registration Area" at the hotel lobby on ground floor.

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E. Accommodation

Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel: Web link www.pullmankhonkaen.com The rooms have been booked under the names of all the delegates who have confirmed attendance to the conference. Staff will be on hand to assist in hotel registration upon arrival.

NOTE: ACCOR membership cards and Loyalty Program: Le Club Accor Hotels, Advantage Plus can be used for point collection and benefit from member promotions except all expenses covered by the conference.

F. Facilities Info Desk (Registration for Hotel and AIEST Conference) Registration is available everyday from 08.00 – 19.00 hrs. Please go to registration area to check in hotels, register to conference and receive meeting packages. Before checking in make sure to prepare your passport, credit card or cash deposit THB 2,000 for minibar, room services and all other personal expenses.

 25-26 August 2012: 1st floor near reception area

 27-29 August 2012: 2nd floor, Orchid Ballroom 1 – 2

Internet . Wi-Fi internet covers the whole area within the hotel compound . Wi-Fi and cables are available in the delegates room For internet service, no extra charge is required. However, in order to connect to the Wi-Fi internet, please request password and username from the reception.

Smoking Area Smoking inside of building is strictly restricted.

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Restaurants Opening hours Pavilion Café Restaurant 06.00 - 10.00/11.30 - 14.30/18.00 - 22.30 hrs. (Type of Cuisine: International) Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 08.00 - 22.30 hrs. (closed on Sundays) (Type of cuisine: Thematic cuisine) Sgroppino Cucina Italiana 18.00 - 00.00 hrs. (Type of cuisine: Mediterranean) Loong Yuen 11.30 - 14.00/18.00 - 22.00 hrs. (Type of cuisine: Thematic cuisine) Kronen Brauhaus 18.00 - 01.00 hrs. (Type of cuisine: Thematic cuisine)

Bars Opening hours Cleos Palace Cocktail Lounge 21.00 - 01.00 hrs. Malulee Pool Terrace 07.00 - 20.00 hrs. Orchid Lobby Longe 10.00 - 01.00 hrs. Studio Karaoke 18.00 - 01.00 hrs. Teppanyaki Sushi Bar 18.00 - 22.00 hrs.

Other Hotel Facilities Bakery Barber shops, hairdressing salon and beauty salon on 1st and 4th floor Swimming pool (outdoor pool on 4th floor), Athletics stadium (reservation required)

Pullman Raja Orchid Le Spa, a luxurious urban spa and Lifestyle Health Center – offers extensive health and fitness facilities including exercise and weights equipment, aerobics room, sauna, steam bath, body treatment and fitness programs with professional assistance.

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Thai Airways Office at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel In order to book tickets, do baggage claim, cancellations or other queries, Thai Airways Office can be found on the ground floor of Pullman Hotel. Reservation & Ticketing Address: Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, 9/9 Prachasamran Rd. Khon Kaen 40000 Thailand Phone: (66-043) 227-701-4 Fax: (66-043) 227-708 E-mail: [email protected]

Tres Bien Travel Agent at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel Tres Bien Travel Agent is located on the ground floor opposite to reception area at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel. Available services are flight reservation and travel insurance.

ATM To withdraw money, two ATMs are available in front of the Pullman‘s Hotel  Siam Commercial Bank SCB ATM and Bangkok Bank ATM

G. Other Transportation Service

Down Town:

Taxi Taxis in Khon Kaen are available 24/7. The meter starts at 30 baht and the service charge is 20 baht if the pick-up arrangement is made through a call center.

Telephone numbers of the call center for taxi service are: 043 465 777, 043 465 343, 043 465 380, 043 364 028

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Tuk Tuk Tuk Tuks are also available in the city. However, the service charge will depend on the passenger‘s bargaining ability and agreement with the Tuk Tuk driver.

Song Taew Songtaews are available from early morning (06.00 hrs.) till late evening at around 7.00 hrs. Service charge is around 10 baht per person per trip.

H. Meals

Breakfast Monday - Sunday (06.00 - 10.00 hrs.)/ Saturday &Sunday (06.00 - 10.30 hrs.) A daily ABF breakfast buffet on the 1st floor at ‗Pavilion Café Restaurant‘ is provided at the hotel as part of the room package. (An extra charge for room services is not included in the conference package)

Lunch Sunday 26th - Monday 27th, Wednesday 29th August 2012 Lunch will be provided on the 1st floor at ‗Pavilion Café Restaurant‘, Pullman Hotel.

