VENUE: The workshop takes place on the 2nd floor of the SCI 26 / Anyamanee Building of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. See the map on the main page for the location of the building and of the nearby public transport stations.
IMMIGRATION: Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for stays of up to 60 days; citizens of some other countries may obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 15 days. See the main page for the official lists. At the immigration desk it is simplest to describe your visit as tourism or as a short visit; there is no need to elaborate on the academic purpose of the trip, which tends to invite unnecessary questions.
ARRIVING FROM SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK): The Airport Rail Link departs from the basement of the terminal. Take it to its terminus at Makkasan, walk across to the adjacent Petchaburi MRT station, and take the subway (blue line) to Sam Yan, which is at the southern edge of the Chulalongkorn campus. Alternatively, leave the Airport Rail Link at Phayathai and change to the BTS skytrain for Ratchathewi, Siam or National Stadium, all of which are within walking distance of the campus.
ARRIVING FROM DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK): Take the SRT red line to its terminus at Krungthep Apiwat (Bang Sue) and change there to the blue line MRT, which will take you to Sam Yan.
TAXIS: Use the official taxi desk outside the terminal building, not the touts inside. Insist that the driver use the meter. You pay the metered fare plus a small airport surcharge (for which you receive a receipt) plus any expressway tolls. Taxis in Bangkok are inexpensive by international standards. Avoid tuk-tuks, which are slower, less comfortable and more expensive than taxis.
GETTING AROUND: Sam Yan (also spelled Sam Yarn) is at the southern edge of the campus. The campus is also within walking distance of National Stadium and Siam BTS stations. Lodging near the National Stadium BTS station is convenient and recommended.
MONEY: ATMs are widely available. It is convenient to bring some euros or US dollars in cash. Exchange rates at the airport are acceptable for the major currencies only; Siam Exchange, near the campus, offers exceptionally favorable rates, including for regional currencies.
MOBILE PHONE: A SIM card costs around 50 baht at any 7-Eleven. The TRUE Tourist SIM is recommended.
SOCIAL PROGRAM:
Wednesday, January 6: excursion. Two groups will meet at 1pm at the workshop
building. Group 1 goes to the Grand Palace (long pants and long sleeves are
required for entry). Group 2 goes to a selection of off-beat locations.
Thursday, January 7: workshop dinner on campus at 6pm.