VENUE

6th International Conference on Environmental Informatics

November 21-23, 2007, Bangkok, Thailand

VENUE

United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)

The meeting will be held in the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) located on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue and Klong Phadung Krungkasem Road, Bangkok, Thailand. The UNCC occupies approximately 18,600 square metres of land and is in close proximity to many government offices.

The UNCC, under the general management of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is run by a professional and experienced convention team which presently provides a wide range of conference services for numerous United Nations meetings.

How To Get There

Bus
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 6 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have maximum fares of 22 baht, respectively. Micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes.

Taxi
Taxis are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.

Tuk-tuk
These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance.

BTS Sky Trains and Subway (Metro)
The BTS sky train routes connect leading hotels and major shopping areas in Bangkok. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. The MRT subway system connects many of the top tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets, and the business district.

Boat
These boats are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Most of them are just cross river ferries.

About Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.

About Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is the centre of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation. A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it is a family based culture.

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 cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions.

Geography

Bangkok is located in the central part of the country on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, which is the most important river that can be compared to the main artery of the nation. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine, high temperature and humidity.

Climate

The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There are three main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter (November-January) and Summer (February-April). The average low temperature is approximately in low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature in mid 30 degree Celsius.

Economy

Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports. There are two important sectors of economy in Bangkok. First, Thailand has been an agricultural country in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main source generating income. Second, Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors coming to Thailand.

Population

The population of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about 10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors.

About Loy Krathong Festival

Visitors can enjoy Loy Krathong festival held on the full moon night of the 12 lunar month. For this year, the festival starts from November 24-26. Celebrations include krathong floating, a fireworks display, and local games and performances.

Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

The floating of a krathong – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.

This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joint with Educational Institution and Thai Baot Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and the 12 lighten up buildings and historical sites along Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.