Ekniti points out that hosting the IMF–World Bank meetings opens doors for Thai products, tourism, and investment, bringing Thailand back to the global stage. The Royal Pavilion event on 13 October will honor King Rama IX's genius and disseminate his development philosophy to global financial leaders. Tags: [IMF, World Bank, Thailand, King Rama IX, Royal Pavilion, Tourism, Investment]
On 26 September 2026, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, revealed that Thailand is preparing to host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings from 12–18 October 2026. He stated this meeting is a significant opportunity for Thailand in areas including Thai products, tourism, business, investment, and Thailand’s role on the global economic and financial stage.Tags: [Ekniti Nitithanprapas, IMF, World Bank, Thailand, Finance, Tourism, Investment]
Thailand previously hosted this meeting in 1991, 35 years ago, when it was successful and attracted international attention. Hosting again will bring finance ministers, central bank governors, bankers, and financial experts from around the world to Thailand.Tags: [Thailand, IMF, World Bank, Hosting, International Finance, 1991]
The Ministry of Finance, as a main organizer alongside the Bank of Thailand, plans to showcase Thai products from across the country and all regions during the event, allowing attendees with strong purchasing power to learn more about Thai products and increasing market opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.Tags: [Ministry of Finance, Bank of Thailand, Thai Products, Trade Promotion, Marketing]
Mr. Ekniti said that in terms of tourism, activities and travel are expected to be bustling during the meeting. Drawing from the experience of hosting 35 years ago, some visitors returned to Thailand with their families, so the benefits extend beyond the event period.Tags: [Tourism, Thailand, IMF Meeting, Visitor Impact, Economic Benefits]
Additionally, there will be business matching activities, meetings, seminars, and financial sector events from around the world. Mr. Ekniti sees this as an opportunity to attract new investment into Thailand. Thai products, Thai textiles, arts and culture, and Muay Thai will be showcased through various activities on the global stage.Tags: [Business Matching, Investment, Thai Culture, Muay Thai, Global Finance]
Mr. Ekniti said this meeting is like the financial Olympics, with many countries wanting to host it. Thailand is one of the few countries granted the opportunity to host it a second time, representing both an economic opportunity and a source of national pride.Tags: [IMF Meeting, Hosting, Economic Opportunity, National Pride]
Another aspect is that as host, Thailand will have the chance to present its agenda on the global economic and financial stage under the theme 'Entering New Horizon,' focusing on 'Empowering People,' enabling citizens to control their lives and businesses, and 'Building Resilience' to cope with a highly volatile world.Tags: [Economic Agenda, Empowering People, Building Resilience, Global Finance]
Mr. Ekniti said a key highlight will be on 13 October, the anniversary of the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). The Royal Pavilion will be held to honor his legacy and present his development philosophy, especially the concept of people-centered development, aligning with the 'Empowering People' theme Thailand promotes at this meeting.Tags: [Royal Pavilion, King Rama IX, Development Philosophy, People-Centered, IMF Meeting]
The Royal Pavilion will showcase lessons from various royal projects that have been continued, preserved, and expanded in the current reign. It aims to present to meeting participants how the King’s vision helped Thai people adapt to crises and changes.Tags: [Royal Projects, King Rama IX, Sustainable Development, Adaptation, Financial Leaders]
“We want to show finance ministers and global financial experts. I believe many who visit will be amazed by His Majesty’s genius, which helped many Thai people adapt to various situations that occurred,” Mr. Ekniti said.Tags: [Ekniti Nitithanprapas, King Rama IX, Adaptation, Financial Experts, IMF Meeting]