Thailand seeks new investment at IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok

Thailand plans to use the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to attract foreign investment in future industries and expand international economic cooperation, the government said on October 12.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisvivatana said Thailand was hosting the meetings from October 12-18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, bringing together economic policymakers, financial executives and international representatives.

The government intends to use the gathering to showcase Thailand’s economic potential, attract investment in new industries and strengthen international economic ties, with the aim of supporting longer-term growth.

One of the key activities on the first day is the opening of the Thailand Pavilion, which highlights three areas of national development: digital public infrastructure, responses to climate-related risks, and healthcare and an economy prepared for greater longevity.

The pavilion is intended to demonstrate how Thailand is combining technology, innovation and sustainable development with policies aimed at improving people’s quality of life.

Thailand pitches AI, clean energy and EV sectors

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas plans to use the meetings to present Thailand as an important regional investment base.

The government is particularly seeking investment in digital infrastructure, clean energy and targeted industries including artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs).

It hopes that new foreign investment will help strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness as technological and economic changes reshape global supply chains.

Thailand’s official programme is being held under the theme “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, with digital transformation, AI, climate resilience and an economy prepared for population ageing among its main areas of focus.

 

Ekniti joins IMF and World Bank chiefs

On October 13, Ekniti is scheduled to take part in a high-level session titled “Building Resilience in a Fragmented World”.

He will be joined by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Finnish Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra.

The discussion will focus on strengthening economic resilience amid global uncertainty and geopolitical fragmentation.

The IMF’s official programme lists the session for 1.30pm-2.30pm Bangkok time on October 13.

Talks planned with IsDB Group chairman

Ekniti is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with senior executives of international financial institutions during the meetings.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group has announced that its chairman, Muhammad Al Jasser, will meet Ekniti to discuss opportunities for deeper economic and development cooperation.

Al Jasser is leading a high-level IsDB Group delegation to Bangkok, with the institution saying its discussions during the annual meetings will focus on economic stability, trade resilience, development finance and regional cooperation.

Before heading the IsDB Group, Al Jasser served as Saudi Arabia’s minister of economy and planning and as governor and chairman of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, now the Saudi Central Bank.

Government seeks economic gains from hosting

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stressed that hosting the global meetings should generate opportunities beyond successfully organising the event, Lalida said.

The government wants the gathering to create opportunities in trade, investment and the broader economy, while generating income for businesses and the services sector and delivering benefits to the public.

Thailand plans to use activities throughout the week to strengthen its profile in international economic and financial discussions and promote the country to potential investors.

The Plenary Session of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings is scheduled for October 16, with Georgieva and Banga among the speakers.