Thailand is preparing to welcome more than 15,000 delegates to Bangkok for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, with the influx of high-spending global visitors expected to provide an immediate boost to the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The meetings will take place from 12–18 October at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), bringing together delegates from the IMF and World Bank Group’s 191 member countries, including global policymakers, economists, government representatives, private sector executives and members of the media.
Often referred to as the “Olympics of Finance”, the event marks Thailand’s return as host after it first staged the Annual Meetings in 1991.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said hosting the meetings represents a major opportunity to deliver tangible benefits to Thailand and its citizens.
“Thailand is only the third country outside of the United States to host this ‘Olympics of Finance’, showcasing Thailand’s capacity to organise world-class events,” he said.
Hosting the Annual Meetings is expected to stimulate the economy, elevate Thailand’s global credibility and showcase the capabilities of local communities internationally under the concept of “Empowering Community: From Local to Global”.
Thailand has adopted the theme “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, which aligns with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), a development framework promoting balanced, sustainable, resilient and people-centred development.
Showcasing Thai soft power
Alongside the economic and financial discussions, Thailand plans to use the event to showcase its identity and soft power to thousands of international delegates.
The venue will feature handwoven textiles with local patterns curated from 21 provinces and 26 communities, comprising 37 heritage designs.
Geographical Indication (GI) products will also be showcased and served to delegates, giving international visitors a taste of authentic Thai flavours. These will include premium, hand-selected 100% Thai Jasmine Rice.
The government is also promoting the “Road to Thailand” communication campaign, designed to engage government agencies, academic institutions, businesses and the public in the preparations for the meetings.
Youth, local communities and small enterprises are being involved in the preparation and execution of the event.
Preparing for a global audience
Thailand has organised its preparations through three dedicated subcommittees covering substance, protocol and logistics, and security.
The Subcommittee on Protocol and Logistics is responsible for ensuring an exceptional experience for delegates, while the Subcommittee on Security is tasked with delivering a safe, orderly and seamless event.
“Thailand’s preparations are meticulous, down to the finest detail,” Ekniti said, adding that Thailand is “100% ready” to host the meetings.
Delegations from the IMF and World Bank Group are in Bangkok this July for their final evaluation, known as the “July Mission”.
The meetings will also provide Thailand with a platform to present its economic priorities and experience in digital financial infrastructure, including PromptPay and Cross-Border QR Payments.
Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the central bank will showcase the concept of “Safe & Inclusive Digital Finance”, demonstrating that digital finance should not only be fast, but also secure and inclusive.
As host central bank, the Bank of Thailand will also introduce the “Bangkok Blueprint”, a policy framework developed in collaboration with the IMF and World Bank Group that countries can adapt to their own contexts to build trust in the digital financial era.
With thousands of international delegates arriving in Bangkok for the week-long gathering, Thailand aims to use the Annual Meetings not only to demonstrate its capacity to host a major global event, but also to showcase its hospitality, local communities, Thai identity and soft power to an international audience.
