INFRASTRUCTURE - iad.bangkokiad.bangkok.go.th/sites/default/files/section3_2.pdf · 59 Electricity...

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58 To develop an effluent treatment system, and establish a “Flood Control Center” with 55 network stations, using low-cost treatment techniques and building additional water treatment systems, while restoring the beauty and cleanliness of canals and rivers. To provide timely solutions to flood risk areas caused by heavy rains through enhancing the efficiency of pumping and drainage systems. 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. INFRASTRUCTURE To build walls to prevent and solve flood problems caused by seasonal, northern and marine overflows in the Bangkok area. To develop an information technology system to support drainage systems throughout Bangkok. Water Management At present, the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) provides the public water supply in the BMA, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn provinces at an average of 4.15 million cubic meters per day, over a 1,486.5 sq. km area. The BMA continuously monitors the quality of the water supply and canals. It has adopted the following strategy on environmental management and energy conservation: Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Discovering the City

Transcript of INFRASTRUCTURE - iad.bangkokiad.bangkok.go.th/sites/default/files/section3_2.pdf · 59 Electricity...

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To develop an effl uent treatment system,and establish a “Flood Control Center” with 55 network stations, using low-costtreatment techniques and building additional water treatment systems, whilerestoring the beauty and cleanliness of canals and rivers.

To provide timely solutions to fl ood risk areas caused by heavy rains through enhancing the effi ciency of pumping and drainage systems.

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.

INFRASTRUCTURE

To build walls to prevent and solve fl ood problems caused by seasonal, northern and marine overfl ows in the Bangkok area.

To develop an information technology system to support drainage systems throughout Bangkok.

Water Management

At present, the Metropolitan WaterworksAuthority (MWA) provides the public water supply in the BMA, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn provinces at an average of 4.15 million cubic meters per day, over a 1,486.5 sq. km area.

The BMA continuously monitors the quality of the water supply and canals. It has adopted the following strategy on environmental management and energy conservation:

Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority

Source: Metropolitan Waterworks Authority

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Electricity

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) Load Forecast Committee forecasts that the power consumption demand in Bangkok and its neighboring provinces of Nonthaburi and Samut Prakran (covered by Metropolitan Electricity Authority) will grow by fi ve percent between 2006 and 2008.

Bangkok’s highest electric consumption, about 40 percent of total consumption, is by the industrial sector, with approximately 35 percent consumption by business and 22 percent by residential sectors.

Telephone

Bangkok is served by two fi xed-line telephone operators: the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT), a state enterprise, and True Corporation Plc., a private company, both of which can install phones in a timely fashion; usually a matter of days. Local calls are not timed and carry a fi xed charge of 3 baht per call. Areas outside Bangkok are served by TOT and another private company, TT&T Plc. The fi xed-line network has a total capacity of over 8 million lines, of which about 7 million are in use.

International calls are handled by the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) and the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT), which provide direct access to just about any country. International rates have been falling due to competition among providers.

Mobile phones are readily available at competitive prices from three main service providers using GSM

digital networks: Advanced Info Services (AIS), Total Access Communications (TAC) and True Move. A wide range of service packages are available, with many prices and options from which to choose. The number of mobile subscribers has soared from a less than 2 million in 1997 to about 31.5 million in 2005.

The internet is widely available within Bangkok and throughout the country. About one dozen private companies offer services for personal and corporate accounts. Prepaid or subscription services are available at reasonable rates. Monthly rates from some companies are as low as 500 baht per month for unlimited service. The government has committed itself to making broadband internet service widely available and affordable. In 2004 the number of internet users rose to over 6 million people, or approximately 10% of the population.

