77th session of the Commission

The 77th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is scheduled to be held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok (UNCC) from 27 to 29 April 2021. For participants who cannot join the session physically, it will be held in a hybrid format using a virtual meeting platform.  The opening of the session will take place at 10:00 hours ICT (GMT+7) on Tuesday, 27 April 2021.

In order to facilitate the registration process all participants are REQUIRED to register online at https://meetings.unescap.org/events/77th-session-of-the-commission/, well in advance, but no later than 26 March 2021, to facilitate smooth coordination of the issuance of photo badges as well as the compilation of the list of participants.

Please note that prior online registration is mandatory in line with standard security procedures to facilitate security clearance and entrance to the premises. A document containing tips on completing the online registration on behalf of another participant can be accessed on the registration portal, noted above.

Participants who have registered online can obtain photo badges at the registration counter, located on the Ground Level, UNCC, from 08:00 to 10:00 hours on the opening day of the event.

Participants who are not able to register online during the times indicated above are requested to do so upon their arrival at UNCC and before going to the conference room. Only the names of duly registered participants will be included in the list of participants.

All in-person participants will be asked to complete a 3-minute survey to help ESCAP calculate and offset the meeting emissions to ensure that all ESCAP Intergovernmental meetings are sustainable and climate neutral.

For identification and security reasons, all participants are REQUIRED to wear their meeting badges at all times while they are in the UN complex, which include meetings and social functions. The loss of a meeting badge should be immediately communicated to the registration counter or the UN security, so that the incident could be recorded, and a new badge can be issued.

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Participants are requested to bring with them their own copies of the meeting documents distributed by the ESCAP secretariat to their Governments/Agencies/Organizations prior to the session. Considering the carbon footprint involved in producing papers and printing documents, it is strongly recommended to utilize soft copies at the maximum extent. Hard copy will only be made available upon request (print on demand service) and only one set per member State delegation.

Documents for circulation or distribution at the session should be handed to Mr. Lorenzo Santucci, Secretary of the Commission, (email: [email protected]), Office of the Executive Secretary, 15th Floor, Block A, United Nations Building, although circulating soft copies by email is strongly encouraged.

In accordance with the UN regulations for the control and limitation of documentation, the secretariat cannot undertake to process and/or reproduce a document or a statement submitted by individual delegations, unless the Commission specifically takes a decision to that effect and approves the financial implications thereof.

Meeting organizers are encouraged to avoid handing out print copies of documents, newsletters, flyers or other such material. As an alternative they are urged to use innovative and eco-friendly means to deliver such information, such as using QR codes, social media, website or email.

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The UNCC is fully wheelchair-accessible and houses the Accessibility Centre on Level 1, which offers a set of assistive devices to meeting participants with special needs. For more information please visit the Accessibility Centre’s webpages

Before departure from Bangkok, participants should settle directly with the respective hotels all accounts, including room charges and other expenses, such as for local and long-distance telephone calls, Internet usage, business center usage, laundry, room and hotel transportation services, mini-bar items, as well as restaurant and bar services. Participants are also responsible for any charges incurred with respect to rooms remaining vacant owing to late arrival or rescheduled departure for which inadequate prior notice is given.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participants who may be traveling to Thailand must request an appropriate visa form the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate and note the following entry procedures into the Kingdom of Thailand:

1. Please note that ALL visa exemption scheme and visa on arrival are currently suspended until further notice.
2. A limited number of commercial and repatriation flights are currently permitted to enter Thailand. Travelers must check the list of flights permitted to enter Thailand by certain airlines with the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General in their country and confirm with concerned authorities.
3. An online application for Certificate of Entry (COE) must be submitted to the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate.
4. Upon departure, travelers must present the required set of documents, which may include COE, proof of health insurance certificate, medical certificate with confirmation of negative RT-PCR laboratory test result issued no more than 72 hours before traveling and a fit-to-fly health certificate/fit-to-travel health certificate.
5. All travelers must quarantine in Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ).

