Regional Agenda World Economic Forum on East Asia Useful Information Bangkok, Thailand 30 May - 1 June 2012 Useful Information Forum This document is designed to help you prepare for, and get the most out of, your participation in the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, from 30 May to 1 June 2012. We expect over 460 participants from business, government, civil society, academia and media. The programme will include more than 25 official sessions. Contents 1. Facts ................................................................................................................................................................ 2 1.2 Business Hours .................................................................................................................................. 2 1.3 Currency and Credit Cards ................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Electricity ............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.5 Language ........................................................................................................................................... 3 1.6 Mobile Network ................................................................................................................................... 3 1.7 Temperature ....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.8 Time ................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.9 Tipping ................................................................................................................................................ 3 2. Before Leaving for Bangkok ......................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Accommodation .................................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Air Travel ............................................................................................................................................ 5 2.3 Checklist ............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.4 Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................ 5 3. Upon Arrival ................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Arriving in Thailand ............................................................................................................................. 5 3.2 Meeting Venue ................................................................................................................................... 5 3.3 On-site Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 5 3.4 On-site Registration ............................................................................................................................ 6 4. On-site Information ........................................................................................................................................ 6 4.1 Special Events and Networking Occasions ........................................................................................ 6 4.2 About the Sessions ............................................................................................................................ 6 4.2.1 Session Types ............................................................................................................................. 6 4.2.2 Programme Modifications ............................................................................................................ 6 4.2.3 Interpretation ................................................................................................................................ 7 4.2.4 Session Summaries ..................................................................................................................... 7 4.3 Sources of Information ....................................................................................................................... 7 4.3.1 Online – Private Area of the World Economic Forum website and the Mobile Apps ................... 7 4.3.2 Public Website (www.weforum.org) ............................................................................................. 7 4.3.3 Bulletin Board .............................................................................................................................. 7 4.3.4 Information Desk .......................................................................................................................... 7 4.3.5 Internet and Insight Centre .......................................................................................................... 7 4.3.6 Your Contact Person at the World Economic Forum ................................................................... 8 4.4 Spouses ............................................................................................................................................. 8 4.5 Media .................................................................................................................................................. 8 5. Support Services ........................................................................................................................................... 9 5.1 Cultural Programme ........................................................................................................................... 9 5.2 Medical Services ................................................................................................................................ 9 5.3 Security .............................................................................................................................................. 9 6. Miscellaneous .............................................................................................................................................. 10 6.1 Table for Two ................................................................................................................................... 10 1 1. Facts 1.1 Facts about Bangkok Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and by far the most densely populated city in the country with some 12 million inhabitants. Originally a small trading post on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River at the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it became the capital city in 1768 following the death of King Taksin and was moved to the east bank of the river by Rama I. Today, Bangkok is one of the most important commercial hubs in South East Asia, hosting many visitors as both a gateway and a principal destination. It has more than 400 richly decorated temples, six universities and some of the largest shopping centres in Asia. Its numerous canals, some of which are home to floating markets, have made Bangkok known as "Venice of the East”. 1.2 Business Hours Banks: Banks are open between 09.30 and 15.30 and are closed on weekends. However, currency exchange shops are open every day of the week and until late at night. Shops: Most shops and supermarkets are open from 10.00 until 22.00 every day. 1.3 Currency and Credit Cards Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted at hotels, most restaurants and shops in Thailand. Thai Baht (THB) As of 1 May 2012 1 EUR = 40.14 Thai Baht (THB) 1 US$ = 30.76 Thai Baht (THB 1 CHF = 33.39 Thai Baht (THB) 1.4 Electricity The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 hertz. 2 1.5 Language Of the four main Thai languages spoken in the country, the language of the capital is “standard Thai”, also known as “Bangkok Thai”. It is possible to get by with English in Bangkok – most street signs are written in both Thai and English, including traffic signs. Elsewhere in the country, English is spoken in commercial and government circles and predominantly in tourist destinations. 1.6 Mobile Network Thailand uses the international GSM (Global System for Mobile Telephony) standard. Foreign visitors can use mobile phones outside the national network under the international “roaming” system. The international dialling code for Thailand is +66. To place a call to Bangkok, dial as follows: International calls: Dial 00 + country code (66) + 2 (Bangkok) + number National calls: Dial 00 + 2 (Bangkok) + number 1.7 Temperature Thailand has a tropical climate, featuring high temperatures and humidity, and monsoons. During the primary monsoon season, which begins in May, the hot weather (26-35°C) and humidity intensify but rains cool temperatures somewhat. Humidity: 80% 1.8 Time Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT/UTC. Daylight savings time is not observed. 1.9 Tipping Tipping is not customary in Thailand but always appreciated. A 10% service is levied in restaurants and hotels; taxi drivers and doormen welcome a small gratuity. 3 2. Before Leaving for Bangkok 2.1 Accommodation PublicisLive is the operations and production provider in charge of all logistical operations for the World Economic