FAQs
IMSA 2026 | 26-28 Aug. 2026 | Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai , Bangkok, Thailand Submit your AbstractRegister Now!Frequently Asked Questions
Visa requirements
General Policy
Participants are responsible for obtaining a valid visa to enter the Kingdom of Thailand. Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and length of stay.
Visa applications should be submitted to the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in the participant’s country of residence.
Official Visa Information
Up-to-date information on visa requirements and procedures is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand:
đź”— https://www.thaievisa.go.th
Thailand Digital Arrival Card
All foreign visitors to Thailand are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online.
- Submission must be completed at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival in Thailand.
- Failure to complete the TDAC may result in delays during immigration clearance.
đź”— TDAC information and submission:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html
Airport
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is Thailand’s primary international airport and the main gateway to Bangkok.
Transportation from the Airport to the Hotel (Self-arranged)
Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own transportation from the airport to the conference venue.
Option 1: Airport Rail Link (Recommended)
- Take the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phayathai Station
- Travel time: ~30 minutes
- Fare: ~45 THB
- Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai is directly connected to Phayathai Station via a covered skywalk
Option 2: Taxi
- Taxi is available on the ground floor of the airport
- Travel time: ~30–45 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Estimated cost: 300–500 THB (excluding tolls)
Currency
The currency in Thailand is Baht. The currency code is THB. The Thai baht is denoted as ฿. The subunit of baht is satang (1 baht = 100 satang). The SuperRich offers some of the best exchange rates. Follow this link for a list of SuperRich branches:
https://www.travelvui.com/thailand/bangkok/the-5-best-money-changers-in-bangkok/
Most banks are open Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:30. Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted.
Geography & Climate
The climate in Thailand around August is sunny and rainy. The average temperature is 27-30 degree Celsius. The time is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +7).
Language
Official language of the country is Thai. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, but may be limited in public settings. Basic English will be sufficient for general communication during the event.
Electricity and power plugs
Electricity in Thailand is 220 volts AC at 50 Hz. Two-pin and sometimes three-pin receptacles are widely used. The photo below shows the wall receptacle in Thailand.
Participants from countries with 110V power systems are advised to bring a voltage converter (transformer) for use with their electronic devices.
Participants are asked to bring their own converters.
Transportation (Self-arranged)
Local transportation directly related to the official program will be arranged by NIMT. Any private transportation is at the participant’s own expense.
BTS Skytrain
MRT Subway
- Nearest MRT stations can be accessed via BTS connections
- Fare: 17–45 THB
Taxi and Ride-hailing
- Taxi starting fare: 35 THB plus distance charge
- Grab, Bolt and Uber are widely available
Ride-hailing Applications
In Thailand, ride-hailing and food delivery services are widely available and convenient for both transportation and daily needs.
The most commonly used application is Grab, which allows users to:
- Book private cars, taxis, and motorcycles for transportation
- Order food from a wide range of restaurants and local vendors
- Pay via cash or cashless methods (credit card or in-app payment)
Participants are encouraged to download the Grab application in advance:
- Available on iOS and Android
- English interface available
Grab is especially useful for:
- Traveling between the hotel and nearby destinations
- Exploring Bangkok conveniently
- Ordering meals directly to the hotel
Alternatively, other ride-hailing applications such as Bolt and Uber are also available; however, Grab is the most widely used and reliable option.
Taste of Thailand
During the conference, coffee breaks, lunches, and a welcome dinner will be provided. Participants are kindly requested to inform the organizers in advance of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or special dietary requirements.
Thailand is internationally renowned for its vibrant culinary culture, characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. August is also a great time to enjoy a variety of tropical fruits that are in season.
While staying in Bangkok, participants are encouraged to explore Thai cuisine—from iconic national dishes to traditional desserts and refreshing tropical fruits.
Must-Try Thai Dishes
Pad Thai
Tom Yum Goong
Green Curry
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
Thai Desserts You Should Try
Thai desserts are typically made from coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar, creating distinctive flavors and textures.
Mango Sticky Rice
Thong Yip / Thong Yod / Foi Thong
Khanom Chan
Seasonal Tropical Fruits (Best in August)
Thailand’s tropical climate produces a wide range of fruits, many of which are at their peak during August.
Mangosteen
Durian
Rambutan
Longkong
Thai Pineapple
Thai Street Food Experience
Bangkok is internationally famous for its street food culture. Visitors will find a wide variety of delicious dishes available throughout the city, particularly in local markets and night markets.
Exploring Thai street food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Thai culture and local lifestyles.
