The Ministry of Finance of Thailand, in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, has announced Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG). The announcement underscores global confidence in Thailand’s role and potential as an international hub for international conferences as well as economic and financial dialogue and cooperation.
On 27 January 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, introduces the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings as an important international forum for global finance, and the 2026 Annual Meetings is expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants, including finance ministers, central bank governors, executives of financial institutions, academics, and members of civil society from 191 member countries, who will discuss a variety of global agendas, such as economic growth, fiscal sustainability, financial stability, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.
The hosting of such prestigious event will benefit Thailand in many ways. In the short term, the hosting will stimulate domestic economic activities through tourism and service sectors. In the medium and the long terms, Thailand will benefit from the showcasing of potentials, standards, and readiness in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, and human resources. The 2026 Annual Meetings also serve as a great opportunity for Thailand to present its vision on the working of the global economy under international governance and multilateralism, and its unique hospitality culture.
On this occasion, Thailand, as the host country, officially introduced the overarching theme of the Meetings “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”. The theme reflects Thailand’s vision to move towards “new horizons” from changes that the country has experienced throughout in 35 years from when Thailand last hosted the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in 1991. In “Empowering People”, it is Thailand’s belief that its people are at the center of development, as strong people will provide a good foundation for economic development, and the benefit of economic development must be accessible to all walks of life. In “Building Resilience”, Thailand looks to build a resilient economic and financial system capable of withstanding global challenges, be they in economics, energy, finance, environment, and climate change.
In hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings, a priority is to establish a public-private cooperation, where the Ministry of Finance is open for the private sector to create a memorable experience for all participants as well as to host side events as to brainstorm, present innovation, and find policy recommendations under the theme, “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”. The mechanism to create such engagements has been set up with the first discussion to take place on 6 February 2026 at the Ministry of Finance. This is to ensure that Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings reflect the voice and the interest of all Thais.
Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, stated that in support of the host country theme, the Bank of Thailand is preparing to advance the framework “Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF) for Financial Wellbeing.” This initiative aims to build “new resilience” in the digital financial system by ensuring safety, stability, and accessibility across three key dimensions: reducing digital financial fraud, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing digital ecosystem readiness. These efforts are intended to improve the financial wellbeing and quality of life of people across all segments of society.
Mr. Vitai emphasized that digital financial fraud has become a major global concern due to its widespread impact on the public, while research, effective policy practices, and international cooperation in this area remain limited. Thailand and countries in the Asian region possess valuable experiences and policy lessons that could contribute to developing international best practices. Accordingly, Thailand has engaged in discussions with the IMF and the World Bank Group to promote collaborative approaches to combating digital financial fraud, protecting consumers, and maintaining confidence in the financial system. During the upcoming Meetings, the IMF and the World Bank Group will play a key role in sharing knowledge and insights to support member countries in developing secure, resilient, and inclusive digital financial system, contributing to improved financial wellbeing for citizens and supporting Thailand’s sustainable economic development in the long term.
Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is honored to host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings. This reflects Bangkok’s comprehensive capabilities as a global meeting destination, including efficient transportation and infrastructure, accommodation readiness, safety and security, high-quality services, and internationally recognized public health and medical services. Most importantly, it is the ‘power of the people’ and the warm hospitality of the Thai culture that will leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world.
The 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings Landmark at Benjakitti Park, in front of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, will serve as the official welcoming point for participants from around the world, reflecting Thailand’s image as a host city fully connected to the international community. The landmark promotes an atmosphere of exchange and international cooperation, with the aim of making the Meetings a memorable experience and a significant milestone in Thailand’s history on the global economic stage. The landmark is open to the general public daily from 4:30-22:00 hrs. in accordance with the opening hours of Benjakitti Park.
