IUFRO RG 8.04, Bangkok 15-19 January 2024

Climate and air quality

Bangkok enjoys a tropical wet climate with the greatest amounts of precipitation mainly occurring from June to November. Mid of January, the air temperature ranges, on average, from 22°C to 35°C with no rainfall (mean monthly rainfall: 0-10 mm).

• The weather forecast can be found here
• Air quality in Bangkok can be found here

Forests and Forestry

More information can be found here

According to the U.N. FAO, 37.1% or about 18,972,000 ha of Thailand is forested. Of this 35.5% is classified as primary forest, the most biodiverse and carbon-dense form of forest. Thailand had 3,986,000 ha of planted forest. Thailand has a rich and diverse flora of 15,000 species, which are around 10% of the world total biodiversity. Forests are an important ecosystem and key economic sector in Thailand, as well as being home to a large portion of the population. In 2018, forest products accounted for roughly 3.9 billion USD in exports - or about 1.2% of all exported goods and services.

Between 1990 and 2010, Thailand lost an average of 28,850 ha or 0.15% per year. In total, between 1990 and 2010, Thailand lost 3.0% of its forest cover, or around 577,000 ha. This represents a lower recent rate of deforestation compared to other Mekong countries, and Thailand reports growth in total forest cover since 2010. Thailand has announced that it plans to increase its forest area by 23% before 2030, as part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. The country also has a goal of increasing economic (plantation) forest area by 15%.

Palm oil and tea are among the agricultural commodities linked to deforestation. Meanwhile, road construction is both a direct and an indirect driver, opening up new areas to timber harvesting and increasing its profitability.

Thailand has some 1715 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles according to figures from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Of these, 5.1% are endemic, meaning they exist in no other country, and 5.8% are threatened. Thailand is home to at least 11625 species of vascular plants. 12.7% of Thailand is protected under IUCN categories I-V.

• For more information, see Department of Forests

How to reach the city center from the airport

We recommend participants to travel in the cityside and airport to Bangkok city by SKY Train or MRT subway.

• Bangkok Airport Rail Link, click here
• SKY Train, click here
• MRT Subway, click here
• Click on the map to view the full version.

Public transport

Public transport in Bangkok is currently served by buses.

The bus company operating in the city is Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

The bus network map in Bangkok can be found here

Emergency telephone numbers

The most important institutions have three-digit telephone numbers that you can reach even without a SIM card inserted in your mobile phone. The service is free.

The Thailand’s country code: +66

• Emergency 1155
• Ambulance service phone 1554
• Police 191
• Fire Service 199

Currency

Legal tender – Baht (THB)
1 EUR = 35.64 THB
1 US Dollar (USD) = 33.01 THB

There is a dense network of Automated Teller Machines that accept all common types of international payment cards. It is also possible to pay with credit cards in the majority of shops, restaurants, and accommodation facilities.

Electrical voltage

The electrical network in Thailand has the voltage of 220V. Foreign visitors are advised to bring along travel adaptors to fit the outlets in the country.

Electrical sockets in Thailand are compatible with both flat parallel prongs (like in the United States and Japan) and two round pins (like in most European and Asian countries). While two-pin sockets are common in Thailand, some establishments like hotels and offices also have three-pin outlets installed. Visitors from countries that use 110-voltage electricity are recommended not to bring their personal 110V appliances.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public spaces (restaurants, bars, airport, means of public transport, cultural facilities, health care facilities) and public areas, except for open-air areas.

Health care

It is recommended that all participants purchase commercial health insurance in their home country before arriving in Thailand. In case of acute illness or injury, the patient will be provided treatment in any hospital or emergency facility.

• Pharmacies in Bangkok - 7 days a week, 24 hours a day: 1155

Cuisine

Note a single dish can be selected as the most representative. Some dishes which have been widely discussed on the internet are:

Visa

Do I need a visa when travelling to Thailand ?

