Asian Institute of Technology (AIT): The Co-host and the Venue of ELLTA 2017
ELLTA 2017 is co-hosted by The Yunus Center, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Extension, Bangkok, Thailand.
The Asian Institute of Technology‘s mission is to develop highly qualified and committed professionals who play leading roles in the region’s sustainable development and its integration into the global economy. It promotes technological change and sustainable development in the Asian-Pacific region through higher education, research and outreach. Established in Bangkok in 1959, AIT has become a leading regional postgraduate institution and is actively working with public and private sector partners throughout the region and with some of the top universities in the world. Recognized for its multinational, multicultural ethos, the Institute operates as a self-contained international community at its campus located 40km (25 miles) north of downtown Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to multicultural ethos, the institute is an oasis of peace with beautiful nature, canals and houses, and more than 200 bird species.
There are three schools:
- School of Engineering and Technology
- School of Environment, Resources and Development
- School of Management
The AIT is a hub of knowledge, connecting almost 2000 students from more than 40 countries, 75 internationally recruited faculty and more than 500 research and support staff from 30 countries. It is included in the world’s top eight universities (and the only one in Asia) scoring a perfect No. 1 rank in all six indicators in the category of “International Orientation” (U-Multirank’s ‘Institutional Rankings 2017’). You can find more details at: https://www.ait.ac.th/
Drone Eye View of AIT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG4AmSkdGw8&t=110s
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Extension is a regional hub for continuing education, training and consultancy and helps in realizing AIT’s mission thus stated. AIT Extension organizes on-campus and off-campus short-term education and training courses, study visits and consultancy services that respond to clients’ continuing professional development needs. The training courses usually last from one to twelve weeks. The Extension also provides services for organization of conferences, seminars and workshops. You can find more details at: http://extension.ait.ac.th/.
The Yunus Center at AIT (YCA), located inside AIT extension, promotes enterprise-led development and social businesses in Thailand and beyond. The YCA provides a forum for discussion between people from the public, private, academic and grassroots sectors to exchange ideas on poverty alleviation and Social Business (SB). The center applies interdisciplinary approaches, and supports multi-stakeholder partnerships. It operates under four main focus areas: SB Awareness, SB Action, SB Academy, and SB Learning. You can find more details at: http://www.yunuscenter.ait.asia/.
Travel
Visa arrangements
You may not need VISA to to enter Thailand. Here is the list of countries whose citizens can stay (max 30 days of each visit) without visa: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, State of Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Portugal, State of Qatar, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Spain, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Sweden, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Republic of Hungary, Liechtenstein, Republic of Poland, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia.
Please consult the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in your country for more information. More information on all visa types can be found at:
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services
General information on obtaining Thai visa is available at the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Thailand:
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/links
Travelling from the airports to the ELLTA Conference Venue – AIT
AIT Conference Center provides easy access to and from both international airports. Please note that Bangkok has two international airports: Donmuang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Several choices of travel from the international airports to the summit venue:
| From Donmaung International Airport | From Suvarnabhumi International Airport |
| By Taxi: Estimated travel time : 20 mins Estimated fare :THB 200 (USD 6) |
By Taxi: Estimated travel time : 45 mins to 1 Hr. Estimated fare : THB 700 (USD 22) |
| By Bus: Bus no. 29, 59, 510, Estimated travel time : 45 minutes Estimated fare :THB 35 (USD 1.2) ** You have to cross the over bridge to train station which the bus station is located in front of the train station ** |
By Train:
Option 1 – can take the airport rail link from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the Terminal station at Phayathai (THB 80) and then take BTS from Phayathai to Mochit (THB 34) and continue with taxi to AIT (THB 250) |
Telecommunications Services
Delegates are advised to get the mobile SIM card from the airport right after they have done with all the formalities of their arrival. There are three big service providers: AIS, TrueMove, and Dtac. All SIM card provided to the visitors will be pre-paid system and you can easily to top-up your phone via SEVEN-ELEVEN or Lawson 108 in the campus or other convenience stores nearby.
Languages
Thai is the official language of Thailand. Although majority of the hotel staff is fluent in English, it is recommended to have addresses or instructions written down in Thai for taxi drivers.
Currency
The official currency in Thailand is: Thai Baht (THB). Foreign currencies can be changed for Thai Baht at banks and hotels. There are also money changer kiosks available at major shopping complexes and the airport. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. The exchange rate is approximately 33 baht = USD1.