STATISTICS OF TELEPHONE SERVICES: 2004COMPARISON TELEPHONE AND MOBILE’S TELEPHONE LINE IN USED IN BANGKOK: 2000-2004

Source: TOT Corporation Public Company Limited Source: TOT Corporation Public Company Limited

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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:

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

Exhibition Area64,665 sq.m.Car Park700 cars, 30 buses

Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center

Exhibition Area160,220 sq.m.Car Park20,000 cars

Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center

Exhibition Area36,000 sq.m.Car Park4,700 cars

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INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ZONE: AVAILABLE AREAS

Industrial estates in Thailand resemble town or city that provides the complete infrastructure necessary for industrial operations, such as an ample electric and water supply, fl ood protection, wastewater treatment, solid waste disposal, etc. They are accessible to seaports, airports and other transportation centers. In addition to providing communication facilities and security systems, an industrial estate also contains commercial banks and a post offi ce. Some have customs offi ces, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and other facilities needed for investors and workers. They are, in fact, self-contained communities.

Industrial Estates in Thailand are classifi ed into three categories

u Those owned and managed by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), a state enterprise attached to the Ministry of Industry.

u Those that are joint-ventures between the IEAT and private developers.

u Those developed, managed and wholly owned by private developers.

Industrial Estates in Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area

There are 8 industrial estates located in Bangkok and its neighboring provinces in the Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area:

Industrial estates are generally divided into two zones:

General Industrial Zones (GIZ), which are reserved 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.

Industrial Estate Zone Industrial Zone/Available Area

Zone /Area (Rai) (Sq.km)Bangkok AreaBangchan Industrial Estate 510 0.82 Minburi, BangkokGemopolis Industrial Estate 176 0.28 Praves, BangkokLardkrabang Industrial Estate 1,899 3.04 Ladkrabang, BangkokVinicity AreaBangkadi Industrial Park 907 1.45 SamutprakanNava Nakorn Industrial Estate 6,135 9.82 Pathum ThaniBangplee Industrial Estate 1,004 1.61 SamutprakanBangpoo Industrial Estate 3,902 6.24 SamutprakanSamut Sakorn Industrial Estate 1,041 1.67 Samut SakhonTotal Available Area 15,574 24.92 Source : IEAT

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GLOBAL CITY

Bangkok is a global city for living, investing and visiting.

Bangkok is a cost competitive global city that has attracted a large community of residential expatriate community. Its cosmopolitan lifestyle, close proximity to the beaches, mountains, and other neighboring countries, and friendliness of the Thai people, has made Bangkok a friendly place for foreigners to relocate, start a business, or to retire.

According to the 2005 estimates by foreign embassies’ registration fi gures, there are over 250,000 expatriates living in Bangkok. Of those expatriates, the Japanese are the largest foreign community at 30,000 residents. The U.S. Embassy’s American Citizens Services Unit estimates that there are

approximately 15,000 Americans living in Bangkok.

Bangkok is Thailand’s investment gateway and a global city for investment from all over the world particularly from Japan, Singapore, United State of America, Hong Kong, and Germany.

It is a global city that has become a global destination for foreign visitors. Bangkok and the many exotic resorts throughout the country have become one of the favorite destinations for tourists particularly from Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Sweden.

Bangkok is widely considered a global city. It has many characteristics similar to many prominent international cities.Bangkok has an international fi rst-name familiarity. It has active infl uence in international events and international and regional affairs.

Bangkok has a large population, advanced communications infrastructure and transportation system, including a strategic international airport.

Bangkok attracts numerous foreign businesses and has sizable expatriate communities. The city hosts year-round numerous global international conventions, exhibitions, and incentives meetings.

Bangkok is considered a strategic diplomatic posting within the region

and hosts many key international organizations. It also host many regional international news bureaus.

The city has a lively cultural scene that is growing in recognition such as the annual Bangkok International Film Festival, Bangkok Jazz Festival, and the Bangkok International Festival of Dance & Music.

According to the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) based in Leicestershire, England,Bangkok is grouped as a global city at the same level as Beijing, Montreal, Rome, Stockholm, and Warsaw. The GaWC ranked cities based on provision of “advanced producer services” such as accountancy, advertising, fi nance and law, by international corporations.

