Thailand welcomes 15,000 delegates to IMF-World Bank meetings
Thailand hosts around 15,000 delegates from 191 countries at the 2026 IMF-World Bank meetings, expected to generate up to THB2.25 billion.
- Thailand is hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, welcoming over 15,000 delegates from 191 countries.
- Attendees include finance ministers, central bank governors, and business executives who will discuss global economic challenges like poverty, climate change, and financial technology.
- Hosting the event is expected to generate over THB 1 billion for Thailand's domestic economy and serves as a platform to attract foreign investment.
Thailand began hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok on October 12, bringing together around 17,000 participants from 191 countries for discussions on the global economy, finance and development.
The meetings, running through October 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, government and business executives, civil society organisations, academics, journalists and other international figures.
Discussions during the week will cover major global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, public debt, financial technology, digital assets and cyber risks to the financial system.
The gathering is intended to provide a platform for countries and international institutions to exchange views on policies aimed at strengthening economic stability and supporting sustainable development.
Thailand is hosting the Annual Meetings for the second time, 35 years after it first hosted the gathering in 1991.
The host-country theme is “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, reflecting Thailand’s focus on people-centred development and strengthening resilience to economic and financial risks.
Thailand targets economic and investment gains
The government is also using the meetings to showcase Thailand’s economic potential, attract foreign investment and hold bilateral discussions aimed at expanding international cooperation.
Hosting the event is expected to generate an estimated THB1.05-2.25 billion in domestic economic activity, based on more than 15,000 participants staying for an average of seven to 10 days and spending about THB10,000-15,000 per person per day.
Spending is expected to benefit tourism, hotels, restaurants, services and local products.
Global economic and business leaders join meetings
Leading international figures scheduled to participate during the week include IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin are also among the senior international figures attending events in Bangkok.
Other participants include US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis.
Senior business executives include DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan, Grab Group CEO and co-founder Anthony Tan, and Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun.
Thai representatives take global stage
Thai speakers and participants include Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn.
Also taking part are Veerathai Santiprabhob, chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute; Narongchai Akrasanee, chairman of the Institute for Strategic Policy Foundation; and Suthiphand Chirathivat of Chulalongkorn University.
Other Thai participants include Vice Minister for Finance Santitarn Sathirathai, Vice Minister for Commerce Kirida Bhaopichitr, Revenue Department official Saowakon Meesang and KASIKORNBANK CEO Kattiya Indaravijaya.
The programme also includes IMF Financial Sector Expert Tansaya Kunaratskul; Chulalongkorn University economics professor Athiphat Muthitacharoen; Aukrit Unahalekhaka, co-founder and CEO of Thara Green; and Piyachart Isarabhakdee, CEO of BRANDi and Companies.
AI and jobs among opening-day highlights
One of the main World Bank Group events on October 12 is “Small AI: More and Better Jobs”, examining how practical and affordable artificial intelligence applications can raise productivity, expand economic opportunities and support job creation in developing economies.
Speakers include Banga, Georgieva, Tharman and Ekniti, alongside government officials, technology experts and innovators.
Another opening-day highlight is the launch of the Thailand Pavilion from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is due to join Ekniti, Vitai, Banga and Georgieva at the opening.
The pavilion showcases Thailand’s development experience and future priorities, including digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, healthcare and preparations for an ageing society.
The Annual Meetings continue through October 18, with the main plenary session scheduled for October 16.
Global CEOs join parallel events
Activity surrounding the IMF-World Bank meetings will extend beyond the main conference, with several high-profile parallel events bringing together global policymakers and business leaders.
CNN Global Perspectives: In Bangkok will be held on October 14, marking the first Asian edition of CNN’s Global Perspectives event series. Nation Group is an official media partner for the event.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to deliver welcome remarks, while speakers include Bank of Korea Governor Hyun Song Shin, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan, Grab Group CEO and co-founder Anthony Tan and Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun.
The event will bring together political, financial and business leaders to discuss changes in the global economy, shifting trade and investment patterns, technology and Asia’s growing role in the world economy.
Another official side event, Future-Ready Economy 2026: Designing Capital for the Future, will take place on October 14 at NEX Hall, Siam Paragon.
OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann is scheduled to deliver an opening address, joining government officials, business leaders and international experts in discussions on how economies can prepare for future challenges.
The forum will examine five dimensions of capital — security, people, growth, transition and resilience — and how investment and economic policy can support competitiveness and sustainable long-term growth.