Banking hours
Banks are opened from 08:30-15:30, Monday through Friday and ATM Machine service in Bangkok usually operate for 24 hrs
Major Credit Cards and Traveler’s Cheques
Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express) are accepted by hotels, restaurants and in almost all department stores, supermarkets and hospital. Travelers checks are not widely accepted but can be cashed at a bank’s exchange counter.
Dinning
The Average meal prices can cost as little as 50 baht on the street to around 150 baht in average restaurant, and 450 baht and beyond for a high end restaurant.
Electricity
The electric current in Thailand is 220V and the cycle is 50Hz. Both the flat and round prongs will be working in Thailand but an adapter may be necessary.
Local time
Standard Thailand Time is 7 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+7).
Hospital and Medical Assistance
AIT has a well-equipped medical clinic with a medical doctor and support staff. Medical attention is given as per the following schedule:
Medical doctor on duty: Monday to Friday, 08:00 hrs to 11:30 hrs
Nurse on duty: Every day, 24 hours
In case of an emergency requiring hospitalization, an ambulance can be arranged by contacting the medical clinic at Ext. 5286
Thammasat University Hospital is a government hospital which open 24 hrs for locals and tourists. It has multilingual nursing and support staff. Doctors at this hospital are be able to communicate in English.
Accommodation
Two options for accommodation during the conference are indicated below.
- Accommodation: AIT Conference Center (100 Rooms)
Ideally located within the beautiful and green AIT campus, AITCC would be the best choice for participants to stay at during the conference. The guest rooms are all provided with minibar, IDD telephone (if required), wide variety of TV channels, spare jack for modem connection, and all superior rooms have in-room safety deposit box. Guests staying in the main building may avail of the central safety deposit boxes adjacent to the Reception Desk.
Now the accommodation is fully booked, Please book rooms at Asia Airport Hotel
Note: To reserve a room at the discounted rate, please download the form, fill it and mail it to reservation@vpservice.co.
Website: http://aitcc.ait.ac.th/index.html
Address: AITCC AIT, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
Phone: +662-524-5250/+662-2516-0093
Email: reservation@vpservice.co.th
- Accommodation: ASIA AIRPORT HOTEL
Just 5 Km away from Don Muang International Airport and closer to AIT (around 15 Km) is another highly recommended place to stay during the conference – i.e the Asia Airport Hotel. The hotel is located near Zeer Rangsit (the largest electronic lifestyle malls in Thailand) and Future Park, one of the biggest shopping malls in the region.
Asia Airport Hotel offers convenience and relaxation all at great value to business travelers and tourists. All 402 fully-equipped accommodations and suites offer modern and cozy comfort with thoughtful amenities and spacious interiors, with no noises from the airport.
- Single room included Breakfast Baht 1,400.-net/room/night
- Twin room included Breakfast Baht 1,600.-net/room/night
- Single room included Breakfast + Internet Baht 1,600.-net/room/night
- Twin room included Breakfast + Internet Baht 2,000.-net/room/night
Note: To reserve a room at the discounted rate, please download the form, fill it and mail it to airport@asiahotel.co.th before July 10 2017. For further information or assistance please contact reservation.
Website: http://www.asiahotel.co.th/asia_airport/
Address : 99/2 Moo 8 , Phaholyothin Road Lamlukka Pathumthanee 12130 Thailand
Phone : +66(0)2 992 6999
Fax : +66(0)2 992 6828
Email : airport@asiahotel.co.th
Reservation Form: Reservation Form AIT-ELLTA Conference July 25-28.17
Dresscode in Thailand
Thailand is a tourist destination and you may find people in all kinds of clothes (including beach clothes). Bangkok, being a shiny metropolitan city, requires casual smart. As Thailand is still mourning over the death of King Bhumibol, it would be considered more appropriate if you avoid the ‘red’ colour.
Please dress modestly when you visit buddhist temples. Shorts or pants are supposed to cover the knees. It is also very normal that you have to take off your shoes when you enter a temple or a traditional home.
What should women wear in Bangkok and AIT?
Short pants are considered to be informal. AIT itself is a mix of different cultures and, therefore, there is a more liberal attitude towards dress code.
What should men wear in Bangkok and AIT?
Collared shirts or polos are recommended (instead of T-shirts). Choose loafers or boat shoes over flip-flops or running shoes. In AIT, you will notice that people wear their traditional clothes, even during daily routine.
Typical Weather in July
In July, Thailand has ‘wet season’. During the wet season (i.e. from June to November), the minimum temperature is about 22 oC (72 oF) and the maximum about 34 oC (93 oF). Relative humidity is 80% or higher. Short fierce downpours are common.