rki.news | Source: Xinhua
Bangkok: Thailand has announced full readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, with preparations underway for one of the world’s largest economic gatherings.
The event, scheduled for October 12 to 18 in Bangkok, is expected to attract more than 15,000 delegates, including policymakers, economists, government officials, business leaders and journalists from around the world.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said preparations are being managed through three committees focusing on conference content, protocol and operations, and security. IMF and World Bank teams recently conducted a final readiness review.
Ekniti said hosting the meetings would provide economic benefits, enhance Thailand’s global image, and increase international recognition for local communities. He added that Thailand’s policy discussions will focus on digital transformation, resilience in a changing global environment, climate-related financial solutions, and demographic challenges.
Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the central bank will present its concept of “Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance”, based on Thailand’s experience with digital payment systems.
He added that the “Bangkok Blueprint”, developed with the IMF and World Bank, will propose guidelines for secure digital finance, including regulation, fraud prevention, cross-border cooperation, and financial awareness.