The World Tunnel Congress and 38th General Assembly (WTC2012) will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 18th to 23rd May 2012. This is the first time that Thailand will host the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, one of the most privileged congresses in the construction industry.

Under the theme "Tunnelling and Underground Space for a Global Society", WTC2012 Bangkok will call together the tunnelling and underground space community in the Southeast Asia region to set up a forum with the World Tunnelling Society. Besides being involved in an excellent forum for technical discussion, exchanging ideas and sharing experience, participants will have the opportunity to meet with high-level industry leaders, academics, developers and decision makers from the region and various parts of the world.

Apart from the standard technical sessions led by prominent keynote lecturers, the Scientific Programme will feature today's challenging issues in the tunnelling and underground construction industry such as Natural Disaster Mitigation and Management Through Underground Space Use, and Underground Structure Resistance Against Seismic Loads.

The host city, Bangkok, is one of the world's favorite tourist destinations. In addition to its unique culture and exquisite architecture, the capital of Thailand has much to offer to the Congress delegates. The delegates, and their accompanying family and friends will have a great opportunity to join a variety of touring options arranged by the Organising Committee to visit fascinating places.

On behalf of the Thailand Underground and Tunnelling Group (TUTG) of the Engineering Institute of Thailand under H.M. the King's Patronage (EIT), it is our great pleasure to invite you to take part in the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress and 38th General Assembly and to visit Thailand.

Yours sincerely,