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5MSP Preparatory Logistics Memo

(Tuesday 02 September 2003 )

TO: ICBL 5MSP Participants
FROM: Siriporn Thongtrakul (Tai), 5MSP Coordinator
RE: 5MSP Preparatory Memo
DATE: 29 August 2003

Dear Campaigners,

The Fifth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty (5MSP) is once again quickly approaching. Below is information to help you plan your participation in this important meeting to be held in Bangkok. Some of that you probably know, but please read through the details and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to

seeing you very soon.

Sincerely,

Tai and the TCBL-ICBL team

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CONTENTS:

1. Introduction

2. Registration

3. Visas

4. Hotels

5. Transportation from the Airport

6. Venue

7. UN Passes

8. Schedule of Events

9. ICBL Activities (orientation meeting)

10. Meeting Rooms (regional groups, working groups)

11. Materials and Exhibitions

12. Translation

13. Mobile Phone Rental

14. Reimbursements

15. Transportation

16. Bangkok Tourism

17. Staff

18. What next?

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1. Introduction

The Fifth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty (5MSP) will be held 15-19 September 2003 and the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Over 100 ICBL campaigners and Landmine Monitor Researchers will participate in this important meeting. For background information on the Meeting of States Parties, official documents, ICBL documents on the 5MSP and much more please visit www.icbl.org/5msp. In preparation for a successful meeting we still need everyone's help in increasing the number of States Parties. Please visit our Action Alert at www.icbl.org/news/2003/355.php. Logistical information regarding ICBL participation is posted at www.icbl.org/campaign/ All information regarding the General Meeting is available at www.icbl.org/campaign/gm2003

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2. Registration

Registration for the 5MSP is now closed. Thank you for completing your registration in a timely manner. If you have not already done so, please email your full passport and travel details to SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org">5mspSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org.

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3. Visas

As you know, the ICBL has a letter from the Thai MFA to the ICBL stating that ICBL members do not need Thai visas. See http://www.icbl.org/news/2003/361.php

All 5MSP participants who may have difficulties boarding planes without the Thai MFA letter and all sponsored ICBL participants have received the Thai MFA letter by fax. If you have not received a copy of the letter, and need one, please email SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org">5mspSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org urgently. Remember that if you are from one of the 38 countries already permitted to enter Thailand without a visa you don’t need this letter. The list is available here http://www.icbl.org/5msp/campaign.html#visa

However, in order to take advantage of this offer we have already submitted a detailed list to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs of all confirmed arrival dates, times, and flight numbers. If you have not yet sent your information, you may not be on this list and may have difficulties, so please send it immediately. If not, we cannot guarantee that you will not require a visa, and we cannot assist in your travel.

If you encounter any challenges please contact Tai who would try to help at SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org">5mspSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org as soon as possible.

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4. Hotels

The ICBL has made block bookings at three hotels. For those guests who indicated on their registration forms that they require accommodation, your reservation details will be sent to you shortly. All sponsored participants will be staying at Suan Dusit Palace Hotel. Some participants will be staying at the Prince Palace Hotel Bo Bay.

For sponsored guests: Please keep in mind that you may be asked to share a room with another campaigner of the same gender. The ICBL will cover the cost of your room but you must pay for all extra costs including telephone calls, Internet access, mini-bar, laundry, etc.

For non-sponsored guests: The hotels have been notified that you are covering your own costs.

We have made bookings at the following hotels:

a) Suan Dusit Palace Hotel

295 Ratchasima Road, Dusit District

Bangkok 10300

Tel +66 2 243 6891-7; Fax. +66 2 243 6899

Features: Breakfast included, Internet access, wheelchair accessible rooms and conference rooms.

Payment method: Thai Baht cash. No credit cards are accepted.

Cost: Baht 550 (single), Baht 800 (double)

Should you have difficulty explaining where your Bangkok ICBL residence is located try some new Thai words. It might help get you there sooner.

Ja pai Rongram Suan Dusit Rajaphat (I want to go to the Hotel of Suan Dusit Teacher Training College).
Ja long ti pratu dan thawan ok bon Thanoon Rajasima, klai Wang Vimanmek (I’ll get off at the East Side entrance on Rajasima Road, near Vimanmek Palace.)

b) Prince Palace Hotel

488/800 Bo Bay Tower, Damrongrak Road

Pomprab District, Bangkok 1011

Tel. +66 2 628 1111; Fax. +66 2 628 1000

Cost: US$ 35.00 Credit cards are accepted.

c) Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel

Tel. +66 2 2813088; Fax. +66 2 280 1314

All rooms in our booking are full.

