Ekniti joins IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva at Bo Farang, where funding and technology support education and digital skills for young people
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided funding and technology equipment to renovate a learning center in Thailand’s Bo Farang community.
This support is part of the IMF's corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, coinciding with the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings hosted by Thailand.
The project aims to give children and youth in the community a dedicated space to study, access technology, and develop practical skills for earning income.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided funding and technology equipment to improve a learning centre in Thailand’s Bo Farang Rim Nam Phatthana community, supporting education and digital skills. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas joined IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for community activities there on October 11, 2026.
The visit formed part of the IMF’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme ahead of the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, which Thailand is hosting from October 12–18.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Soemklang, Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn and Dr Kobsak Pootrakool, chairman of the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), also participated in the community programme.
Ekniti welcomed Georgieva warmly as a friend, saying that stepping outside meeting rooms to meet and learn from communities was equally important during a week of discussions shaping the global economy.
IMF support helps improve community learning facilities
The IMF’s funding and technology equipment support the renovation of the Bo Farang community learning centre, a key initiative under a joint effort by the Finance Ministry, IMF, Bank of Thailand and public- and private-sector partners to advance community development and educational opportunities.
Thai organisers coordinated with the C asean Foundation and partner organisations to improve the premises and facilities. The aim is to give children and young people in the community a place to study, develop skills and access technology.
The learning centre project reflects Thailand’s intention to ensure that hosting a global economic gathering brings tangible, lasting benefits to residents beyond the end of the meetings.
Ekniti links secure housing and practical skills to stronger communities
Ekniti said the activities demonstrated how education, practical skills and secure housing could create opportunities and help communities cope with change.
“Today’s activities may seem simple, but they reflect the idea behind the meetings: creating opportunities for people and strengthening their ability to cope with change. The learning centre will give people opportunities to develop skills and strengthen families and communities, from growing vegetables to reduce household expenses to cultivating mushrooms for extra income. At Bo Farang, opportunities begin with safe and secure housing, before building towards a better quality of life,” Ekniti said.
Ekniti stressed that development delivering practical results required cooperation among the government, businesses, development partners and, most importantly, community members themselves.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided funding and technology equipment to improve a learning centre in Thailand’s Bo Farang Rim Nam Phatthana community, supporting education and digital skills. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas joined IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for community activities there on October 11, 2026.
The visit formed part of the IMF’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme ahead of the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, which Thailand is hosting from October 12–18.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Soemklang, Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn and Dr Kobsak Pootrakool, chairman of the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), also participated in the community programme.
Ekniti welcomed Georgieva warmly as a friend, saying that stepping outside meeting rooms to meet and learn from communities was equally important during a week of discussions shaping the global economy.
IMF support helps improve community learning facilities
The IMF’s funding and technology equipment support the renovation of the Bo Farang community learning centre, a key initiative under a joint effort by the Finance Ministry, IMF, Bank of Thailand and public- and private-sector partners to advance community development and educational opportunities.
Thai organisers coordinated with the C asean Foundation and partner organisations to improve the premises and facilities. The aim is to give children and young people in the community a place to study, develop skills and access technology.
The learning centre project reflects Thailand’s intention to ensure that hosting a global economic gathering brings tangible, lasting benefits to residents beyond the end of the meetings.
Ekniti links secure housing and practical skills to stronger communities
Ekniti said the activities demonstrated how education, practical skills and secure housing could create opportunities and help communities cope with change.
“Today’s activities may seem simple, but they reflect the idea behind the meetings: creating opportunities for people and strengthening their ability to cope with change. The learning centre will give people opportunities to develop skills and strengthen families and communities, from growing vegetables to reduce household expenses to cultivating mushrooms for extra income. At Bo Farang, opportunities begin with safe and secure housing, before building towards a better quality of life,” Ekniti said.
Ekniti stressed that development delivering practical results required cooperation among the government, businesses, development partners and, most importantly, community members themselves.
