Travel Related Information

We are very grateful to our research partner, Dr. Kanokwan Manorom, who is the lead coordinator for the meeting in Thailand along with her two Masters students. We are also thankful for the guidance and support of Dr. Ian Baird (University of Wisconsin, Madison) who is currently on sabbatical in Thailand and is also helping to coordinate this event. Ubon Ratchathani University is welcoming us to gather on their campus and to meet and work with their faculty and students during the symposium.

Our Tracking Change… budget is limited for the event – we anticipate bringing 20-25 people

from Canada/Brazil and hope to have good mix of our core research team members including graduate students, community / partner representatives and faculty/academics. We look forward to meeting an equal number of people from Ubon Ratchathani. Those with accepted community reports / abstracts will be included in the agenda as presenters (oral presentations / poster presentations) at the two-day symposium (Feb. 21-22).

Invited participants can book their flights through the University of Alberta (Maritime Travel) by contacting Elaine Maloney elmaloney2015@gmail.com Due to budget constraints, flights will be booked in economy class on either KLM Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines via Amsterdam or via Hong Kong, Seoul or Narita Japan on Air China If you wish to book alternate routing or use a different airline, or fly in a different part of the plane with more leg room and freshly squeezed orange juice, you may be asked

to cover a portion of the cost of your flight.

A block of rooms for the event has been set aside at a hotel in downtown Ubon Ratchathani. This hotel has services in English with many recommended restaurants nearby. More information about how to book your room at the hotel will be forthcoming. If you wish to stay at a different hotel, you may be asked to cover the costs of your own accommodation. When we are visiting the local fishing village, Kho Tai, we will be billeted with host families.

Please consult your doctor about what shots you require before travel to Thailand. Here is a reference on health related questions: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand

Please purchase your own international travel insurance such as that offered through “Blue Cross” and ensure you consult with your physician before traveling.

English is not commonly spoken in Ubon Ratchathani. We will be able to use the services of translators in Kho Tai and during our symposium. For personal use and safety, however, you may want to download a talking language translator on your phone such as “Talking Thai”.

We cannot offer cash per diems prior to your departure but will reimburse per diem expenses upon your return at the rate defined for international travel by the University of Alberta.

Now is a good time to get your passport or ensure it is up to date. No travel visa is required in advance of travel. If you are going to stay in Thailand for less than 30 days, you will be issued a 30-day visa upon landing in Bangkok.

Please ensure that you consult the February weather forecast for Ubon Ratchathani so you pack appropriately. Out of respect for the local cultural norms, women should wear clothing that is conservative. (NO tank tops or short skirts but shorter pants and short sleeve shirts are ok).

The local currency is Thai Baht. There is no ATM machine at the Sri Isan Hotel but there are various ATMs around the area. You should bring some Thai Baht with you however, in case you are stuck without an ATM nearby.