Welcome to Bangkok and the Rotary International Convention May 6-9, 2012. This is going to be one of the “best ever” International Conventions, and one that all of us will thoroughly enjoy and gain from as we participate in Rotary in the years to come. I am looking forward to the outstanding line-up of events and speakers, as well as the chance to once again “see and enjoy Bangkok…truly one of the World’s greatest cities”.
As one that has had the good fortune to travel internationally over the years both for work and for pleasure, I hope to relate some helpful information on this web site. And, as one that has spent most of my career in real estate, I am a very big advocate of trade and organizational conventions, such as our Bangkok Convention. Thus, on this page you have information about both Bangkok, and Thailand…as well as detailed information about the Convention itself. In addition, I have found the staff at our Chicago Rotary HQ office to be most helpful with a lot of information on the Convention, as well as what is on their web site at www.rotary.org
On this site, I would like to think all of your questions will be answered, but there will still be some, so feel free to e-mail me at ronlargent@yahoo.com and I will do my best to get you answers. Here are the “Top 10″ “starter” questions that I have received from some of our “trip-takers”, and this is the personalized service that we provide. We are not just one that arranges travel, but like to think of us as your Travel Advisors, and in this case, your Convention Advisors. The web pages following go into considerable detail for your knowledge and planning, and my Blog will give you current updates..
1. Do I need a Passport for Thailand? Yes, and get one now, or update yours, and you can do this at your local Post Office. Do not wait on this, as the time for processing is now about 4-6 weeks but this time will increase after January.
2. Do I need a Visa? As of today, no. When you enter the country you will be “checked in” if you will, at the airport, as a tourist, which will be all you need for your stay.
3. Do I need special vaccinations or shots for Bangkok? Generally, no. However, if you are planning a pre or post convention trip that is in another country, you may need these. Your local government Health Services Office ( in California it is the County Office of Health Services) has current information on this subject.
4. What about money? Thailand currency is called a THB, or Thailand Bhat (baat). Current rate is $1.00 equals 31.5 THB’s (bhats). So, when you see 100 THB’s, this means $3.20. (one of the hotel deluxe rates is 6700 THB’s or $214/night). So, take a small pocket calculator with you, for you will use it. And, there are a number of sites for currency conversion on the web so you can check rates regularly if needed.
5. What about Travelers Checks? Times have changed, and TC’s are not nearly as popular and widespread in their use as past times. ATM’s are everyplace, and recommended, as you will get a good rate of exchange, and depending on the ATM, may not charge or have a small fee. I suggest you visit with your Bank on this subject to be sure that they do not have any hidden charges if you use the card in Thailand. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are accepted almost everyplace. Cash can be converted as needed at the various currency exchange counters, but I do not recommend that one keeps a lot of US dollars on them. A passport will usually be required for a currency exchange, and many of the hotels will even have a exchange desk. Check on this when you arrive at your hotel.
6. What about a money belt? Always a good idea, and now some have space for your passport (get one at home and “try it on”. Some are not comfortable, too tight, etc. Some are inside your clothes and others will be around your waist by your belt. Get one that fits and is comfortable, as you will probably have it on all the time when you are awake. If you are not comfortable in keeping your passport on you, then we recommend you make a copy of your first photo page and keep that with your money. And, some of the hotels for the Convention will have in-room safes for your valuables, and if not in room, they will have a safe in the office that is available to you. Always be aware of “pick-pockets”. I use a small “fanny pack” and keep it in front of me along my belt line. I keep my passport, currency, and a small camera in it, then I usually carry a normal back pack (like the kids use) where I will keep a bottle of water, my camcorder, some snacks, maybe an umbrella or a light jacket, and tour or travel info….and I keep it zipped. This allows me to be hands free and I have never had a problem with someone trying to open the zipper, and I have used this method for 25 years.
7. What about the weather? Hot and humid. Near the equator, and May is still quite pleasant. Umbrella’s are good to have along.
8. What is “jet lag”? Google it, but suffice it to say….”will affect you”. Give yourself at least 24 hours before your first important gathering, or you will sleep through it. There are a number of remedies, including an over the counter that my wife likes, called “No Jet Lag”. I am an advocate of a very light prescribed sleeping pill for the first few days of the trip, but check with your Doctor on this. I use Lunesta, (and usually get samples from my doctor which lasts the trip).
9. I have never traveled overseas. What do I do at the Bangkok Airport to get to my hotel? The Convention planners are well prepared for this, and are arranging shuttles from the Airport to the Convention Hotels. I am sure they will have signs posted. For all travelers that I work with, I will be in Bangkok on Friday, May 4th, and you will know how to get a hold of me in advance.
10. What can my spouse, or significant other, or partner, or whatever…do while I am at the Convention meetings, as I am not paying for their admission to the Convention? We are planning on 3 days or optional activities for these “others”, working with a local tours agent. Monday will be a City Tour and Bangkok Orientation, with an Introduction to Shopping. Tuesday will be Bangkok Shopping, and Wednesday will be Bangkok Temples. This is in the planning stage, but will also include the Water Markets. One of our staff will coordinate this and you will know details before leaving home. Evenings will be open for Rotary events and social functions, and you might check with your District on what they have planned in this regard.
Please note that on the “Day Tour Information” page that we will be using our own private Tour Agency and they will be “tailor-made” for our Convention folks. However, these illustrations of the various tours are excellent for your knowledge and consideration, but our prices will vary considerably in that the tours will be more specific . And, we will arrange for pickup at the Marriott Hotels, as well as at the other Convention hotels.
