Govt prepares for 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged government agencies to accelerate preparations for the hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).

Chairing the national organising committee's second meeting of the year at Government House on Monday, Anutin reviewed progress for the landmark gathering, which is scheduled to take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok from October 12 to 18.

Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director general of the Fiscal Policy Office, reported to the committee on progress made since the initial meeting, including updates to committee structures, activity schedules and public relations strategies.

Highlights included the draft invitation lists for the plenary meeting and the host government reception, the establishment of a specialised cybersecurity working group and the allocation of promotional spaces.

The panel was also briefed on detailed operational strategies, including comprehensive security frameworks, traffic management, emergency response protocols and medical and public health services designed to support the high profile event.

The committee has also reviewed plans to showcase the country’s national image at the Thailand Pavilion, on the theme of ‘New Horizon: 7 Decades of Building Resilience and Empowering People’, highlighting Thailand’s growth over the past seventy years.

To demonstrate the nation’s capabilities, the pavilion will focus on four key areas, namely digital public infrastructure, middle power diplomacy, climate resilience and longevity.

Beyond its main exhibits, the pavilion is designed to serve as an international platform on which to exchange knowledge and foster future global partnerships.

Anutin called on all relevant agencies to collaborate and drive preparations across substance, protocols, security, facilitation, public relations and general management.

He stressed that a coordinated push is essential to ensure Thailand delivers a dignified, seamless and memorable event for global financial leaders and delegates for the good of the country’s international image.