Anutin opened the Government House as host of a dinner reception for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors attending the 2026 IMF - World Bank Group Annual Meeting, featuring performances and cuisine that convey Thailand's soft power.
At 19:00 on 14 October 2026 at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House, Ekaphop Pienpiset, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul hosted a Welcome Dinner for the 2026 IMF - World Bank Group Annual Meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas and other senior Thai government representatives joined in welcoming distinguished guests.
The atmosphere was warm as the Prime Minister greeted guests in the central hall of the Santi Maitri Building before proceeding to the outer hall stage to welcome world leaders and honored guests. He emphasized Thailand’s great pleasure in hosting the IMF - World Bank meeting again after 35 years and highlighted the importance of future cooperation amid an increasingly interconnected global economy affecting work, trade, and communication.
The welcome dinner expressed Thai identity through food, music, and performances for honored guests, including the Buriram Orchestra and young star Nene Royal, showcasing the creativity and talent of Thai youth.
The Prime Minister further explained the meaning of the name “Santi Maitri Building,” which signifies “peace and friendship,” hoping the evening would offer opportunities for networking and connections. He concluded by wishing the guests a joyful and memorable time exploring Bangkok, experiencing Thai warmth during their stay, and success in their meeting discussions.
Guests experienced Thai cultural charm through various activities including art exhibitions, product booths, performances, exquisite cuisine, and souvenirs reflecting Thai identity. The Blue Room hosted art exhibitions by youth from the FPO Symposium project and ThaiBev’s painting exhibition. The central hall featured traditional puppet shows by Joe Louis and contemporary music by the Seragrow Symphony Orchestra. Thai product and beverage booths supported by leading Thai brands were present, along with demonstrations of Thai dessert-making "Khao Kriab Pak Mor" and handicrafts for guests to enjoy.
The menu for the distinguished guests combined authentic Thai flavors with international elements for accessibility and impression. Canapés included mushroom larb in cucumber, smoked duck with melon, bite-sized fried chicken popcorn style with spicy sauce, and shrimp cakes with plum sauce. The four-course dinner comprised 1) "Siam Boutique" appetizers (chicken cho muang, chicken satay, and vegetarian ma hor), 2) "The Iconic Liquid Gold" soups (tom yum goong, vegetarian tom yum mushroom, or chicken tom kha), 3) main courses "Thai Joint Venture" (tender Australian beef massaman or baked salmon with Thai chili basil sauce served with three-grain brown rice from the Doi Kham Royal Project Foundation, or plant-based meat with saffron basmati rice), and 4) dessert of crispy ruby in fragrant coconut milk with seasonal fruit, served with tea and coffee.
Cultural performances were a major highlight, featuring the special show “Echoes of the Golden Land,” created by National Artist Sutthisak Phakdeetewa and renowned designer Sakthit Pisarnsuphong, co-founder of the leading Thai fashion brand Tube Gallery. The performance had three parts: 1) The Rhythm of Siam, expressing strength and unity through battle drums and mythical drums; 2) Romance of the Kingdom, a ballet interpretation of King Rama IX’s royal compositions from “Manohra” featuring powerful live vocals by famous singer Khem Vichayanee Piaklin from The Star competition; and 3) The Celebration of Suvarnabhumi, a grand finale blending traditional Thai performing arts—Khon, Nang Yai, and Joe Louis puppetry—with contemporary movements. The show ended with a special performance by Nene Royal (Praew Rattikan Amlay), the first Thai winner of America’s Got Talent 2026.
Beyond exhibitions, performances, and Thai cuisine, the government prepared Thai aroma gift sets from the natural scent brand “Karmakamet” as souvenirs for all honored guests.
“This Welcome Dinner for the 2026 IMF - World Bank Group meeting at Government House is an excellent opportunity to promote Thailand’s image. Every detail—from venue decoration, activities, performances, food and drinks, to the warm hospitality—tells the story of Thailand and showcases its economic, social, and cultural potential. We sincerely hope this dinner creates lasting memories and impressions that encourage world leaders and distinguished guests to learn more about Thailand and its identity,” said the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson.
