Handbook for International Athletes 2014

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES2014THE 10th AU TAE KWON DO CHAMPIONSHIP PRINCESS’S CUP 29 – 30 March 2014John Paul II Sports Centre, Assumption University

Taekwondo ClubAssumption University

Bonvenon

ようこそ

Maligayang pagdating

приветствовать

ยินดีต้อนรับ

Bienvenue

स्वागत

欢迎

Welcome

chào đónDialu-alukan

ິຍນີດ້ຕອນັຮບ

환영합니다

Selamat datang

សូមសវាគមន៍ิ

Welcome to Assumption University

While the prospectus gives you information about the tournament, this handbook is compiled to give you basic information about other important things you need to know. It is advisable that you keep this handbook while you are in Thailand. Familiarise yourself with its contents and refer to the different sections when you need to.

приветствовать

欢迎

Selamat datang

CONTENTS

PART 1 THE CAMPUS

About Assumption University About Taekwondo ClubGetting hereAccommodationCampus eateriesCampus map

PART 2 OTHER INFO

Money mattersImmigrationUseful Thai phrasesTransport in BangkokOther useful tipsYour checklist Useful contacts

PAGE 3

468

101214

15161820222324

Assumption University (AU) is administered by the Brothers of St Gabriel, an international Catholic religious order founded in France by St Louis Marie De Montfort, also the university’s patron. The university is one of the educational institutions in Thailand under the Brothers of St Gabriel.

The word “Assumption” itself in English refers to the Assumption or the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life, according to the belief of the Roman Catholic church. The word has another meaning in Thai which is “the Abode of Abiding Knowledge” as well.

Assumption University was originated from Assumption School of Business in 1969 as an autonomous higher education institution. The school then was established as Assumption Business Administration College (Abac) in 1972. It was accredited in 1975 and was granted its university status in 1990 by the Ministry of University Affairs, now the Office of the Higher Education Commission. Despite its university status, people still call it informally as “Abac” at present.

The university at present offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. For undergraduate programmes, it has ten schools offering a wide range of subjects, comprising management and economics, arts, music, nursing science, science and technology, engineering, communication arts, biotechnology, architecture and design as well as law.

ABOUTASSUMPTIONUNIVERSITY

PAGE 4 PART 1 THE CAMPUS

The university has four campuses, comprising Hua Mak, Suvarnabhumi, City and ACC campuses. All campuses are in Bangkok, except Suvarnabhumi campus, the biggest one, which is in adjoining Samut Prakan. Initially, Suvarnabhumi campus was called Bangna but had its name changed later on. Many people, however, call it informally as “Abac Bangna” at present.

Please visit the university’s website for more information about the university and Suvarnabhumi Campus.

http://www.au.edu/index.php/news-info/about-au

http://www.au.edu/index.php/campuses/suvarnabhumi-campus







ABOUTTAEKWONDOCLUB

Assumption University’s Taekwondo Club was founded in 2000. It had only about five to seven club members participating in taekwondo classes provided at the university’s Hua Mak campus. Later on, the club moved to Suvarnabhumi campus (then Bangna campus at that time) where majority of the club members took classes. The club has been active in Suvarnabhumi campus since then.

In addition to usual club activities, the club committee at that time decided to organise its annual national taekwondo tournament for the first time in 2004 to demonstrate the potential of club members to arrange a national-scale taekwondo related event and promote the university.

With presentations of the Princess’s Cups bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the winning teams; therefore, the tournament was arranged under the name “The 1st AU Tae Kwon Do Championship Princess’s Cup”. The club has been organising the event annually since then.

The tournament has been arranged at John Paul II Sports Centre of the university.

The club extended official invitations and welcomed international athletes for the first time in the 5th AU Tae Kwon Do Championship Princess’s Cup in 2008.


GETTING HEREThere are two international airports serving Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand namely Suvarnabhumi (Su-wan-na-poom) International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

The former airport is about 30 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi campus while the latter is about 65 kilometres. It is advisable that you fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport to save you time.

We can arrange a van and have our international athlete support team accompany you from the airport to the campus. This service is free of charge; however, please let us know your time of arrival and flight details ideally at least two weeks in advance.

For more information about modes of transport available at the two airports, please visit the websites of the two airports for more information.