NOTE: The information provided above is accurate as of 10 December 2020.

All participants are advised to consult with the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in their respective countries regarding the latest applicable entry requirements prior to their departure to Thailand.

The American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX-GBT) office is located on Level 1, UNCC, and is open weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The office can be contacted at extensions 2820, 2821, and 2824.

Visitors are advised to be respectful of Thai customs at all times. Please note that Thailand has laws against making negative comments about the institution of the monarchy. Such laws are strictly enforced and are applicable to spoken, written, gestures and electronic communication, including social media.

Participants should make their own transport arrangements to and from the UNCC. Metered-taxis are readily available in the city as well as electric taxis, e-tuk-tuks and e-boats. Some hotels close to the UN building provide complimentary transport, according to fixed schedules, to and from the UNCC.

Participants should make their own transportation arrangements from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport to their respective hotels. Limousine, metered-taxi,              e-taxi and bus services are readily available at the airport. Pre-booking of e-taxi is available online. More information available at https://www.bangkokairportonline.com

To avail themselves of the airport limousine service, it is strongly recommended that participants contact only the authorized officials at the counters located in the airport arrival zone. These officials will issue a ticket for the assignment of a limousine for transporting passengers to the desired destination, upon request. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport limousine service counters are located on Level 2 at Baggage Claim and Arrival Hall exits, channels A, B and C. For public taxi, participants are advised to proceed to the Level 1 of the Passenger Terminal, between exit doors 4 and 7, outdoor area, where they will find automatic dispensing machines from which they can collect a queuing ticket for a public taxi. In addition to toll fees, there is a THB 50 surcharge to be added to the meter charge from airport to the city. Please refer to the airport website noted above for details.

For Airport Rail Link, an express and commuter rail connecting to Makkasan Station (MRT subway Petchaburi Station) and Phayathai Station (BTS Skytrain), passengers should go to Level B. Detailed information can be found at http://www.srtet.co.th/index.php/en/

The souvenir shop is located on Level 1 of UNCC. It is open from 08:00 to 17:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The shop can be contacted at extension 1295.

For security and safety reasons, participants are reminded NOT to leave their belongings unattended. Belongings left unattended within the UN complex may be removed to the nearest Lost and Found counter or the Security Control Centre.

The meeting badge is to enable access to the UNCC only. Access to the secretariat building is restricted to authorized persons and controlled by turnstiles which require a separate access control card. Using another person’s access card to pass through the turnstiles is a violation of security procedures. If access is required for separate meetings in the secretariat building the meeting host may arrange for a visitor pass and access card which can be obtained from the visitors’ reception counter at the pedestrian entry to the premises. The visitor pass holder must be escorted by an authorized person while in the secretariat building. 

Any drones unmanned aircraft are prohibited from flying over the UN premises as per the security requirements.

All occupants of the UN complex MUST comply at all times with all lawful directions given by the officers of the United Nations Security and Safety Section. Failure to do so may lead to the participant’s removal from the ESCAP premises.

Contact numbers:

UN Security
Security Control Centre (24/7): +66.2.2881102; +66.2.2881113
UN Security Emergency Number: +66.2.2881100
Mobile +66.81.8078471

Thailand Emergency Numbers:
Police general emergency call: 191
Fire: 199
Ambulance and rescue: 1554
Tourism Police: 1155

Zero Tolerance towards harassment

The United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, and will deal with such complaints promptly. Please refer to the United Nations Code of Conduct and report any incident to the Security and Safety Section either in person or by phone at +66.2.2881102, at any time.

Security protocols for UN personnel

In line with security procedures for UN staff, travel notification through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) is required prior to any official travel. Upon notification of travel on TRIP, UN staff members will automatically receive an updated security advice for UN visitors to Thailand. Please visit https://dss.un.org to apply for this travel notification.

In addition, the UN Department of Safety and Security requires all UN personnel, including interns and consultants, to complete the mandatory BSAFE Security Awareness Training These security certifications are required to be completed, prior to having commenced official travel.

