The 2026 annual meeting of the IMF and WBG took place in Bangkok, Thailand . (Photo: Xuan Son)
The 2026 annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place from October 12 to 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The event is expected to bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, representatives from international financial institutions and banks, the private sector, and academics. The conference is expected to discuss a range of issues, including the global economic outlook, the global financial situation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the labor market.
Host country Thailand participated in all major activities of the conference, and the message Thailand presented at this year’s conference was “New Horizons for Thailand: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This message reflects a people-centered development concept, driven by innovation and strengthening the resilience of the economic and financial systems against future risks.
This message is based on Thailand’s strengths, such as digital payments, the creative economy, medical tourism, and the potential of the Thai workforce, while prioritizing the enhancement of skills, knowledge, and economic opportunities for its people to create stable and sustainable incomes and improve their quality of life.
More than 15,000 delegates from 191 countries and territories are expected to attend the conference. (Photo: MINH THANG)
Ahead of the conference, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed relevant agencies to ensure preparations for the conference, facilitating the participation of all parties, including visa matters. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that hosting the conference would contribute to strengthening trust, expanding cooperation opportunities, and showcasing Thailand’s potential to the international community, thereby creating economic value and benefiting the Thai people.
The Thai banking sector is deeply involved, not only as delegates but also directly participating in the policy and thematic discussions of the conference. According to the Bank of Thailand, Governor Vitai Ratanakorn will present the Bangkok Framework on Fraud-Resistant Financial Services, a program jointly developed by the IMF, WBG, and the Bank of Thailand.
The conference was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. (Photo: Xuan Son)
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will represent the Thai government in discussions on AI, economic resilience, and global economic prospects, as well as participate in promoting the host country’s fiscal policy initiatives.
In addition, a number of CEOs of Thai banks and financial institutions will participate in thematic sessions to contribute on issues such as stabilizing the financial system to enhance resilience against financial fraud, especially technology-based fraud; AI and digital transformation with the application of technology in financial operations, while expanding job opportunities and access to services; supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to leverage data to improve credit assessment and expand access to loans; and international cooperation to connect the central bank, commercial banks, the IMF, and the WBG.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that Thailand is preparing its infrastructure and facilities to meet international standards, integrating advanced technology and digital innovation. He predicted that the conference is expected to generate an immediate economic boost of between 1.05 billion and 2.25 billion baht for sectors such as tourism and hospitality in Thailand.
According to Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, this event also demonstrates Thailand’s potential as an investment hub in Southeast Asia in industries such as AI, digital infrastructure, and clean energy. Thailand also hopes to showcase the unique aspects of its culture, as well as its thoughtfulness and hospitality, through this conference.
The security system is deployed at a high level. (Photo: MINH THANG)
To meet the demands of hosting conferences, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre has upgraded its operational procedures to international standards, including a modern central control room and a broadcasting transmission system capable of serving large-scale events such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
The conference operations team consists of experts with experience in organizing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. A logistical system has also been established to serve the delegates, with seamless connections between the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and the airport and hotels to ensure convenient transportation.
K9 service dogs were deployed to ensure security at the conference. (Photo: XUAN SON)
Security for the conference was implemented at a high level with close coordination from the Royal Thai Police through a multi-layered security system, including 17 X-ray checkpoints, 19 metal detectors, and a surveillance camera system. Dedicated security teams were also stationed at hotels for official delegates.
According to Lalida Perisvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand, aiming for a “green” conference, Thailand will use more than 320 electric vehicles to transport delegates, thereby expected to help reduce approximately 95.8 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Activities within the framework of the conference will also focus on waste recycling and limiting the use of single-use plastics.
Electric vehicles were used to transport delegates attending the conference. (Photo: MINH THANG)
To facilitate travel, ensure security, and minimize traffic congestion during the conference week, Thai government agencies in Bangkok will implement remote working arrangements on October 12th, 14th, and 15th. Thailand has also designated October 16th as a special public holiday in Bangkok.
In addition, the host country also issued a commemorative coin celebrating the conference. The commemorative coin also aims to honor the King and Queen of Thailand, and contribute to promoting the image of the Land of Smiles internationally.
Thailand first hosted the annual meeting of the IMF and WBG in 1991. In its second stint as host nation, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation and its contributions to global economic and financial dialogue. After 35 years, Thailand has also demonstrated its transformation into a resilient and dynamic economy, driven by innovation, with a people-centered approach and a priority on sustainable development.
XUAN SON-MINH THANG
Reporter of Nhan Dan Newspaper based in Thailand