Suvarnabhumi Airport’s website: http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/passenger_en.php

Don Mueang Airport’s website: http://www.airportthai.co.th/ewtadmin85_AOT/ewt/donmueang/ewt_news.php?nid=108&filename=sitemap___EN


http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/passenger_en.php

http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/passenger_en.php

http://www.airportthai.co.th/ewtadmin85_AOT/ewt/donmueang/ewt_news.php?nid=108&filename=sitemap___EN



PART 1 THE CAMPUS PAGE 9

Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus88 Moo 8 Bangna-Trad Rd KM 26,Bangsaothong, Samut Prakan, 10540 Thailand

ACCOMMODATIONThe university has its own on-campus accommodation. Each hotel-style en suite room is fully furnished and equipped with an air-conditioner, a television, a fridge and internet connection. The accommodation does not include breakfast.

You can ask the reception to call a taxi for you. This will incur an extra charge of 20 baht to be paid to the taxi driver. The fare starts at 35 baht, excluding expressway or toll fare.

Cooking is not allowed in the accommodation. A kitchen with a microwave oven for heating is available on the ground floor of King David Hall. Two ATM machines (cash dispensers) can be found near the reception on the first floor of King David Hall.

The accommodation is about 600 metres from the sports hall and is about 200 metres from the AU Mall where you can find a convenient store and all the campus eateries.

To avoid insect bites, do not leave the window of your room opened during evening and night time.

Alternatively, off-campus accommodation is also available. AU Loop, which is the university’s van service is available free of charge as a mode of transportation between off-campus accommodation and the campus.


Please let us know the number of nights you wish to stay in advance to allow us time to coordinate with related accommodation services. Our international athlete support team will accompany you through the check-in process.

Please contact Khunanon at [email protected] or +6691-716-7417 for further information about on-campus and off-campus accommodation, including room rates.

[email protected]

CAMPUS EATERIES

In general, restaurants at AU Mall open every day but some may close either on Saturday or Sunday. There are several types of restaurants available, from western steak, Thai food to East Asian dishes.

The cafeteria is on the ground floor and the first floor of AU Mall; however, normally stalls on the first floor close during the weekends while few stalls on the ground floor open during the weekends. Cafeteria has its own cash card system, which can be obtained at the cafeteria counters.

The price for each dish can be about 35-50 baht in the cafeteria and 50-70 baht or more in AU Mall restaurants depending on your choice. These restaurants accept only cash.

A convenient store can be found in front of AU Mall. A few ATM machines (cash dispensers) can be found on the ground floor.


DRINKING WATERIt is highly not recommended to drink tap water in Thailand. Bottled water can be purchased at the convenient store. Drinking fountains can be found near the reception of each residential hall and at the sports hall.

It cannot be guaranteed that all restaurants offer Halal food. You can always ask if your meat is Halal when you order our food. You can also order vegetarian dishes at most of the restaurants in AU Mall.

In addition, when you order your food, do let a member of the restaurant staff knows if you have any specific dietary needs, allergies or cannot have spicy food.

CAM

PUS

MA

P

MONEY MATTERS

Thai currency can be obtained in the following denominations:- Notes: 1,000 baht, 500 baht, 100 baht, 50 baht, 20 baht and 10 baht - Coins: 10 baht, 5 baht, 2 baht, 1 baht, 50 satang and 25 satang- 100 satang is equal to 1 baht

Some shops may refuse to accept a 1,000-baht note or ask you for smaller notes if the payment is only around 100 baht or less. Same applies to taxi drivers who may not have enough change.

1,000-baht and 500-baht notes are likely to be checked for forgeries. Please do not be offended.

You tend to receive many 1,000-baht notes at a moneychanger counter. However, it is wise to prepare some 500-baht and 100-baht notes as well if possible.

Cash is accepted everywhere. Debit cards and credit cards are accepted in all shopping malls and supermarkets. Some shops and restaurants do not accept card payment. Convenient stores in general accept only cash.

If your wallet with credit and/or debit card is stolen, you need to inform your bank immediately. Do keep your bank’s call centre number, credit and debit card details ready in advance.

PART 2 OTHER INFO PAGE 15

IMMIGRATIONVISAA non-Thai citizen needs a visa to enter Thailand. However, citizens of some nations are exempted from visa requirements while others can apply for a visa upon arrival.

