On behalf of the Engineering Institute of Thailand under H.M. the King's Patronage (EIT), it is my utmost pleasure to invite you to join the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress 2012 and 38th General Assembly in Bangkok from 18th to 23rd May 2012.

The Asia region including Thailand has witnessed the tremendous development of infrastructure projects including the construction of mega underground structures. Recent developments have been spurred by the increasing demand for various types of tunnels and underground structures particularly in the congested urban environment.

The host, the Thailand Underground and Tunneling Group (TUTG), under the umbrella of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, has been playing a pivotal role in promoting tunnelling and underground construction works in Thailand. TUTG serves as an important link between the local and the global tunnelling and underground space societies. I am confident that WTC 2012 in Bangkok will provide another valuable opportunity for the global society to exchange their experiences and knowledge on tunnelling and underground space utilisation making it a truly significant event.

Bangkok, having world-class facilities with high-quality accommodations, good local and international cuisines, great shopping places, rich cultural heritage, recreational amenities, availability of mass transit system and its state-of-the-art convention center, will make a perfect host-city for WTC2012.

The Engineering Institute of Thailand is determined to ensure that the needs of TUTG and the organising committee are fully supported to make this important event successful and enjoyable for the global tunnelling community in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

I look forward to seeing you in Bangkok.