Thailand Tests Disaster Plans Ahead of IMF–World Bank 2026 Meetings
Deputy PM Ekniti Nitithanprapas inspects risk management systems as registration passes 15,000 for the October IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok
- Thailand has conducted a multi-agency risk management simulation to test its preparedness for hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank meetings.
- The comprehensive drill tested responses to a wide range of potential emergencies, including flooding, power outages, cyber threats, disease outbreaks, and public demonstrations.
- A 24/7 Command and Control Operation Centre will be established to coordinate responses from public health, law enforcement, disaster management, and utility agencies.
- The exercises focused on testing Business Continuity Plans and establishing a clear chain of command to ensure a systematic and timely response to any incident.
Deputy PM Ekniti Nitithanprapas inspects risk management systems as registration passes 15,000 for the October IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok.
Thailand has conducted a comprehensive operational assessment and risk management simulation in preparation to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (AM2026), scheduled for 12–18 October 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas led an inspection at the Command and Control Operation Centre (CCOC), located at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).
The drill brought together the Royal Thai Police, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Thai Meteorological Department, and state utility providers.
The multi-agency simulation was conducted in accordance with international standards, covering emergency scenarios including flooding, power outages, earthquakes, cyber threats, disease outbreaks, and public demonstrations.
Emergency Preparedness and Protocols
Coordination is underway with meteorological and disaster management authorities to track weather predictions. Should water levels reach emergency thresholds, systematic evacuation procedures will be triggered immediately for all domestic and foreign attendees.
Addressing potential public demonstrations, Ekniti confirmed that measures will follow legal standards, with dedicated spaces provided by the World Bank and the IMF to allow lawful expression without disrupting conference proceedings.
Ekniti noted that despite unpredictable weather conditions, international confidence remains high, with over 15,000 financial and fiscal leaders already registered and zero delegation cancellations.
“Preliminary economic impacts remain low, reported at under 0.1%. However, the main concern isn't the economic metric—it's human lives and the hardship our people face,” Ekniti said regarding current flood conditions, while maintaining Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2.0–2.5 per cent.
He urged the public to support the event: “I encourage all Thais to come together as hosts for the IMF and World Bank meetings. Let's show our national capability and use this opportunity to build Thailand's reputation for this historic occasion.”
24/7 Command Centre and Continuity Planning
Fiscal Policy Office Director-General Vinit Visessuvanapoom confirmed that the CCOC will operate 24 hours a day throughout the summit, uniting personnel from public health, law enforcement, disaster response, and utility agencies.
Ekniti instructed all participating bodies to execute Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) through rigorous simulation drills to establish clear lines of authority.
“Every agency must ensure complete readiness. It is not enough to just have a plan; we must test systems and conduct drills so everyone knows who commands, who holds specific duties, and how to execute when an incident occurs. We must maintain clear primary plans, backup plans, and an explicit chain of command to ensure systematic, timely, and safe operations across all situations,” Ekniti emphasised.
Official updates and summit details remain available on the government's dedicated portal.
