Bangkok: Thailand hopes to use the opportunity of hosting the IMF General Assembly to boost its financial, economic, and tourism presence on the global stage. The Prime Minister chaired a meeting regarding Thailand's hosting of the 2026 IMF World Bank Summit, welcoming over 15,000 participants from 191 countries. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to boost Thailand's finance, economy, and tourism on the global stage.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that on Monday, May 11th, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul will chair the first meeting of the National Committee to prepare for the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group. The meeting aims to accelerate Thailand's readiness to host the world's most important economic and financial conference.
The Prime Minister places great importance on hosting this event, as it presents a crucial opportunity to elevate Thailand's role on the international economic and financial stage, amidst highly volatile global circumstances including geopolitical conflicts, the energy crisis, and changes in financial technology.
Ms. Rachada stated that Thailand is one of only three countries in the world to have hosted such a conference twice, the other two being Japan and Turkey. This reflects the global community's confidence in Thailand's potential and stability.
The annual meeting will be held from October 12-18, 2026 in Bangkok. The Thai government expects over 15,000 participants from around the world, including finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institution executives, investors, economists, business representatives, and media from over 191 member countries.
"The Prime Minister has given guidance to the government's economic team that hosting this event must not only be about building a positive image for the country, but also an opportunity to directly benefit the people. This includes providing a platform for Thailand to present its economic policies, learn about new financial technologies, build international cooperation networks, and promote investment, tourism, and Thailand's soft power to the participants from around the world," Ms. Rachada said.
The Thai government has set the main theme of the conference as 'Thailand's New Horizon: Empowering People, Building Resilience' to reflect Thailand's role in building a strong, resilient economy ready to adapt to the changes of the modern world.