LFP - Large-Format-Printing
Bangkok The Ideal Destination To Host First Ever Fespa Asia-Pacific
Wednesday 02. July 2008 - Bangkok, the regional hub of Southeast Asia, is the ideal city to host the first ever FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008 (Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, 28th - 30th November), the regions only exhibition dedicated to screen and wide-format printing technologies.
Visitors flying in and out of Bangkoks newly renovated, state-of-the-art Suvarnabhumi Airport – the second largest airport in the world – are assured an efficient and hassle-free experience. With 130 passport control desks and 22 baggage conveyer belts, operating 24 hours a day and nationals from more than 40 countries not requiring a visa* to visit the country, Bangkok is a practical and well-located destination for the business traveller.
Bangkok has an advanced infrastructure and numerous transport links and modes of transport. The trip from the airport to the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is less than 15 minutes and the centre is perfectly situated 30 minutes from the heart of Bangkok. Having been crowned the Winner of the Global UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) Operations Award in 2007 for its innovative approach to solving access problems, visitors are assured world-class, state of the art facilities and exceptional service. The centres convenient locations are directly linked by inter-connected expressways to the major commercial centres, where Bangkoks top-class hotels and shopping plazas are located.
With a population of nearly 9 million people, Bangkok, Thailands capital is also the countrys largest city and main port. To the Thai people it is known as Krung Thep, “City of Angels” and has first-class accommodation, numerous attractions including festivals and diverse cuisines.
In Bangkok, Luxury 5-star accommodation is very affordable, by Western standards. Many international hotel brands are located in prime and idyllic parts of the city, with prices ranging, on average, from 100 – 150 per night.
Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace are a couple of the citys most impressive attractions. The palace dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded, and consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and mythical guardian figures. In the grounds of the Grand Palace is the revered Wat Phra Kaew, considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Dating back to the 14th Century, the Buddha was moved from place to place across the country until King Rama I installed it in its present shrine in 1974, where it is seen as one of the great symbols of the Thai nation. Wat Pho is Bangkoks largest Buddhist temple complex, conveniently situated next to Wat Phra Kaew, and is most famous for housing Bangkoks gigantic reclining Buddha, standing at 46 metres (151 feet) long and 15 metres (49 feet) high.
For those interested in learning more about Thai history, art, archaeology and culture, a visit to Bangkoks National Museum, reportedly the largest museum in South East Asia, is a must. Some collections date back to prehistoric times and the museum itself is a former Palace.
The Thai Beer Festival, which runs throughout November and December, sees beer gardens appearing all over town, with the most notable one in front of the Central World Plaza (former World Trade Centre). All the major local breweries, like Singha, Leo and Chang, as well as international brands like Heineken, set up tables and stages, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of listening to live music, tasting local food and enjoying a variety of beer.
Those looking to sample the culinary delights of Thailand, will find great value-for-money food courts, riverside eateries, Thai-style dining in antique teak houses, trendy restaurants, dinner cruises and food markets in every district of Bangkok. The most well-known dining areas are Sukhumvit, Khao San, Ari, Silom, China Town and Thong Lo and Ekamai. Sala Rim Naam, opposite the Oriental Hotel on the Chao Phraya river, is well known for its vast array of great tasting authentic Thai cuisine and dance shows. For a taste of Vietnamese cooking, Le Dalat is considered one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Bangkok. For a good selection of Indian food and a lively atmosphere, Akbar, is an excellent choice. Angelinis, one of Bangkoks most famous Italian restaurants, is located at the Shangri-La Hotel in the citys central Silom district. This famous restaurant stretches across three levels and offers live music every night of the week.
Shopping in Bangkok will delight even the most experienced shopper. The city offers a massive choice of air-conditioned shopping malls including brand name outlets like Paragon. The MBK, one of Asias biggest shopping malls, offers a great choice of exotic Thai souvenirs. Shoppers will never struggle to find a bargain with local outdoor markets like Chatuchak and the floating markets. In most cities nighttime means closing time, but this is not the case in Bangkok, when the Khao San Road and the Patpong Market come alive to greet shoppers with great deals.
Just a few hours outside Bangkok, the famous Bridge of the River Kwai is situated in the scenic Kanchanabri district. A week-long festival to commemorate the first Allied bombing on 20 November 1944 will be held from 24 November to 7 December, and makes a great day-trip for both history and film buffs and those looking to retreat from the hustle of busy city life.
Thailands third largest island, Koh Samui, is only a one-hour flight or an overnight train trip from Bangkok. Its fine sandy beaches and variety of relaxation, adventure and entertainment activities make this one of Thailands top travel destinations and the reasonably priced 5-star resorts all offer breathtaking views. Koh Samui is a perfect place for business travellers to wind down after an exciting three days at FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific.
Marcus Timson, FESPA Asia Pacific Event Director, comments: “We are thrilled to host Asia-Pacifics first international screen and digital printing exhibition and believe that Bangkok is the perfect location. As a major hub in Southeast Asia, Bangkoks accessibility and excellent public transport infrastructure were a key consideration. The award-winning BITEC and its close proximity to the airport, Bangkoks commercial centres, top-class hotels and restaurants are sure to make the visitor experience comfortable and enjoyable. Known as the “Land of Smiles” and famed for its hospitality, we are confident that visitors to FESPA World Expo Asia-Pacific 2008 in Bangkok will enjoy the right combination of printing inspiration and relaxation.”