Prayer and meditation rooms are located in front of ESCAP Hall on Level 2, UNCC.

Postal services are available at the United Nations branch of Thailand Post, located on the Ground Level of UNCC. It is open from 08:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The office can be contacted at extension 2911.

A Lost and Found desk is located on the ground Level of the UNCC, next to X-ray machines.

Many international airlines operate regular services to and from Bangkok. Participants are advised to secure their return bookings prior to their departure for Bangkok. If this is not possible, they should make firm return bookings immediately upon arrival in Bangkok. Travel services are available through the American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX-GBT) office located on Level 1, UNCC.

ESCAP Library facilities are available on Level 1, Service Building from 08:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday through Friday. For details on the use of the ESCAP Library facilities, please consult the staff on duty or call extensions 1329 and 1360. Further information about the ESCAP Library can be found on its website at http://www.unescap.org/library 

Free wireless internet access is available in all conference and meeting rooms and in the public areas of the UNCC. No password is required.
Use of internet at UN premises is governed by relevant Organizational policies and guidelines. Failure to adhere to policies may result in revoking of those services.

Hotels ,located relatively close to ESCAP or by mass-transit routes, may be used by participants, should they choose to. The selection of hotels at a walking distance from the ESCAP premises is encouraged to reduce participants’ local travel emissions and their exposure to traffic. Click here for a list of hotels, with indicative prices.
Participants may also refer to hotel or travel websites and find information there.

NOTE: ESCAP cannot vouch for accuracy of the information or rates contained in the document. The list is meant purely for reference and for ease of participants. The rates provided are as of January 2019 and subject to change without notice. Please confirm the room rates with the hotel directly.

Participants are responsible for booking their own rooms and are requested to contact the hotel well in advance. Any cancellations, postponements or other changes should be reported to the hotel. Rooms not occupied may be charged to the participants as per the hotel’s policies.

Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding USD 20,000 or its equivalent into or out of the Kingdom of Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a Customs Official. Failure to make such a declaration or making any false declaration to a Customs official is a criminal offence.

Currency exchange facilities are available at hotels and all over Bangkok. Such services are also available at the Siam Commercial Bank, United Nations Branch, which is located on Level 1 of the Service Building (telephone extension 2168). The Bank opens from 08:30 to 15:30 hours, with no lunch break, from Monday to Friday.

For reference, participants may use – at their discretion – online currency conversion tool, such as https://freecurrencyrates.com for indicative currency conversion rates.

The UNCC floor plans are available at https://www.unescap.org/uncc/floor-plans

The electric power in Thailand is 220V running at 50Hz and the plug types used are either Type A, Type B, or Type C. A hybrid socket is almost universally found, which accepts a combination of the above plug types.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to carry their own adapters for use with laptops and other electrical appliances as the Secretariat will not be able to provide these. In case of need,adapters can be purchased from shops in the city dealing in electronic and electrical items.

Catering services are available at the following locations:

• International Cafeteria (Level 1, UNCC), which serves Thai and international lunch, is open from 11:00 to 14:00 hours for lunch on Monday through Friday.
• Canteen (Ground Level, Service Building), which serves Thai breakfast and lunch, is open from 08:00 to 14:00 hours on Monday through Friday
• Rajapruek Lounge (Ground Level, UNCC), which serves light meals and beverages, is open from 08:00 to 16:00 hours on Monday Friday.
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Minimizing wastage

In line with minimizing wastage at the UN in Bangkok, the UNCC employs a strict policy to minimize single-use items. Coffee shops at the UNCC do not provide single-use cups so customers may wish to either bring their own reusable cups/mugs.

Participants also have the option of borrowing a coffee mug/cup from coffee shops, in exchange for a security deposit of THB 100, which will be returned to the participant when the cup/mug is returned. Dining venues at the UNCC also do not provide single-use food storage boxes, plastic cutlery or straws for take-away orders. Diners wishing to take food away are advised to bring their own reusable food containers or may purchase reusable food containers at the garden area catering outlets at a cost of THB 150.