Tuesday 28th August 2012 Lunch at Singha Golf Park Khon Kaen during technical excursion I

Dinner Sunday 26th August 2012 Reception Dinner on 2nd floor at the ―Orchid Ballroom 3, Pullman Hotel‖ ―Isaan Palang East Meet West‖ welcome party and dinner (dress code: smart casual)

Monday 27th August 2012 Delegates‘ own choices—On Monday 27th August, delegates will be given voucher to be used at different outlets. (Details and available outlets will be informed later.)

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Tuesday 28th August 2012 Dinner at Wishing Tree Resort during technical excursion I

Wednesday 29th August 2012 Farewell dinner will be provided on the 4th floor at Sala Thai, Pullman Hotel. (dress code: smart casual)

I. Emergency/ Other Services

In case of emergency, the Pullman Khon Kaen Hotel and AIEST team will provide a car which will send off injured delegates to hospital within five minutes. Khon Kaen Ram Hospital Location: The Khon Kaen Ram hospital is located at the junction of the Mittraphap (Friendship) road and Sri Chan road, opposite the Central Plaza shopping center. Services provided include: Accident/Emergency, Intensive Care Unit. Khon Kaen Ram is a private hospital providing international quality medical care to the northeast region of Thailand and beyond.

Address: 193 Srichan Rd., Muang 40000 Khon Kaen, THAILAND

Contact: Tel. 0-4333-3800 Fax. 0-4333-3899

Web Site: http://www.khon kaenram.com

Department Store

Central Plaza, Khon Kaen Central Plaza Khon Kaen is a shopping mall in Khon Kaen City and the first shopping mall of Central Group in Isaan of Thailand. It is Thailand‘s second largest retail corporation in the northeastern region of Thailand.

Central Plaza opens everyday from 10.30-21.00 hrs.

Central Tourist Privileges and Tax Refund www.central.co.th

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Bank and Currency Exchange:

Currency Exchange at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel: Delegates can exchange money at Pullman Khon Kaen Hotel Reception, and the following places:

Siam Commercial Bank

Location: ‗Tuk Com‘ Department Store near Pullman Hotel, 1st floor Address: 250/1 Srichan Rd., Muang, Khon Kaen Tel: 043 226 331, 043 226 371 Fax: 043 226 657 Office hours: Everyday from 10.30 - 20.00 hrs.

Bangkok Bank

Address: 254 Srichan Rd., Muang, Khon Kaen, 40000 Tel: 043 222 983 Office hours: Mon. – Fri.; 08.30 - 15.30 hrs.

Krung Thai Bank (KTB)

Address: 21/3 Srichan Rd., Muang, Khon Kaen, 40000 Tel: 043 236 179 Office hours: Mon. – Fri.; 08.30 - 15.30 hrs.

Best rates at: Super Rich (Thailand), Khon Kaen

Super Rich (Thailand) is one of the first few companies which have been given permission to run currency exchange business legitimately. The company offer better rate here.

Location: On Srichan Rd., across to Charoen Thani Proincess Hotel and Bangkok Bank Address: Srichan Rd., Muang, Khon Kaen, 40000 Tel: 043 237 799 Office hours: Mon. – Fri.; 09.45 - 18.00 hrs.; Sat.: 09.45 - 17.00 hrs.

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M. Conference Staff

Team Lead Organizer Mr. Pongphan Sathatip (Mr. Tarn) Assoc. Dean International Affairs Faculty of Management Science Khon Kaen University

Mobile: + 66 (0) 86 646 1188 + 66 (0) 87 492 1199 Email : [email protected], [email protected]

Prof. Dr. Mario Barblan Mobile: + 66 (0) 89 651 1795 Email: [email protected]

AIEST – Org. Team Mekong Institute: Ms. Porwilai Pumira (Ms. Anne) Tel: +66 (0) 43 202 411-2 Ext# 106 Mobile: +66 (0) 87 637 1283 Email: [email protected]

Ms. Jian Wang (Ms. Tina) Tel: +66 (0) 43 202 411-2 Ext#409 Mobile: +66 (0) 87 637 1283 Email: [email protected]

Ms. Ebony Lautner (Ms. Ebony) Tel: +66 (0) 43 202 411-2 Ext# 419 Mobile: +66 (0) 85 740 6157 Email: [email protected]

Ms. Jenisa Belardo (Ms. Jane) Tel: +66 (0) 43 202 411-2 Ext# 200 Email: [email protected]

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