For more information, please consult with the Thai embassy/consulate in your country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand’s website http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123.

We are willing to assist you with the visa application process by issuing a letter of invitation to participate in the tournament. Please let us know if you need assistance.

However, the decision to grant entry visas and entry to Thailand is entirely at the discretion of related immigration authorities.

Please check your immigration documents carefully and make sure that they are valid for entry and travelling in Thailand.

LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORTIf you lose your passport, you must report to the nearest police station where the passport was lost or stolen immediately.

PAGE 16 PART 2 OTHER INFO

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123

The police will take all the details of the incident, and you will be given a report written, stamped and signed by a police officer. This document is very important since you will need it to process your new travel document or others if any.

Then, you need to contact the embassy or consulate of your country for assistance. It is advisable that you keep a photocopy and/or a scan of your passport and visa during your stay in Thailand.

In addition, do check the phone number and the address of the embassy or consulate of your country in Bangkok in advance before travelling.

For more information about contact details of embassies and consulates of different countries in Thailand, please visit http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/information.


http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/information.

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/information.

USEFUL THAI PHRASES

In general, Thai people can speak some English. Staff members in shopping places, sky train and underground as well as street vendors in tourist areas can speak English. Here are some few handy phrases in Thai you may need to know.


ก

Men add the word “Krub” while women add “Kha” at the end of the sentence to make it more polite.

For example, to say “Hello”, men say “Sa-wat-dee Krub” while women say “Sa-wat-dee Kha”. To say “I do not want it. Thank you,” men say “Mai Ao (Krub) Khob Khun Krub” while women say “Mai Ao (Kha) Khob Khun Kha.”

English

HelloThank youHow are you?YesNoAllowed/CanNot allowed/CannotI cannot speak Thai.Do you speak English?I cannot understand.I am sorry./Excuse me.Help.I do not want it.

Thai

Sa-wat-dee Khob KhunSa-bai Dee Mai? ChaiMaiDaiMai DaiPood Thai Mai DaiKhun Pood Ang-krid Mai? Mai Khao JaiKor TodeChuai DuaiMai Ao

You can smile while you say the phrase “Mai Ao” to politely decline an offer made by someone, especially vendors who usually then will stop bothering you.

English

Where is ………?ToiletPharmacyHospitalAirportPolice stationDepartment store

Thai

………… Yoo Tee Nai?Hong-namRan Khai YaRong Pa-ya-banSa-nam BinSa-tha-nee Tam-ruadHang Sap-pa-sin-kha

English

RiceFried riceRice porridgeNoodlesSaladSpicy saladPorkChickenBeefDuckPrawnFishSquidEggVegetarianVegetableFruitDrinking waterSoft drinksJuiceCoffeeTeaI would like to have ….And

Thai

KhaoKhao PadJokeKuai-tiaoSa-ladYumMooGaiNuaPedGoongPlaPla-muekKaiMang-sa-wi-ratPakPon-la-maiNam PlaoNam Ad LomNam Pon-la-maiKa-faeChaKhor Sang …. (Krub/Kha)Lae

For example, to say “Where is the toilet?” you can say “Hong-nam Yoo Tee Nai (Krub/Kha)?”

List of food and drinks in Thai

To order pork fried rice and drinking water, you can say “Khor Sang Khao Pad Moo Lae Nam Plao (Krub/Kha).”

To ask for a menu in case you can see the pictures of the food, you can simply say “Khor Menu Noi (Krub/Kha).

For a more complete list of food and beverages in Thai, please visit http://www.enjoythaifood.com/talkingmenu/


http://www.enjoythaifood.com/talkingmenu/

http://www.enjoythaifood.com/talkingmenu/

TRANSPORT IN BANGKOK

Bangkok’s traffic is notoriously bad, and you should allow spare time on the road. This is the introduction to different modes of transport available in the capital city.

TAXISTaxis can be found almost everywhere in Bangkok, and there is no need to book. The fare starts at 35 baht, excluding expressway or toll fare. You may or may not tip your taxi driver. You should carry smaller notes as Taxi drivers tend not to have change.

Have the address and/or map of your destination ready. Some taxi drivers can communicate in English. Some taxi drivers may refuse to accept passengers due to various reasons. Do not get on a taxi if the driver refuses to use the meter.

