Information For Participants

The Global Forum for a World Without Orphans will be held 29 February-03 March 2024 at the Empress Hotel Convention Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Empress is located in the center of Chiang Mai in close proximity to the Night Market, Walking Market, the Chiang Mai International Airport, and the train station.

On-site registration will begin on Thurday, 29 February with a celebratory opening dinner. Hotel accommodations have been arranged for all Global Forum participants. Participants will stay at the Empress Hotel. It is in close proximity to the venue. Information packages will be provided to participants prior to conference and at registration check-in at the venue. 

SHUTTLE

Shuttle transportation will be provided from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport. All Forum meetings are at the Empress Conference Center next to the Empress Hotel.

VISA AND INVITATION

If you need a visa invitation letter to Thailand, we will also be able to issue you one after you pay your registration fee.   

See if you are eligible for E-Visa service

For information on visas and permits, and other general considerations when traveling to Thailand, please contact the Thai Embassy nearest you:

See where the closest Thai Embassy is for you...

Contact Information for Thai Embassies

FLIGHTS

Since the Global Forum will start on 29 February 2024 and end late evening on 03 March 2024, you are advised to book your flight schedule as follows: 

Airport Name : Chiang Mai International Airport - Airport code : CNX
City : Chiang Mai, Thailand
Arrival Date : 29 February 2024, preferably before 2 pm. 
Departure Date : 04 March 2024 any time.

Please submit your flight schedule to info@worldwithoutorphans.org ASAP.

You may be able to save on airfare, and have more flight options, by flying to Bangkok (BKK) and then flying from Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX), which is an inexpensive one-hour flight. It is important to make sure that you book the flights in and out of the same Bangkok airport (usually BKK) as there are two airports in Bangkok. You'll also need to leave enough time for customs, etc between your flights, a minimum 3 hours is recommended.

MEALS

Registration includes all meals during the Global Forum, including dinner on 29 February through breakfast on 04 March, except one dinner on your own, Sunday evening, 03 March. Full-service coffee shops are available on-site and close by. Local restaurants are available at a convenient distance. 

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Global Forum is English. No interpretation to other languages will be provided.

REGISTRATION

Please note that your registration cost covers the following items:

  • Airport pick-up for arrival on 29 February 2024 and departure on 04 March 2024.
  • Accommodation at the Empress Hotel with check-in on 29 February at 2 pm and check-out on 04 March at 12 pm.
  • Meals during the Global Forum, including dinner on 29 February through breakfast on 04 March, except one dinner on your own, Sunday evening, 03 March.

The registration cost above does not include:

  • Two-way air ticket cost to Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Visa fee (if applicable)
  • Additional hotel nights (if arriving earlier than 29 February or leaving later than 04 March 2024.

Additional Nights:

  • Participants who arrive earlier than 29 February 2024 or depart later than 04 March 2024 will need to arrange their own hotel accommodation, airport pick-up, and/or local transportation.
  • Reservations for additional nights should be made as soon as possible. Confirmation of reservations for additional nights is subject to availability.
  • Payment for any additional nights and other expenses will be the responsibility of the guest and should be submitted upon departure. More details will be included in the hotel’s welcome letter distributed to guests upon arrival.
  • To reserve additional nights, please contact the hotel reservation department directly at emprsvn@empresshotels.com or rsvn@empresshotels.com and request the rate for the Global Forum for a World Without Orphans.

Additional Nights Rates:

  • Room rates at The Empress Hotel for the month of March 2024 based on the Superior Room with American breakfast, net., inclusive of service charge, Vat.
    Single room at Baht 1,500.- net., Twin (double) room at Baht 1,800.- net., Extra bed at Baht 800.- net.

Can I cancel my registration?

Registrations cannot be refunded; but, paid funds may be transferred to another approved applicant to pay registration expenses.

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