A visa is required by some nationals for the duration of intended stay in Thailand for different reasons such as tourism, business, education, employment, or residence.
For more information, click here

The Thai government is currently deploying its EVisa system. Nationals of four countries can already obtain an electronic travel authorization for Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, China, and the United Arab Emirates.

Required documents for a Tourist Visa

(Please check relevant embassy/ consulate's website for specifically required documents)

• 1. Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months.
• 2. Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months./li>
• 3. Evidence of travel from Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• 4. Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Safety

Bangkok is generally safe for travelers, but it’s also incredibly hectic. You can encounter petty theft, e.g., some people will try to rip you off, including taxi drivers who refuse to turn on their meters. We recommend you common sense and suspicion.

• For more information, click here

Language

The official language is Thai. However, more than 60% people in Bangkok can communicate in English. Thailand is a tourist destination with nearly 4 million tourists per year. In hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, places of historical interest and many shops and services it is possible to make oneself understood in English.

Short history of Bangkok

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies 1,569 km² in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand. The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15^th century, to when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, under the rule of Ayutthaya. Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the river, the town gradually increased in importance. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established his capital at the town, which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom. In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin, moved the capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island, thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The City Pillar was erected on 21 April 1782, which is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the capital.

To discover Bangkok and surroundings

• The official website of Tourism Authority of Thailand, click here
• Things to do in Bangkok, click here

Ten things to do…

There are many things to do all over Thailand and we here suggest only ten of them in Bangkok and surroundings:

1. Wat Phra Chetuphon

Wat Pho is not only one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok, but it is where history, medical science and educational institute combined. Officially named Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, Wat Pho was believed to be founded during the 16^th century and was later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I of Chakri Dynasty.

2. Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at Sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok. The Temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the Local Village Tambol Bangmakok.

• More information here

3. The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.

4. Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Wat Phra Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is arguably the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand; however, it is not a Buddhist monastery as neither monks nor nuns use the temple complex as their residence or primary place of congregation. Instead, Wat Phra Kaew was once the private chapel to the kings of Thailand and members of the court. Today, like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, where the temple complex is located, it is open to the public. The temple or wat was completed in 1783 under the patronage of King Rama I to enshrine the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew) for which it was named.

5. Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

Wat Traimit Wittayaram is an ancient temple; however, there is no evidence showing when it was constructed. Its former name was Wat Sam Chin Tai. It is located on the west of Hua Lamphong Railway Station on Charoen Krung Road in Talad Noi Sub-district, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok.

6. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchack Weekend Market is indoor and outdoor market. Also known as JJ Market, it was reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. A huge market of 35 acres, with 27 sections, more than 10,000 shops and stalls offering a wide range of products from Thai handicrafts, handmade products, clothing, accessories, arts and painting, house decorations, households, souvenirs and gifts, pets, plants and books.

7. Maeklong railway Market

The charm of this market lies in the fact that the vendors, their stalls, and their awnings all occupy the narrow railway track. The origin of the Maeklong railway Market goes back to even before the arrival of the train in Thailand. When the track was constructed in 1905, the market, instead of relocating, continued to operate on the lines just as it does to this day. The most striking fact about the market is that, despite being visited by hundreds of tourists every day, it's still a 100% local market. You'll find meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables - all sold and consumed by locals.

8. Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is the first public park in Bangkok. It is a multi-functional park where people can do several outdoor leisure activities under fresh air and shade. A lot of flora and fauna and a large lake can be seen in the park. Lumpini Park serves for outdoor exercises, but also as a place for people doing Tai Chi, playing games and music, learning social dancing, reading books in the library and so on.

9. Dinner Cruises along the Chao Phraya River

Enjoy delicious Thai, International, and Seafood buffet. Major landmarks that the cruise will be passing are the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, Rama VIII Bridge, Memorial Bridge, Iconciam, Tha Maharaj.

• For instance - Royal Princess Cruise - More information here

10. Chinatown quarter

Every major city has its own Chinatown and Bangkok is no exception to this, you know you have arrived when you walk through the ceremonial Chinese gates and into Chinatown itself.