BUSES AND VANSBuses and vans offer a cheaper mode of travelling in the capital city. Some buses charge a flat fare while others charge according to the distance. Vans charge fares according to the distance.

However, this mode of transport can be time consuming and difficult for non-Thai people. Buses and vans stop only at the bus stops while announcement is made only in Thai.


BTS SKY TRAIN AND MRT UNDERGROUNDThe services operate daily from 6.00 to 24.00 hrs. Trains are busy during peak hours in the morning and evening but are excellent to get around shopping places and business zones. Signs and announcement on trains are in Thai and English.

BTS and MRT have three connecting points. BTS’s Phaya Thai station also connects to Airport Link service. For the service routes, please visit http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx.

For more information, please visit their websites at http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/main.aspx and http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/?Lang=En.

MOTORCYCLE TAXISMotorcycle taxis can be found near BTS and MRT stations as well as in front of alleys, also known in Thai as “soi”. They offer a faster mode of commute during rush-hour traffic jam. They are suitable for short journeys or journeys in smaller alleys where other modes of public transportation are inaccessible.

EXPRESS BOATSExpress boats can be found serving along Chao Phraya River and are ideal for you to explore historical sites and major temples along the river. There is a connection point between BTS’s Saphan Taksin station and Sathorn Pier.


http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/main.aspx

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/main.aspx

http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/?Lang=En


OTHER USEFUL TIPS

CLIMATEFor your information before packing your luggage, the tournament will be organised at the end of March when Thailand can be extremely hot. The summer heat can go up to nearly 40C.

The main arena zone of John Paul II Sports Centre is equipped with air conditioners.

SAFETY ISSUES OUTSIDE CAMPUSDo not accept lifts from strangers. Hitch hiking is uncommon and not recommended in Thailand.

Cars drive on the left side of the road in Thailand. Walk on the pavement if any; otherwise, walk on the right side of the road.

ABOUT BIDET SHOWERIn a toilet in Thailand, you can find a handheld nozzle delivering a spray of water in a small holder attached to the wall next to the toilet bowl or the squat toilet. It is called a bidet shower and is used for anal cleansing purpose.

Before spraying water around your nether region, test the pressure of a bidet shower by spraying some water into the toilet bowl first. Also, use a bidet shower carefully in order not to wet yourself when you use a squat toilet.

i

YOURCHECKLIST

TAEKWONDO TOURNAMENT□ Dobok Compulsory equipment:□ Trunk protector □ Groin guard□ Head protector □ Gloves□ Shin and forearm guards □ Mouth guard (athletes aged 13 years old & above) Optional protective equipment:□ Knee and elbow guards □ Instep guards□ Sports first aid kit: pain relief spray, analgesic gel, liniment oil, bandages, sticking plasters and others Documents:□ Original taekwondo Poom/Dan certificates□ Original passport or birth certificate/ID in English □ Receipt as proof of payment (for each team)

ARRANGEMENT FOR EACH TEAM□ Tell us your arrival flight details at least two weeks in advance for van arrangement. □ Contact us for accomodation arrangement.□ Check your visa requirement and tell us if you need a letter of invitation to assist your visa process.□ Flight arrangement/Travel itinerary (if any)

YOUR SAFETY□ A copy/scan of your passport and visa□ Check the phone number & the address of the embassy or consulate of your country in Bangkok.□ Keep your bank’s call centre number, credit and debit card details ready.


USEFUL CONTACTS

TAEKWONDO CLUB,ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITYAreepan +6686-898-0886 Supakrit +6685-891-0082Khunanon +6691-716-7417Email: [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/thetenthautkdhttp://www.autkdclub.com/championship/

EMERGENCY NUMBERSEmergency incidents Fire Emergency medical services Tourist police

WEBSITESAssumption Universityhttp://www.au.edu Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairshttp://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/ The Tourism Authority of Thailandhttp://www.tourismthailand.org/ThailandBTS sky trainhttp://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/MRT undergroundhttp://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/?Lang=En Airports of Thailand PCLhttp://www.airportthai.co.th/

19119916691155


https://www.facebook.com/thetenthautkd

http://www.autkdclub.com/championship/

http://www.au.edu

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/

http://www.tourismthailand.org/Thailand

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/

http://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/?Lang=En

http://www.airportthai.co.th/