Top 5 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2005

(Million Baht)

2004 2005

Japan 27,578.1 25,085.6

Singapore 3,128.4 12,147.3

USA -1,155.9 10,598.23

Hong Kong 2,280.6 10,097.8

Germany 6,713.7 6,661.9

Source : Offi ce of the Board of Investment

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BEST TOURISM CITYVoted the “best city for tourists” by travel + leisure magazine

Bangkok Attractions Overview

Bangkok indeed has been a host of attractions to offer and is not just a place to visit briefl y on your way to somewhere else. The city is dotted with over 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnifi cent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, and traditional ways of life, especially along the timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River, the “River of Kings”, which winds through the city. It’s worth taking a trip along the river before exploring further into the different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Shopping Attractions

The City has become a shopping heaven from the exotic Chatuchak Weekend Market to international brand name boutiques at luxurious shopping centers. Bangkok is one of Asia’s originators of chic spas and medical tourism centers. It is a city where one moment you can be in the 21st century and the next walking through antiquity.

Culinary Attractions

Bangkok also offers some of the best food on the planet - authentic Thai cuisine alongside the very best dishes from almost every part of the world. The many fl avors of Thai food have delighted food connoisseurs the world over. Thai food has become synonymous with spicy oriental cuisine.

Business Attractions

Bangkok is a great place to hold meetings, conventions, and exhibitions as there are numerous facilities convention centers and hotels. It is a great place for corporate incentive programs and has many tourist attractions, shopping, varied, restaurants and relaxing destinations.

Nearby Attractions: Close Proximity to Historical Landmarks, Beach Resorts and Mountain Retreats

Bangkok is also an ideal central destination for travelers to extend their stay in order to visit nearby historical landmarks, such as the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya and the “Bridge over the River Kwai” in Kanchanaburi province; as well as the beach and golf resorts of Pattaya and Hua Hin - all within a short distance drive.

Buddhism

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from a woman’s hand. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she fi rst hands it to a man, or puts it on a plate that will be provided.

Wats or temp les are open to all visitors. Only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Benchama Bophit, and Wat Arun charge admission fees (to cover restoration costs).

Each Buddha image, regardless of its size or condition represents the Buddha. Thus, visitors should never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might indicate a lack of respect.

Visitors should dress neatly when at religious shrines and should never go to one topless, or wearing shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire. In the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, women are also forbidden to wear sleeveless shirts.

It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

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, and Buddhist ceremonies, unless otherwise noted.

Culture and Friendliness of Thai People Attraction

It is said that Bangkok is one of the safest cities to visit. A large number of tourists travel here because of the many attractions, which include the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous and have a family based culture, calling their neighbors “pee” (older brother or sister) or “nong” (younger brother or sister).

Thai Tradition

“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.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and fi guratively. Therefore, touching people on their head is considered rude. In contrast, feet are considered the most degraded part of the body, and using feet to point something out to someone is regarded to be very rude.

Thai people do not display affection between men and women in public, although it is accepted in Bangkok where most people are westernized. But in rural areas, where traditional standards of social behavior are still strictly upheld, it is unsuitable to openly express affection.

Tips for Traveling

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.

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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.

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Wat Phra Kaeo (The Emerald Buddha Temple)

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located in a separate complex within the compound of the Grand Palace, is Thailand’s holiest shrine. Offi cially named Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, the temple complex was modeled on the temples of the Sukhothai and Ayuttaya eras. Even though small in size, the Emerald Buddha is considered one of the most important icons for Thai people. The sacred Buddha was fi rst brought to Thonburi, currently the west side of Bangkok, by King Taksin the Great. In 1784, King Rama I moved the statue to the current location in Bangkok. It should be pointed out that the Emerald Buddha is in reality carved from a large piece of green jade. The word in Thai for emerald means “green colored”.

