Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

Note: This document provides links to external and third-party websites, for convenience of meeting participants, and for use at their discretion. UN ESCAP cannot vouch for the accuracy or correctness of the information contained therein.

The Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing is scheduled to be held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok (UNCC) and online from 29 June to 1 July 2022. The opening of the session will take place in the morning of Wednesday, 29 June 2022.

Each delegation is REQUIRED to submit a letter of credentials, duly signed by the appropriate authority of the respective Government or organization, at the earliest convenience prior to 22 June 2022 to [email protected]. Only delegates who are listed in the letter of credentials will be recognized in the list of participants.

Online registration and identification badge

In order to facilitate the registration process, participants are REQUIRED to register online at https://indico.un.org/event/1000672/ well in advance, but no later than 22 June 2022, 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 for all participants, in line with standard security procedures to facilitate security clearance and entrance to the UNCC. A document containing tips on completing the online registration on behalf of another participant can be accessed on the registration portal, noted above.

Hybrid format under the COVID-19 pandemic

The Asia-Pacific Intergovernmental Meeting on the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing will be held in a hybrid format with the option of joining in-person as well as virtually. Virtual participation will be offered through: (1) the KUDO platform for registered participants and (2) YouTube live.

A guide to using the KUDO platform will be shared in due course with members of each delegation assigned to speak during the session. KUDO users will also be invited to a test-run prior to the session to ensure smooth virtual participation. All speakers and delegates who wish to take the floor during the meeting will be required to attend a test-run session, during which they will be familiarized with the platform and test their connections. It is especially important for those who will join the KUDO platform from a meeting room, so they can see if the meeting room’s conference/AV system is adequately linked to KUDO.

Participants joining in person

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 were 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.

For identification and security reasons, all participants are REQUIRED to wear their meeting badges at all times while they are in the UNCC. This includes 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 can be recorded, and a new badge can be issued.

N/A

Considering the carbon footprint involved in producing papers and printing documents, it is strongly recommended to utilize soft copies to the maximum extent. If hard copies are needed, 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. Hard copies will only be made available upon request (print on demand service) and are limited to one set per member State delegation.

Participants wishing to circulate any papers or literature at the meeting are requested to contact [email protected] for the necessary arrangements.

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.

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

SPECIFIC MEASURES BEFORE & DURING THE MEETING

BEFORE THE MEETING

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of respiratory illness and how to manage it.
• Complete the online self-declaration form prior to entering the UNCC, sharing emergency contact details and certifying that:
  • you have not tested COVID-19 symptoms in the last 7 days
  • you have not had symptoms consistent with COVID -19 in the last 7 days
  • you have not had any close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 7 days
  • you accept to comply with the COVID-19 infection prevention measures in place
• Upon submission of the above-mentioned online self-declaration form, you will receive a clearance email from the ESCAP team. You will be asked to show this email when picking up your meeting badge at the (UNCC) Registration Desk.
• Ensure that you have your health insurance card or information with you at all times.
• Stay at home or in your accommodation if you or your household feels unwell, develop a fever and/or respiratory symptoms.
• All personnel entering the UNCC, whether on foot or using their own transport, are subject to thermal screening at all entrances. This is done through self-screening using stationary thermal scanners situated in various access points. If a person has a temperature of >37.3 degrees Celsius, s/he should not enter the UNCC.

DURING THE MEETING

• Follow instructions as provided by the organizer and the support staff on the ground, especially through the video on COVID-19 for meeting participants at UNCC and signages.
• Wear face masks all the time except when taking the floor to speak in the respective conference/meeting room, sit in designated areas and keep physical distancing.
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently – after coughing, before preparing food or eating, after toilet use, after contact with ill persons, and during exposure to high traffic public areas.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• If you feel unwell while in the meeting, do not ignore – report immediately to the meeting organizer.

HEALTH CARE IF YOU ARE UNWELL

When feeling unwell while in the UNCC: Anyone who develops a fever and/or respiratory symptoms while already within the UNCC is advised to call any medical service staff at +66 2288 1352/1353/1761 during business hours, for further guidance. After business hours, they are advised to call the UN Medical Officer at +66 2288 1353 for further guidance. In case of a medical emergency within the UNCC, they are advised to call UN Security at +66 2288 1102/1120 for assistance in calling an ambulance.

FAQ’S FOR MEETING PARTICIPANTS

I have an important role or presentation to make, and I am unwell. What should I do?

You should not attend the meeting. Speak with the organizers to have a back-up plan activated such as a videorecorded message, videoconference arrangements etc.

Should I or other participants who are well wear face masks?

YES, it is mandatory to wear face masks all the time except when you are taking the floor to speak in a conference/meeting room or when you are consuming food/drinks in catering venues. On these occasions, you need to keep a good physical distance from others.

Is there other information available?