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5. Transportation from the Airport to all hotels:

By taxi: Upon arrival at Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport, taxis can be found outside the Arrival Halls of both Terminal 1 & 2. Go outside to the curbside taxi stands. The ‘taxi’ stands within the airport building charge significantly more. There is a 50 baht surcharge for taxis taken from the airport, so add this to the meter fare when you get out. Fare from the airport will be about 200 baht without the surcharge. If the taxi takes the toll road, you will have to pay the additional toll charges, approximately 30 baht. These are shown on the screens of the toll stations as you pass through them. So with tolls and surcharge it should be 250-300 baht. The ride takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Most taxi drivers do not speak English. You need to give your destination to the taxi booth outside the airport, who will instruct the driver.

Bus from the airport to the hotel is not recommended since the buses are crowded and you will be carrying baggage.

Directions from the Hotels to the UNCC (see map at http://www.icbl.org/campaign/)

Directions from the Suan Dusit Palace Hotel to the UNCC:

• By Taxi: Contact the reception desk for service. Price: 40 Baht (approx. 7 min.) for up to four persons.

• By Bus: take the Bus No. 12 or 56 opposite the hotel. Get off at the 5th bus stop and then walk up along Krungkasem Rd. about 5 min. to the UN building. Price: 3.50 Baht

• Walking: about a 20 minute walk.

Directions from the Royal Princess Hotel to the UNCC (see map at http://www.icbl.org/campaign/)

• By Hotel Van Service: Please inform Bell Captain’s Desk in advance.

• By Taxi: Price 40 Baht (10 min.)

• By Bus: take Bus No.53 from the back of the hotel, Krungkasem Rd. Get off just before the second intersection. Then cross Ratcha Damnoen Nok Rd. to UNCC. Price: 3.50 Baht

• Walking: about a 30-40 minute walk

Directions from the Prince Palace Hotel to the UNCC:

• By Hotel Van Service: Please inform Bell Captain’s Desk in advance.

• By Taxi: Price 50 Baht (15 min.)

• By Bus: take Bus No. 53 in front of the hotel, Krungkasem Rd. (take the 1st bus stop in front of Wat Sommanat Worawihan and then change the bus same number & ticket ). Get off just before the second intersection. Then cross Ratcha Damnoen Nok Rd. to UNCC. Price: 3.50 Baht.

Directions from the Prince Palace Hotel to Suan Dusit

By taxi: Price 80 Baht (20 min.)

6. Venues

The 5 MSP will be held 15-19 September at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The Opening Ceremony and all plenary meetings will take place in ESCAP Hall on the 2^nd floor.

Other venues:

• Xavier Hall - 12 Rajavithi Road, Victory Monument, Phyathai District, Bangkok 10400, Tel. +66 2 246 0074, +66 2 246 1445-6 (Interfaith Service on 14 September)

• Siam City Hotel, 477Sri Ayudhya Road, Phyathai District, Tel. +66 2 247 0120 (Reception on 15 September)

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 443 Sri Ayudhya Road, Phyathai District (Reception on 16 September)

• GICHD Reception, UNCC on 17 September

• ICBL Morning Briefings, UNCC Conference Room 3, 1^st Floor

• ICBL Office - UNCC Chairperson Suite, Room 2033, Tel. +66 2 288 2417, Fax +66 2 288 1081

• ICBL Reimbursements Office - UNCC Chairperson Suite, Room 2030, Tel +66 2 2888 2415

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7. UN – 5MSP Passes

All registered ICBL participants need UN passes to enter the UN Conference Center. It is advisable to carry your passport or some identification with you at all times. It is planned that 5MSP Badges, which are your UN Passes into the building and meeting rooms, will be made available on Sunday 14 September either in your hotel or at the ICBL Briefing. Otherwise, if you are not staying at one of the ICBL hotels, they will be available Monday 15 September at the UNCC – remember to bring one form of identification with you!

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8. Schedule of Events- ICBL Participation in the 5MSP

Saturday, 13 September

6:00 - 20:30 TCBL Field trip to Mine Affected Areas

(departs from Suan Dusit Palace Hotel)

8:30 – 19:30 NSA Workshop: Engaging Non-State Actors in a Ban – Suan Dusit Palace Auditorium

Sunday, September 1411:00 – 12:00 Interfaith Service at Xavier Hall

15:00-17:00: ICBL Orientation Meeting (Suan Dusit Palace Auditorium)

Monday, September 15

*10:00 – 11:00 ICBL Landmine Monitor Press Briefing (UN Press Theatre, Ground Floor)

*11:00 Opening Ceremony (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*12:00-13:00 5MSP Press Conference – (UNCC Press Theatre, Ground Floor)

*14:00-17:00: Opening Session (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*18:15-20:00: Royal Thai Government Supreme Command Reception (Siam City Hotel)Tuesday, September 167*08:00-09:00 ICBL Briefing (UNCC Conference 3)*9:00-12:00: General Exchange of Views (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor