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram Ratchaworawihan (The Marbel Temple)

Constructed in 1899 by King Rama V, its walls are covered with Carrara marble from Italy.

Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmngkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) (The Reclining Buddha Temple)

This large and extensive temple neighbors the Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and contains a gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha some 46 meters long and 15 meters high, with inlaid mother of pearl soles.

Wat Arunratchawara-ram Ratchaworama-hawihan (Wat Arun) (Temple of the Dawn)

This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, located diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 meter central pagoda (phra prang), which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho.

Wat Saket Ratcha-woramahawihan (Golden Mountain)

Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the mid 19th century. It is an artifi cial hill topped by a gilded pagoda, which is 260 feet in height. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mountain is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok’s old area. The golden Chedi houses relics of the Buddha and affords visitors who climb its 318 steps a panoramic view of Bangkok from the top.

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Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan

Surrounded by the greatest concentration of Buddhist supply shops in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is one of the most important Buddhist centers in the kingdom. This temple, which Somerset Maugham declared to have the most beautiful roofl ine, is among the oldest and largest in Bangkok.

The Giant Swing

The Giant Swing, which is in close vicinity of the BMA headquarters, was used in an annual ceremony that was observed just before World War II to celebrate the rice harvest. Men used to ride on the Giant Swing and try to grab a bag of silver coins attached to a pole, but today only the bright red teak arch remains.

The Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine is a shrine that houses a statue of a four-faced Brahma or “Than Tao Mahaprom”, who is believed to be a Brahma god full of kindness, mercy, sympathy and impartiality. Each virtue is represented in the four faces of the image, radiating serene grace. The shrine is visited on a daily basis by hundreds of people who make very specifi c prayers, and offer services to Brahma if their prayer is granted. Such service might include an offering of a garland of fl owers, or purchasing lotus fl owers and candles for the temple. There are often feature performances by resident Thai dance troupes hired by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers answered. The shrine is considered to be one of the most sacred in Bangkok and has given many people the inner strength to ease the burdens they face in their lives, while struggling to overcome problems.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum

This is the world’s largest golden teak building, built in 1910 by King Rama V upon his return from Europe. The Vimanmek Mansion has an elaborate architectural style refl ecting a western infl uence and is located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchwithi Road. In 1982, on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Bicentennial Celebrations of Bangkok, Her Majesty the Queen asked for His Majesty’s permission to renovate the mansion for use as a museum to honor King Rama V by displaying the king’s photographs, art and artifacts commemorating royal visits to Europe, and also to exhibit Thai handicrafts in a showcase of national heritage.

In addition, other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and artistic objects; such as H.M. King Bhumibol’s photographs, H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and also portraits, old clocks, and cloth.

Royal Barge National Museum

Thailand’s ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, located on the Thonburi side of the river. The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels.

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Thailand is a paradise for shoppers. Regular visitors to Asia know that in many ways Bangkok beats Hong Kong and Singapore for deals in terms of handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewelry, art and antiques.

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is a common practice and prices may be reduced by as much as thirty percent. Courtesy at all times is appreciated.

Shopping in Thailand is an adventure in itself. From modern department stores and shopping plazas, to fl ea markets and roadside stalls where bargaining is obligatory, even visitors with the greatest willpower will no doubt fi nd something to their liking.

National Museum

Within walking distance of the Grand Palace is the National Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country, ranging from neolithic times, to the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods.

Jim Thompson Museum

Despite the name, the Jim Thompson House is one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Thai house in the city. This remarkable house-cum-museum, once home to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, accom-

modates Thompson’s vast collection of antiques and artwork from all over Southeast Asia. Jim Thompson’s marketing skills helped turn the fortunes of an ailing Thai silk industry around, and the brand that bears his name is, to this day, regarded as the fi nest brand of Thai silk. Jim Thompson’s House is located alongside Saen Saeb Canal on Soi Kasem San 2, off Rama I Road.

