Thailand Set to Host IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings Again, Anticipating Economic Impact

THAILAND is fully ready to host the 2026 annual meetings of International Monetary Fund-World Bank Group in October with this being the second time the country is hosting this event which is termed as the Olympics of finance and economics and expected to attract over 15,000 participants, PPTVHD36 said today (Sep. 4). Back in 1991, Thailand hosted the first annual meetings of IMF–World Bank Group at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre which was built specifically to accommodate this event, with Anand Panyarachun being the prime minister at the time. Thirty-five years later, Thailand is honoured once again to host this event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre during Oct. 12-18, becoming one of three countries holding it twice with the other two being Turkey and Japan. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said this event is one of the most important economic and financial forums in the world that will draw international attention to Thailand. This also reflects the confidence and interest of the international community in Thailand’s global economic, financial, and fiscal affairs. Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said this event is an international economic and financial forum. It is crucial in framing cooperation and strengthening confidence in the global economic and financial system. Over 15,000 participants will attend, including finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institution executives, and civil society representatives from 191 member countries. They will discuss key issues such as economic growth, fiscal stability, poverty reduction, and sustainable development approaches. The host country’s main theme is “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This theme reflects Thailand’s new horizons over the past 35 years since hosting the first IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in 1991. “Thailand is one of only three countries honoured to host this event, considered the ‘financial Olympics,’ more than once, demonstrating our potential and readiness to host a world-class event,” Ekniti said. Meanwhile, Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn is preparing to promote the concept of “Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF) for Financial Wellbeing” to strengthen a “new immunity” that is needed to ensure the security, stability, and accessibility of digital financial systems, encompassing three main dimensions: reducing digital fraud, strengthening cybersecurity, and developing the readiness of the digital ecosystem. This aims to improve the financial well-being of all citizens. Therefore, discussions have been held with IMF and World Bank Group to promote approaches to reduce digital fraud, protect consumers, and maintain trust in the financial system.