Heritage Textiles to AI Tech: What to Expect at IMF–World Bank 2026
From 24/7 Davos-tier security to woven textiles and zero-emission transit, QSNCC offers delegates an immersive showcase of Thai innovation and warmth
- The event will showcase Thai cultural heritage through traditional craftsmanship, featuring 40 textile patterns from local communities, woven art installations, and certified local culinary products.
- Attendees will experience high-tech infrastructure, including "Davos-level" security, advanced broadcast facilities, and a zero-emission transport network of over 320 electric vehicles.
- A high-tech Thailand Pavilion will feature interactive exhibits on digital finance, climate resilience, and wellness, as the event aims to spotlight the nation's strengths in AI and other key industries.
From 24/7 Davos-tier security to woven textiles and zero-emission transit, QSNCC offers delegates an immersive showcase of Thai innovation and warmth.
When over 15,000 global financial leaders step into the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) next week, they will experience a venue that fuses the security and technological muscle of the World Economic Forum in Davos with the rich heritage and warmth of authentic Thai hospitality.
Leading a final press tour ahead of the official handover to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Ekniti Nitithanprapas unveiled a state-of-the-art staging built to the highest global standards.
Joined by Dr Vinit Visessuvanapoom, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, and Deputy Director-General Nadhavudh Dhamasiri, the finance chief confirmed Thailand’s total readiness to host what is widely hailed as the "Olympics of Finance" from 12 to 18 October.
Davos-Level Security, World Cup Tech, Uniquely Thai
"Hosting this gathering is akin to bringing the global headquarters of the IMF and the World Bank Group directly from Washington, D.C., to Thailand," Dr Ekniti said. "We have built facilities to the highest international benchmarks, but infused Thailand’s distinctive identity—our warmth, friendship, and meticulous care—into every single touchpoint."
Behind the scenes, QSNCC boasts a Master Control Room and broadcast suite built to the exact standards of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, operated by an elite security and logistics crew direct from the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Working closely with the Royal Thai Police, the venue features a multi-tiered security system complete with 17 X-ray checkpoints, 19 walk-through gates, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, and dedicated protection across 21 official delegate hotels.
A Sensory Showcase of Soft Power
Inside the halls, delegates will encounter a striking visual celebration of Thai craftsmanship.
Venue interiors feature 40 traditional textile patterns drawn from 28 local communities across 21 provinces—including handwoven Tai Lue fabrics, elephant-patterned Pha Khao Ma, Queen Mother Floral Batik (Buppha Borom Rachineenart), and Cattleya Queen Sirikit orchid motifs.
Two large-scale woven "Impact Piece" sculptures, crafted from natural indigenous materials, stand prominently in the main corridors to symbolise global unity and sustainable progress.
The culinary journey promises equal flair.
Catering zones feature certified Thai Geographical Indication (GI) products, serving specially crafted "AM Brew" coffee made from premium domestic beans alongside signature "Thai Tea by QSNCC."
Eco-Innovation and Interactive Exhibits
Operating as a certified green facility, QSNCC will power a zero-emission transport network featuring more than 320 electric vehicles (EVs) dedicated to delegate transit.
This initiative alone will cut over 95.8 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent—equal to planting more than 9,580 mature trees.
Further green measures include circular food-waste composting, paperless digital scheduling, and a ban on single-use plastics across catering halls.
Delegates can also explore the flagship Thailand Pavilion, structured into three high-tech, interactive zones:
• Zone 1: Digital Public Infrastructure — Live demonstrations of Thailand's digital finance ecosystem, including PromptPay and cross-border QR code payments that empower micro-entrepreneurs and local businesses.
• Zone 2: Climate Resilience — Real-time data mapping for flood management, climate risk mitigation, eco-tourism, and low-carbon community developments.
• Zone 3: Longevity & Wellness — Highlighting Universal Health Coverage, the Village Health Volunteer network, traditional Thai massage, functional bio-cosmetics, and precision medicine.
An honorary royal exhibition titled "The Royal Legacy: Building Resilience and Empowering People" further illustrates how Thailand's enduring development philosophies align with global goals for inequality reduction and sustainable growth.
Driving FDI and Southeast Asian Growth
Beyond an immediate economic injection estimated between THB 1.05 billion and THB 2.25 billion—driven by attendee spending across tourism, hotels, and local dining—the gathering positions Thailand as a prime hub for foreign direct investment (FDI).
The government plans to leverage the event to spotlight national strengths in clean energy, digital infrastructure, and target industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electric Vehicles (EV), reinforcing Thailand's position as a gateway to Southeast Asia's economy.
"This comprehensive readiness proves Thailand is fully prepared to act as a gracious host to 191 nations," concluded Dr Vinit. "The 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings will connect vision, innovation, investment, and international cooperation on a truly historic scale."
For official schedules and real-time event coverage, visit am2026thailand.go.th or follow AM2026 Thailand on Facebook.