*12:00-14:00: Resource Mobilization Contact Group *12:00-14:00: ICBL Briefing on Armed Non-State Actors (UNCC Conference Room 3)*14:00-17:00: General Exchange of Views (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*18:15-20:00: Royal Thai Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reception (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Wednesday, September 17

*08:00-08:45: ICBL Briefing (UNCC Conference Room 3)

*9:00-12:00: General Exchange of Views Article 7 & Article 8 (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*12:00-14:00: Contact Group Article VII and IX

*12:00 – 14:00: Australian Book Launch*12:00- 14:00 ICBL Briefing Regional Approach to Persian Gulf States joining the MBT (UNCC Conference Room 3)

*13:00- 14:00 GICHD study briefing on the role of the military in mine action*14:00-17:00: Review General Status and Operation of the Convention (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*17:00 GICHD Book Launch and Reception (UNCC Ground Floor)

Thursday, September 18*08:00-08:45: ICBL Briefing (UNCC Conference Room 3)

*9:00-12:00: Informal Consultations Victim Assistance (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*12:00- 13:00 HI Belgium Book Launch & Briefing “Crossing the Divide” (UNCC Conference Room 3)

*13:00-14:00 UN Event (TBA)

*14:00-17:00: Informal Consultations Mine Clearance and related activities (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

Friday, September 19*08:00-08:45: ICBL Briefing (UNCC Conference Room 3)*9:00-12:00: Informal Consultations Stockpile Destruction (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*12:00-14:00 ICBL Briefing: Asia Pacific Region (UNCC Conference Room 3)

*12:00-14:00 ICBL Briefing Prosthetics and Orthotics Group (TBA)

*14:00-17:00 5MSP Matters concerning the First review Conference; Adoption of Final Documents (UNCC ESCAP Hall, 2^nd Floor)

*17:00- 18:00 Closing Press Conference (UNCC Press Theatre, Ground Floor)

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9. ICBL Activities

The TCBL Field trip to Mine Affected Areas on Saturday, 13 September is now full. Thank you for your interest. If you have not registered but wish to attend, you may contact TCBL and request to be added in case of cancellations. Two buses and a van will depart from Suan Dusit Palace Hotel at 6 am sharp. If you are participating on this trip, please be there on time. The full schedule is available online at http://www.icbl.org/news/2003/387.php

The Workshop on “Lessons Learned on Engaging Non-State Actors on a Landmine Ban” will be held on Saturday, 13 September from 8:30 – 19:30. Participants are welcome. Please see http://www.icbl.org/news/2003/367.php or contact SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERkssp.upd.edu.ph">mferrerSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERkssp.upd.edu.ph or SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERnonviolenceinternational.net">seasiaSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERnonviolenceinternational.net for more information and an agenda.

We will be holding an ICBL orientation meeting on Sunday, 14 September from 15:00-17:00 for all campaigners and encourage you to attend. The meeting

will be held at the Suan Dusit Palace Auditorium, located at Nakhorn Rajasima Road, Dusit District, Bangkok. A map and directions to the Suan Dusit Palace Hotel are located at http://www.icbl.org/campaign/

Throughout the week (except Monday) we will be holding ICBL morning briefings from 8:00-8:45 in UN Conference Room 3. All campaigners are urged to participate fully in these important briefings. We will use the briefings to strategize and organize

lobbying activities, report back on lobbying activities, review events from the previous day, make announcements and prepare for the current day of activities.

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10. Meeting Rooms

As many ICBL members will be gathering in Bangkok, if you would like to organize a working group, a regional or thematic meeting before, during or afterwards, taking advantage of the presence of many campaigners and travel completed etc, please let us know as soon as possible. Please take a look at the schedule of events and then let me know as soon as possible:

• Meeting title

• Date and time

• Preferred venue (i.e. in the UN, outside the UN)

• Expected number of participants

• Equipment needed (i.e. LCD projector, VCR, flipchart, etc.)

If you are making your own meeting arrangements please still let us know so we can add your meeting to the schedule of events.

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11. Materials and Exhibitions

Many of you indicated on your registration forms that you will be bringing resources and/ or exhibitions to Bangkok. If you will be bringing resources and did not indicate this on your registration form please let me know as soon as possible. Also please let me know if you plan to ship any boxes of materials to Bangkok so we can make the necessary arrangements and have boxes shipped to the correct place. For any exhibition-related questions please contact Loren Persi at SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org">lorenSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

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12. Translation

The UN will provide translation into all six official UN languages during official meetings. For non-English speaking campaigners, we will rely on your fellow campaigners and outside assistance when needed to provide translation during other ICBL activities. If you have any questions about the translation that will be provided please contact Tai at SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org">5mspSPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERicbl.org

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13. Mobile Phone Rental and International Calling Cards

Mobile phone rental (DTAC and AIS) is available at terminal 1 at the Bangkok International Airport. International phone cards are available at hotels, supermarkets and department stores, etc.

