Thailand is set to return to the global economic stage as the honored host of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings from 12 to 18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This marks a major event after more than 35 years since Thailand last hosted in 1991.
The IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings are held every October, rotating the venue between their Washington, D.C. headquarters for two consecutive years and then to a selected member country every three years.
In 2026, Thailand was honored to host the meeting, presenting a key chance to showcase its economic vision.
Akanit Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated that in the short term, hosting this meeting will boost the economy through tourism, services, hotels, transportation, and related activities.
In the medium and long term, it will build Thailand’s economic resilience in terms of human resources and development vision, preparing the country to face future economic volatility and fragmentation.
The meeting is expected to attract over 15,000 to 20,000 participants from 191 IMF member countries worldwide.
These include finance ministers, central bank governors, global financial institution executives, thought leaders, academics, and civil society representatives.
This represents a milestone with Thailand as the gathering place for influential financial figures on the world stage.
The meeting’s main theme, "Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience," reflects Thailand’s evolving vision over the past 35 years.
Empowering People
People are at the heart of development. The Thai government views its citizens as the foundation of the economy. Enhancing skills, knowledge, and economic opportunities is a key driver for sustainable growth.
Building Resilience
Building national resilience across economic, financial, energy, environmental, and climate change dimensions ensures Thailand’s economic system can handle future uncertainties.
Digital & Inclusive Finance
Vittaya Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, noted that the Bank will promote the “Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF) for Financial Wellbeing” concept, focusing on three main areas: reducing digital fraud, enhancing cybersecurity, and developing a digital ecosystem that is safely accessible to the public. This comes amid global digital financial crime estimated at over 1.33 trillion U.S. dollars in damages.
This approach serves as a blueprint developed through international collaboration, aiming to establish global best practices originating in Thailand.
Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, said that hosting this event reflects Bangkok’s capacity as a city ready to accommodate a global conference with its infrastructure, transportation, accommodations, safety, as well as the spirit of its people and Thai hospitality culture.
Hosting the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings is not just an international conference but a crucial platform for Thailand as host to elevate its economy’s global growth potential.
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