Kukrit’s House

The house of former Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj is an antique Thai structure that was assembled in Bangkok. It contains a fi ne art collection and its gardens are noted for their Thai bonsai trees and for eastern and western-style sections. M. R. Kukrit was raised in a family of royal descent and was also

SHOPPING PARADISEa well-known writer of many classic Thai novels. He also appeared in the Marlon Brando fi lm “The Ugly American” as a prime minister.

Suan Pakkad Palace

Located on Sri Ayutthaya Road, this complex of fi ve Thai-style houses contains an important collection of Asian antiques. An exquisite lacquer pavilion is decorated with a sumptuous late Ayutthaya period gold leaf mural. There is also a Khon Museum, where masks and costumes of the classical play are on display.

The average length of stay has been about 8 days over the past 10 years. This fact illustrates that Thailand is the ideal place for a longer stay. Long stay visitors to Thailand are steadily on the rise, thanks to a growing infl ux of retirees and visiting friends and relatives of the large expatriate community in the kingdom. According to Tourism Authority of Thailand statistics, in 2004 a total of 568,620 visitors stayed in Thailand for more than 30 days. This was up by 7.15% from 2003 and comprised 4.88% of total visitor arrivals.

The top fi ve markets for long stay tourism were Japan (73,882 visitors, an 8.4% increase), United Kingdom (62,364 visitors, a 6.47% increase), United States (44,498 visitors, a 9.82% increase), Germany (39,151 visitors, a 1.30% increase), and China (33,337 visitors, an 18.33% increase). Another major market is Sweden (17,304 visitors, a 7.99% increase).

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Shopping Areas

Siam SquarePratu NamBang LamphuSoi Lalai SapSilomSukhumvitChatuchakYaowaratCenter PointPhahurat

Department Stores

Central World PlazaSiam ParagonSiam DiscoverySiam CenterPeninzula PlazaNarai PhandEmporiumPantip PlazaGaysorn Plaza

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and souvenirs is just as popular. But beyond souvenir shopping and bar hopping, Bangkok offers a much wider range of sophisticated entertainment, such as traditional performances. Most locations are easily accessible by either BTS or MRT.

RELAXING

Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok’s nightlife has a reputation for being wild and rowdy, but at the same time it is relaxed, safe and enjoyable. Rapidly establishing itself as Asia’s capital of cool, Bangkok’s diverse nightlife scenes feature everything from excellent live music, to good jazz clubs, ultra cool bars, exuberant dance venues and great restaurants, and go far beyond its once upon a time sleazy and naughty.

Notorious places like Patpong continue to attract curious tourists to thenumerous neon-lit girly bars, while its adjacent night market, selling clothes

Bangkok Restaurants

Bangkok is a city full of tasty experiencesand food sensations. Apart from renowned Thai cuisine with its blend of spicy, sour, sweet and salty, there are also national dishes from almost every country to be found. Dining options are as unpredictable as some of the dishes. Great value food courts, riverside bar-restaurants, Thai style dining in teak pavilions, air-conditioned fi ne dining, or brand fast food chains - Bangkok offers a total food experience.

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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.

Thai Food Cooking School

Thai cuisine has gained worldwide popularity over the years. When in Thailand, what better way to spend a part of your visit than to learn fi rsthand from renowned Thai chefs how to prepare Thai dishes. Recommended cooking classes in Bangkok are at The Oriental Thai Cooking School , Baipai Thai Cooking School , and the Blue Elephant cooking school.

Golf in Bangkok

Bangkok golf courses offer great value for the money with many excellent golf clubs offering a high level of service at very competitive prices. Golf tours and holidays have grown rapidly across Thailand, particularly in the Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area where there are scores of delightful courses within easy reach of the city center. Most of them have been renovated and developed to world-class standards.

