Bangkok closes Ratchadaphisek stretch both ways on October 15–16
Bangkok’s October 15–16 Ratchadaphisek restrictions retain local access, with trains running normally and alternative roads recommended
- A section of Ratchadaphisek Road between the Asok Montri and Rama IV intersections will be closed in both directions on October 15–16.
- The closure is a security measure for the International Monetary Fund (IMF)–World Bank Group Annual Meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
- General through traffic is prohibited, but access will be maintained for residents and people working within the closed area.
- Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, while nearby MRT and BTS Skytrain stations will remain open.
Bangkok police have announced closures in both directions on Ratchadaphisek Road between Asok Montri intersection at Sukhumvit Road and Rama IV intersection on October 15–16, 2026, as part of security arrangements for the International Monetary Fund (IMF)–World Bank Group Annual Meetings.
General through traffic cannot use the restricted section beside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), although residents and people working in the area retain access.
Thailand is hosting the annual meetings for the first time in 35 years. The traffic measures are intended to strengthen security and facilitate travel for international financial leaders and delegates attending the event.
Residents and workers retain access to Ratchadaphisek
People living or working within the restricted Ratchadaphisek area can continue to enter and leave. Separate rules govern access to the conference venue:
- Residents and local workers: Access to homes and workplaces within the controlled area remains available.
- Meeting participants: Delegates with valid meeting badges can pass through security checkpoints to enter the venue.
- Authorised vehicles: Vehicles registered and approved in advance and displaying an official placard can enter QSNCC under the designated security arrangements.
- Private cars and taxis: Drivers can drop off meeting participants outside the security perimeter near Asok Montri or Rama IV intersection.
Alternative roads bypass the Ratchadaphisek closure
Motorists are advised to use surrounding roads to avoid the closed section between Asok Montri and Rama IV:
- Rama IV and Sukhumvit roads: These provide alternative routes around the restricted Ratchadaphisek section.
- Wireless and Sarasin roads: These are recommended connecting routes for journeys towards Sathon, Lang Suan and Phetchaburi.
Traffic on roads surrounding the convention centre is expected to be heavy. Travellers are advised to plan ahead and allow an extra 30–60 minutes for their journeys.
Rail stations serving the IMF meetings remain open
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) stations at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and Sukhumvit continue to operate normally, as does Asok station on the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain.
Meeting participants are encouraged to use the MRT or official event shuttle buses operating from designated service points. Rail travel provides an alternative to driving through the affected area.