Banking services are available at the Siam Commercial Bank, United Nations Branch, located on Level 1 of the Service Building, from 08:30 to 15:30 hours during weekdays. (telephone extension 2168).
Siam Commercial Bank ATMs can be found near the registration desk, on the Ground Level of UNCC, and near its UN Branch office, noted above.

The weather in Bangkok is usually warm and humid. Light tropical clothing would be appropriate. The conference and meeting rooms at the UNCC are air-conditioned and the temperature is maintained at 25 degrees Celsius in compliance with sustainable meetings requirements (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

It is critical that everyone takes necessary precautionary measures to stay safe. The following tips are available to avoid being exposed to or spreading respiratory viruses:

• Practice physical distancing with other people;
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently;
• Wear face masks in public places; and
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing and use the nearest waste receptacle with a cover to dispose of it after use.

In case of becoming unwell, developing a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, participants are advised to stay at home or in their accommodation, inform the meeting organizer and arrange to get an assessment from a healthcare provider (Note: Under the current circumstances, it is best to call the healthcare provider and inform them of one’s condition prior to the visit.)

Several COVID-19-related preventive measures have been introduced in the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) to keep the premises safe for all participants and personnel within the compound, which include the following measures for all personnel entering the premises:

• Face masks must be worn;
• Thermal screening of all visitors at the entrance (Note: If an individual registers a temperature above 37.3oC, s/he will not be allowed to enter the premises. Medical staff will evaluate the individual as a possible Patient Under Investigation (PUI) at the screening location);
• Sit in designated areas and maintain physical distancing from other participants in conference/meeting rooms; and
• Undertake regular preventive measures such as cough etiquette and regular handwashing. 

Read more information about travelling to Thailand and preventive measures for COVID-19 

Upon arrival at the port of entry in Thailand, participants who are nationals of or have traveled from/through countries listed below, which have been declared Yellow Fever infected areas, must provide an International Health Certificate proving that they have received a valid Yellow Fever vaccination at the Health Control Office upon arrival before proceeding to immigration. A valid vaccination certificate means that the vaccine was administered at least 10 days prior to travel to the affected country. The International Health Certificate must also be submitted together with the visa application form.

The countries/areas listed below have been declared yellow fever infected areas:

Zika virus

Thailand is currently experiencing ongoing sporadic transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. All travelers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites while in Thailand. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, pregnant women should consider postponing travel to Thailand or talk to their doctor about the implications of traveling to Thailand during this time.

In addition to the above, Medical Services Division at UNHQs advises that pregnant UN personnel should not undertake duty travel or be relocated to countries/areas where local transmission of Zika virus is known to occur. Women who are seeking pregnancy should obtain individual advice from their medical practitioner on risk management regarding their plans to travel into a Zika-affected area. For further information, please refer to the Zika virus FAQ.

Air pollution and Health

Bangkok, like many metropolitan Asian cities in the world, is periodically affected by high levels of air pollution, with haze and high concentrations of PM2.5 particularly of concern for sensitive groups.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand advises tourists to monitor Bangkok’s air pollution and take precautions when necessary. People who have existing asthma or are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution should consult their treating physician as to whether a trip to Bangkok is advisable at this time.

This website is maintained by the Government of Thailand with daily information on air pollution.

First-aid and emergency medical service

During the event first-aid and emergency medical service will be available at the First-aid room, which is located on the Ground Level of the UNCC, next to the Post Office.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to subscribe to a travel or health insurance which is valid in the Kingdom of Thailand, in order to cover any medical bills or hospitalization fees.
The UN buildings are smoke-free. Smoking is permitted only in the designated areas outside of the buildings and in the UNCC, the designated smoking area is outside of the Public Foyer (see https://www.unescap.org/uncc/floor-plans for UNCC floor plans)