INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS:
APEC Center for Technology Foresight is honored to host The First International Conference on City Foresight in Asia Pacific between 5 to 7 September 2007 at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Information about Chiang Mai, Thailand
(info from: http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=38)

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers... Continue to read more about Chiang Mai, Thailand...

DETAILED INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS:

CONFERENCE FEE: There is no Conference fee; however, all participants are required to complete and submit online registration prior to attending the Conference. All participants cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

1. WORKSHOP DATES:
Date: 5 to 7 September 2007

2. VENUE:
Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Address: 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Tel: +66 76 428300, 595300, 443300
Fax: +66 76 443200
Website: http://www.cmu.ac.th/main_Eng.htm

3. HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
It is recommended that all participants to stay at AMARI Rincome Hotel which is located close to Chiangmai University. The organizers have already negotiated hotel special rates for all participants. September is beginning of a high season in Chiang Mai and the hotel offered limited rooms for our participants. It is then recommended to book your hotel accommodation as soon as possible.

How to reserve a hotel reservation?
Please download hotel reservation information here, choose a hotel, and reserve your rooms via email. A hotel representative will contact you for your detailed itineraries after receiving your request for reservation.

4. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Participants should make their own travel arrangements and have their passports in their possession and present air tickets with their return flights upon entry to Thailand. Do not lose your Arrival/ Departure Card – you will need it when leaving the country.

Participants carrying official passports from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam are permitted to stay up to 30 days without visas.

Please check with the Thai Embassy regarding requirements for securing visa, if any.

5. TRANSPORTION

Chiang Mai is located approximately 700 kilometers at the North of Bangkok, Thailand. Domestic flights are available both at Don Muang (or Mueang) International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport since 25 March 2007; however, most of the domestics flights use Don Muang International Airport. Please check carefully with your airline companies about flight destinations. Detailed information of domestic flights to Chiang Mai to/from Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok. Useful link to find more flight schedules to Chiang Mai Airport can be found at
http://www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/bangkok/index.asp?lang=en
or http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=38&typeid=2

There are various airlines flying daily to Chiang Mai, Thailand. All local participants need to fly to Chiang Mai Airport from Don Muang International airport then take airport transportation to selected hotels, it is recommended to choose one close to Chiang Mai University. (List of recommended hotels will be provided on this website) Domestic flights should be found available depending on selections of airlines. Please click this link to find more information about destination guide of how to get to Chiang Mai from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

International participants need to fly to Bangkok first then to Chiang Mai Airport. However, there are various international airlines flying directly to Chiang Mai, Thailand, please check carefully with your travel agencies or airline companies for detailed flight schedules, each company has own flying routes. It is recommended that participants should check their international travel schedules accordingly.

SELECTIONS OF TRANSPORTATIONS AT THE CHIANG MAI AIRPORT:

It is also recommended to visit Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited for latest information about Chiang Mai airport transportations.

LIMOUSINE HIRE
Tickets are sold at the limousine desk in the passenger hall, 1st floor, opposite the international and domestic arrival lounge.

TAXI
Taxi fare includes 40 baht surcharge (35 Baht in Bangkok) and the actual fare. Total cost of a taxi depends on distances. Estimated taxi expenses from the Chiang Mai airport to CMU should not exceed 100 Baht.

PARA-TRANSIT (or so called Red Song Taew):
In general the department of Chiang Mai Transport announces maximum fare of the transport is around 25 Baht but, for real situations, the fare should start from 10 Baht. If taking the para-transit from the airport, drivers prefer lump-sum money for the fare in which visitors can negotiate with them. From Chiang Mai Airport to CMU, cost of the fare should range between 200-300 Baht. Visitors can share the cost of the fare as the para-transit can manage up to 8 to 10 passengers. (20-30 Baht/person for up to 10 persons).

BUS
Bus, there is only one route for the bus no. 6R which passes the airport. Unfortunately, visitors need to wait for a minimum of 30 minutes per bus. In-bound and out-bound routes are available, but there is no English language on the bus. They can pick up visitors at the airport to CMU directly. The fare rate is fixed to 15 Baht. Link to the bus routes in Thai language are available at
http://www.chiangmaibus.com/, English information is available in English language yet.

6. PROCEEDINGS:
The organizers will provide handout materials for all participant. Other information such as discussion papers, submission of papers, particularly of those needed to be produced and those that will be used during the Conference should be submitted electronically at apectf@nstda.or.th or mayuree@nstda.or.th or by facsimile no. 66 2644 8191.

7. ASSISTANCE FROM THE ORGANIZERS:
Organizing Committee and its team will give assistance to all participants. Please inform beforehand about your need such as request of LCD projector and other special equipment for presentations during the Conference.

8. NAMETAG:
Please wear your name tag at all times during the Conference to make the Conference manageable.

9. CONFIRMATION OF TICKET:
A hotel reception will be able to assist you in reconfirming your airline ticket, arranging city tours and any other request.

10. EXCURSION:
A special site visit was prepared for all participants on 5 September 2007, traveling costs for the visit for participants will be on the house.

11. TOURIST INFORMATION ABOUT CHIANG MAI, THAILAND:

Tourist information is available at www.tourismthailand.org
Or contact: TAT Head office
TAT Head Office: Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi , Bangkok 10400, THAILAND
Tel: 6602 250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: 6602 250 5511
http://www.tourismthailand.org
E-mail: center@tat.or.th

In Bangkok you can find TAT Tourist Information Counters at the following locations:

Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Phechatburi Road, Makkasan, Rajathewi, Bangkok 10400, THAILAND
Open daily 08.30-16.30 hrs.

Don Muang International Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrival Floor, Domestic Tel : (66)2132 1888 Open daily 08.00-22.00 hrs. Arrival Floor, International Tel : (66)2132 1888 Open daily 08.00-22.00 hrs.

Ministy Of Tourism and Sport: 4 Ratchademnoen Nok Rd, Pom Perb Sattru Phai,Bangkok 10100 Tel: (66)2283 1500 Ext. 1620 Open daily 08.30-16.30 hrs.

TAT Call Center 1672 Operation hours 08.00-20.00 hrs.

12. OTHERS:

For further details, please contact:
APEC Technology Foresight Center
National Science and Technology Development Agency
73/1 NSTDA Bldg. Rama VI Road
Rajathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: (66 2) 644-8150 ext 743
Fax: (66 2) 644-8191
e-mail: apectf@nstda.or.th

USEFUL FACTS:

Local Time: GMT +7 hours. Thailand observes the Western 12-month calendar. Religious and seasonal ceremonies follow lunar time.

Climate: Thailand is warm and rather humid tropical country with monsoonal climate. Temperature highest in March and April, with average of 28°C to 38 °C. September is in the end of rainy season and winter begins in October. Warm casual clothes are recommended for traveling and informal wear is acceptable in most places.

Language: Thai is the national and official language while English is widely spoken and understood in major cities, particularly in Bangkok and in business circles.

Currency: Baht is the Thai Currency. Bank notes are in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 baht and coins in 1, 5, and 10 baht. Currently, it has an exchange rate of approx. 40 Thai Baht for 1 US Dollar.

Making an International Call:
Operator-assisted calls: dial 100.
Direct dialing: dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number.
Domestic call: use 9 digit number (city code-telephone number)

Electricity: 220 Volts, 50 cycles throughout the country

CHIANG MAI MAPS:
http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/chiang_mai_map/chiang_mai_map_2000pix.html

TOP