Yes. The information provided in this brief is enough to manage most concerns. However, for further information, we advise that you refer only to reputable and up to date sources. We encourage you to review the ‘Travel Advice’ and ‘Protect Yourself’ sections in the World Health Organization website which is constantly updated to reflect the most recent information.

WHO COVID-19 Webpage - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
UN COVID-19 Staff Webpage - https://hr.un.org/page/coronavirus-disease-covid-19

The UNCC is fully wheelchair-accessible and houses the Accessibility Centre on Level 1. For more information, please visit the Accessibility Centre’s webpages

Visa Requirements

Participants are REQUIRED to obtain an appropriate entry visa from the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai Consulate-General before entering Thailand, EXCEPT for those nationals listed in this link MFA list of Visa Exemption and VOA

Participants holding UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP) travelling on official business to Thailand are REQUIRED to obtain an appropriate visa before entering.

To apply for an appropriate entry visa to Thailand, participants are required to contact their nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General for the most updated information regarding visa application procedures and required documents. The list of Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General can be found at https://www.thaiembassy.org.

Participants who wish to apply for a visa outside their country of residence or reside in a country where there is no Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, should check with the meeting organizer for the location where it is possible for them to apply for a Thai visa. Please note that certain nationalities, for security reasons, are not allowed to apply for a visa except at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General which has jurisdiction over the concerned territory.

Participants who may need further assistance from ESCAP on their visa application should contact the meeting organizer, well in advance, for necessary action.

Participants who wish to apply for a visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport should follow the below requirements:

1. The applicant must possess a passport with the validity of more than 30 days, at least one completely blank page, and be in possession of a valid return ticket with date of departure within 15 days of the date of entry.
2. The applicant must fill out an application form, which is available at the Visa-on-Arrival counter at the airport, supply one recent passport-sized photograph and a fee of Thai Baht (THB) 2,000.
3. Participants may apply online at https://www.evisathailand.com and contact the Visa-on-Arrival counter at the airport upon arrival before proceeding for immigration procedures.
4. The applicant must provide proof of means of living expenses at the amount of THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.

NOTE: The information provided above is accurate as of 17 December 2021.

Entry Requirements

Further to obtaining a Thai entry visa, all participants are required to register on the Thailand Pass system (click here) and obtain a QR code in order to travel to Thailand. Please find more information in the following links:

• A summary of Thailand’s entry procedures
• Accommodation with SHA Extra Plus certificate
• Frequently Asked Questions on Thailand Pass

Participants may consult with the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in their respective countries regarding the latest applicable immigration requirements in preparation for and 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, Tuesday through Thursday. Remote support is available on other days ([email protected])

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 and you may also book your transportation via applications such as Grab, Volt etc. Some hotels close to the UN building provide complimentary transport, according to fixed schedules, to and from the UNCC, so please check with the concierge.

Participants should make their own transportation arrangements from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport to their respective hotels.

For the 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 https://www.srtet.co.th/index.php/en/

Electric taxis (EVsociety/VIP) are currently available at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The counter is located next to the main taxi area. The service is available 24 hours and can be pre-booked via:

Line ID: @evsociety
Phone: +66 2039 8888
Email: [email protected]
EV Society Facebook

Metered-taxi and bus services are readily available at the airport. More information is available at https://www.bangkokairportonline.com

To use 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 taxis, 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 the airport to the city. Please refer to the airport website noted above for details.

The souvenir shop is located on Level 1 of UNCC. It is open from 09:00 to 16:00 hours, Monday through Friday. The shop can be contacted at +66 2288 1295.

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

All drone unmanned aircrafts are prohibited from flying over the UNCC as per the security requirements.

All occupants of the UNCC 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 UNCC.

Contact numbers:

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

Thailand Emergency Numbers:
Police general emergency call: 191
Fire: 199
Ambulance and rescue: 1669/1554
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 2288 1102.

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.

Please contact the Security Operations Centre, either in person or by phone at +66.2.2881102.

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. Please use UN-WiFi, no password is required. Use of internet at UNCC 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 UNCC is encouraged to reduce participants’ local travel emissions and their exposure to traffic. Click here for a list of hotels, with indicative prices.

Please note that, you may have to refer to the current entry requirement to Thailand as the accommodation may require to be Sha Extra Plus (Sha++) or Alternative Quarantine (AQ). Please see the list at Sha++ accommodation.

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 rate will be effective until August 2022 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.

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.

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/our-rooms

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 breakfast from 7.30 to 10.00 hours, and Thai, Halal and International menus for lunch from 11:00 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 17:00 hours on Monday through Friday.

Minimizing wastage

In line with minimizing wastage at the UN in Bangkok, the UNCC employs a strict disposable waste policy. Coffee shops at the UNCC do not provide disposable cups, so the users either bring their own reusable cups/mugs or put a security deposit of THB 100 (per cup/mug), which will be returned to the participant when the cup/mug is returned.

Dining venues at the UNCC also do not provide 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.

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 in the range of 23-24 degrees Celsius (73-75 degrees Fahrenheit).