Cycling

Cycle the back roads at the right time of day and you’ll see another facet of this great city. Cycling tours have become more popular over the last few years, as visitors discover they can see places not accessible by bus or car. Several different types of cycling tours, usually in small groups, are now organized, mostly by independent operators who know the city like the back of their hand.

Bowling

Good for rainy days and when you’re simply in need of a break. There are many trendy bowling alleys that are usually located on the top fl oor of shopping malls, along with a host of other entertainment - cinemas, video games, karaoke, computer games and food courts.

BANGKOK ACTIVITIES

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Retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle and seek tranquility in a hotel or private spa retreat. Thai spas offer a perfect way to recreate the balance of body, mind and spirit. Blending Western and ancient Asian techniques that have been passed down over generations, Thai spas offer exotic and tropical surroundings, legendary hospitality and provide an ideal setting for the continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.

Many high-end hotels and luxury serviced apartment residences in Bangkok take pride in their own lavish in-house spas. Private spas are just 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.

SPAS AND HEALTH

Since 1999, Thai spas have managed to consistently secure a place as one of the world’s Top-5 overseas spas by travelers and readers of renowned travel and lifestyle magazines, such as Condé Nast Traveler.

Today Thai spas compete on an equal footing with their international counterparts in the cosmopolitan centers and fashion capitals of the world.

Recommended spas in Bangkok include Devarana Spa of The Dusit Thani Hotel, Banyan Tree Spa of the Banyan Tree Hotel, and The Oriental Spa of The Oriental Hotel.

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February

March

April

May June July

August

September October November December

IMPORTANT EVENTS AND ANNUAL FESTIVALS IN BANGKOK

ú New Year Celebrationú Bangkok International Film Festivalú Bangkok China Town Festival

ú Makha Buchaú Chinese New Year ú Bangkok Songkran Festival

ú Ploughing Ceremomyú Coronation Dayú Visakha Bucha

ú Thailand Grand Sale

ú Yaowarat Food Festival ú H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrationú Trooping the coloursú Constitution Dayú New Year’s Eve

ú Loi Krathong Festivalú Golden Mount Fair

ú Traditional Thai Kites, Sport and Music Festival

ú King Chulalongkorn Day

ú Asanha Buchaú Khao Phansa

ú H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration

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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.

United Nation

ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c

FAO Food and Agriculture OrganizationIBRD International Bank for Reconstruction

and DevelopmentICAO International Civil Aviation OrganizationIFC International Finance CorporationILO International Lobour OrganizationITU International Telecommunication UnionUNDCP United Nations Offi ce on Drugs and

Crime (UNODC) Regional Center for East Asia and the Pacifi c

UNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNEP United Nations Environment ProgrammeUNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientifi c

and Cultural OrganizationUNFPA United Nations Population FundUNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees Regional Offi ce for Thailand Combodia Laos and Vietnam

UNICEF United Nations Children’s FundUNIDO United Nations Industrial Development

OrganizationUNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for

WomenUPU Universal Postal UnionWHO World Health Organization

International Organizations

ADB The Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank

AIT Asian Institute of Technology APPTC Asian-Pacifi c Postal Training CentreAPT Asia-Pacifi c TelecommunicationARC Asian Reinsurance CorporationCCOP Committee for Coordination of Joint

Prospection for Mineral Resources in Asian Offshore Areas

ICRD International Committee of the Red CrossIFRC International Federation of Red Cross

and Red Crescent SocietiesINTERPOL Offi ce for Southeast Asia of the International

Criminal Police OrganizationIOM International Organization for MigrationNACA Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-

Pacifi cSEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development

CenterSEAMES Southeast Asian Ministers of Education

SecretariatUNOPS The Regional Offi ce for Asia of the United

Nations Offi ce for Project Services

United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacifi c, Statistics Division.

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List of Foreign Embassies

Bangkok is one of Asia’s key diplomatic capitals. Foreign embassies are conveniently located in the center of the city.

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