Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved October 16, 2069, as a special holiday in Bangkok, alongside implementing three days of work-from-home arrangements to ease traffic congestion and bolster security during the significant World Bank and IMF meetings.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet meeting sanctioned revisions to the National Committee's composition in preparation for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This decision was proposed by the Ministry of Finance and includes the declaration of October 16, 2026, as a special public holiday in Bangkok. Furthermore, the government has instructed agencies within the city to allow remote work on October 12, 14, and 15, 2026.
State enterprises, financial institutions, educational institutions, and the private sector in areas surrounding the conference venue are encouraged to adopt suitable measures based on local conditions and operational needs. Agencies tasked with essential missions or pre-scheduled public services are advised to take necessary actions to prevent service disruptions or potential harm to government operations.
These strategies are implemented to mitigate traffic issues, facilitate travel, and ensure heightened security for the finance ministers and central bank governors of member countries, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the meetings. The Prime Minister's spokesperson highlighted the expectation of over 15,000 finance ministers and central bank governors from member countries attending the event. Additionally, executives from global financial institutions, thought leaders, and academics from 190 countries will converge in Thailand to discuss the global economic and financial system and explore solutions to various challenges.