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14. Reimbursements

If you have not already provided us with an estimate of your travel costs and your preferred method of reimbursement then please email me immediately with the details. We will be providing reimbursements throughout the week. You must have copies of your plane ticket and all original receipts in order to be reimbursed. We will not guarantee reimbursement if you do not send in estimated costs by 1 September and provide original receipts upon arrival.

The ICBL will cover the following costs: economy round-trip plane ticket to Bangkok, hotel costs during your stay in Bangkok, per diem to cover meals and local transportation in Bangkok, including roundtrip transportation to and from the airport by taxi and the airport exit tax.

The ICBL will NOT cover these costs: additional expenses in hotel rooms such

as laundry, mini bar service, telephone calls, faxes, taxi fares or for extended stays before or after the meetings.

If you must spend a night in transit at a hotel you should confirm with us

in advance. For expenses during travel such as meals during layovers, the

ICBL will reimburse up to the equivalent of one day per diem for meals on a

case-by-base basis. Prepare original receipts and upon arrival you will find

out when and where you can be reimbursed.

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15. Bangkok and Thailand Tourism

You will receive participant kits with maps of Bangkok and directions to find your way to the UNCC and Suan Dusit Palace Hotel where the ICBL Briefing and General Meeting will be held. Here is some other information on Thailand.

Weather: We enjoy a tropical climate. Average temperatures in Bangkok in September range from 25 to 32˚ C. with possible showers especially in the evening, so it would be advisable to bring an umbrella.

What to Wear: Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Nylon should be avoided. Neat clothes are required for entering temples or palaces.

Local Time: GMT +7 hours.

Language: Thailand’s official language is Thai. However, English is a second language, and people in Bangkok and tourist areas can speak some English and are generally very helpful.

Business Hours: Most offices open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. General banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Currency: There are 100 Satangs in 1 baht (B=Baht). Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht coin, and 50 and 25 Satang, Most foreign currencies and traveler cheques are easily changed at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Thailand.

The currency exchange rate with the US dollar is: 1 Thai Baht = 0.02371 US dollar (USD), 1 US Dollar = 41.17 Thai Baht (28 August 03) and 1 Euro = 44.8 Baht

Electricity: The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use, typically designed for a two-pin plug, although you might find some hotels or offices that have three-pin sockets. Carry adaptors with you or you can purchase them at department or computer stores in Bangkok.

Safety: Bangkok is a fairly safe city but as anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and take care of your belongings, particularly at night. When you are on the road keep your bags zipped and secure luggage.

ICBL and TCBL are not responsible for any loss, damages or injuries incurred.

Do’s and Don’ts:

The Monarchy: Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion: Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents its.

Social Norms: Thais don’t normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a Wai. Generally a younger person “wais” an elder, who returns it. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Basic Thai words/ phrases

Hello & All greeting Sawatdee khrap (Men)

Sawatdee kha (Women)

Good bye La kon

Good luck Chok dee

How are you? Sa bai dee rue?

Fine, thank you Sa bai dee, khop khun

Never mind Mai pen rai

Excuse & pardon, me Khao thot

Yes & right, No Chai, Mai chai

Expensive, Cheap Phaeng, Thuk

Very good Dee mak

A Little, Too much Nit noi, Mak pai

How much Thao rai?

I can not speak Thai Chan phut Thai mai dai

Number

1 Nueng 2 Song 3 Sam

4 Si 5 Ha 6 Hok

7 Jet 8 Paed 9 Kao

10 Sip 11 Sip et 12 Sip Song

20 Yi Sip 21 Yi Sip et 30 Sam Sip

100 Nueng roi 200 Song roi 1,000 Nueng phan

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16. Transportation around Bangkok

Bus

Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 3.50 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 18 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht for all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office.

Taxi

Taxis cruising the streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don’t. Passengers must pay expressway tolls. A small tip is appreciated but not mandatory.

Tuk-Tuks

These three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorized taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.

BTS Sky Trains

BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phaholyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System Tel: +66 2 617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th

River Taxi

Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross-river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Useful Phone Numbers

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 0 2694 1222, 1672

Tourist Police 1155

Bangkok Tourist Bureau 0 2225 7612-4

Bangkok Airport 0 2235 1111

Bangkok Railway Station 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020

BTS Sky Train 0 2617 7300

BMTA Public Bus 184

Emergency 191

Tourist Information: visit www.tat.or.th or www.tourismthailand.org

E-mail Address: SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERtat.or.th">info1SPAMFLTER@SPATMFLTERtat.or.th

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