ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS



[pic] | |SADISOPSG/14-IP/01

11/12/08

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SATELLITE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATIONS GROUP (SADISOPSG)

FOURTEENTH MEETING

Bangkok, Thailand, 15 to 17 July 2009

|Agenda Item |2:|Organizational matters |

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

(Presented by the Secretary)

1. VENUE OF THE MEETING

The SADISOPSG/14 Meeting will take place at the Kotaite Wing of the ICAO Asia/Pacific (ASIA/PAC) Regional Office, located at 252/1 Vipawadee-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok next to the PTT Public Company Limited Headquarters and opposite the Sofitel Central Plaza, Bangkok. It is about 40 km away from the Suvarnabhumi Airport and about 12 km from the Sukhumvit Road, where most of the recommended hotels are located. Location of the Regional Office and the route map of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS, also known as the Skytrain) and MRT Sub-way system (the Underground Metro) are published in the APAC website icao.int/apac/ under the heading “Information for Visitors”. The nearest BTS (Skytrain) station to the Office is Mo Chit and the nearest MRT station to the Office is Phahon Yothin. Detailed routing instructions are provided on the website.

2. REGISTRATION

The participants are requested to register at the Registration Desk in front of the ICAO Conference Room on the opening day of the meeting, i.e. Wednesday, 15 July 2009 between 0830 and 0900 hours. Participants are requested to wear an identification badge, which will be issued to them, when attending the meeting or being inside the ICAO premise.

3. DOCUMENTATION FOR THE MEETING

Documentation (working/information papers) for the meeting will be available on the SADISOPSG website at: . No printed copies will be available at the meeting site.

4. OPENiNG OF THE MEETING

The opening of the meeting will take place at 0900 hours on Wednesday, 15 July 2009 at the Conference Room of the ICAO ASIA/PAC Office, where subsequent sessions will also be held.

5. Working hours of the meeting

The expected working hours are as follows:

a) on 15 July 2009: from 0900 to 1430 hours;

b) on 16 July 2009: from 0800 to 1430 hours; and

c) on 17 July 2009: from 0800 to 1200 hours.

There will be a one-hour lunch break on 15 and 16 July 2009 from 1200 to 1300 hours.

6. LANGUAGES

The meeting will be conducted in the English language.

7. OFFICERS OF THE ICAO SECRETARIAT

Dr. Olli M. Turpeinen, Chief, Meteorology/Aeronautical Information Management Section, ICAO Headquarters will act as Secretary. He will be assisted by Mr. C. Keohan, Regional Officer, Meteorology, ICAO ASIA/PAC Regional Office. Mr. Keohan’s contact points are as follows:

Telephone: +66 (2) 537-8189 Ext. 153

Fax: +66 (2) 537-8199

E-mail: ckeohan@bangkok.icao.int

The daily meeting service is the responsibility of Ms. Sarangtip Sundarachampaka, Administrative Officer, ICAO ASIA/PAC Regional Office. Ms. Sriprae Somsri, CNS/MET Secretary, ICAO ASIA/PAC Regional Office, will provide secretarial support.

8. Travel information

1. Hotels

Participants are kindly invited to contact recommended hotels listed in the APAC website at icao.int/apac directly. Participants are advised to make reservation as soon as possible. The Regional Office could assist participants in making hotel reservation, if required. While making reservations, participants should mention that they are attending ICAO meetings to get the special room rate.

2. Transportation between the airport and the city centre

Participants are requested to make their own arrangements for transportation from the airport to the city. Some hotels offer airport pick-up at a charge. Thai Airways International and Airport Taxi Services operate private limousine services from Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok, at about Baht 950 to Baht 1100 per vehicle depending on the type of vehicle. Public taxi meter service is also available at the taxi stands at the airport. In addition to the fare indicated in the taximeter, 50 Baht extra surcharge is required to be paid for hiring a taxi from the airport to city. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority operates an Airport Bus service to the city centre.

When departing, the hotel can arrange the transportation to the airport. Public taxis, which are less expensive than hotel taxis, are also available. Most taxis have a fare meter.

Participants are requested to ensure that their return bookings are confirmed as required.

3. Passport and visa requirements

All foreign nationals entering Thailand must possess valid passports. Participants from certain countries are not required to obtain visas for a temporary visit not exceeding 15 days. It should, however, be noted that the temporary visas issued upon arrival at the airport cannot be extended beyond the period of 15 days except under extraordinary circumstances. It is, therefore, suggested that all participants intending to stay more than 15 days consider obtaining official visas from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their arrival in Thailand.

Participants may wish to obtain information on entry requirements by accessing the web page mfa.go.th/web/2637.php

Participants who require assistance in visa application are requested to notify the ASIA/PAC Regional Office at least one month in advance and provide their itineraries, passport details, i.e. full name, nationality, passport number, and date of issue and expiry.

International certificates of vaccination against yellow fever are required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting an infected area.

4. Customs

The following items may be brought into Thailand duty free:

— personal effects, such as necessary clothing;

— 200 cigarettes, or 250 gr of cigars or tobacco;

— 1 litre alcoholic beverages; and

— perfume for personal use

There are no restrictions on import of foreign currency. However, if the amount exceeds US $10,000 it must be declared on entry. Foreign currencies may be taken out of the country up to the amount imported and declared.

5. Time

The time in Thailand is the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) + 7 hours.

6. Climate

In accordance with the Climatological Normals for the Period (1961-1990) (WMO ─ No. 847 refers), the average maximum and minimum temperatures in Bangkok July are 33°C and 25°C, respectively. The average duration of sunshine is 6 hours/day. The mean monthly rainfall is 155 mm, with three days with precipitation during a week on the average.

7. Currency and banking services

The unit of currency in Thailand is the Baht. Current rate of exchange for US $ (December 2008) is US $ 1 = Baht 35 approximately.

International credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card, Carte Blanche, etc. are accepted at major hotels and department stores.

All commercial banks exchange major foreign currencies and are open between 0830  and 1530 hours, Monday through Friday and some keep the foreign exchange counter open until 2000 hours during weekdays. Foreign exchange counters operated by various commercial banks are located at several places in the city and are also open during Saturdays and Sundays and on public holidays from 1000 to 2000 hours. To change travellers’ cheques, you are required to show your passport.

8. Clothing

Tropical or lightweight clothing is recommended. The ICAO Conference room is air-conditioned.

9. Tipping

Most hotels add a 10 per cent service charge to the room rate in addition to the government tax of 7 per cent. Baggage boys at hotel expect at least Baht 20. At restaurants, a tip of about 10 per cent is expected unless a service charge has been added to the bill.

10. Tap water

Although the tap water in Bangkok is chemically treated, it is, however, recommended that participants drink only bottled water and beverages.

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