Thailand showcased the martial art "Muay Thai" with great enthusiasm at the IMF-World Bank event, while today's meeting required participants from all countries to disembark and walk to the venue after traffic was closed in front of the convention center to avoid anti-protest groups.
On 15 October 2026, reporters reported that Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, along with Mr. Vithai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and representatives from the government attended a performance showcasing the unique Muay Thai martial art.
Mr. Akniti opened the event and emphasized that Muay Thai is more than a sport; it is a martial art reflecting the identity and values of Thai society, including courage, perseverance, discipline, respect, and humility. Particularly, the traditional 'Wai Khru' ceremony demonstrates gratitude and honors the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, illustrating how strength can coexist with humility.
Furthermore, Muay Thai aligns with the main theme of this year's annual meeting, "Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience," by developing potential, discipline, confidence, and adaptability to overcome challenges. It also serves as a medium to connect people of diverse cultures through sport and friendship. The event aims to allow participants to experience Thai culture, traditions, and hospitality, as well as to strengthen relationships and cooperation among attendees.
Meanwhile, at the IMF World Bank meeting today (16 Oct 2026), participants from all countries had to disembark and walk to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center after Ratchadaphisek Road in front of the center and the Khlong Toei market side were closed due to a network of groups protesting against the World Bank and IMF who had camped overnight to conduct activities. Some attendees chose to use motorcycle taxi services to be dropped off at the Rama IV intersection and then walked to the venue.
Police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and several local units deployed multiple companies to maintain strict security, prohibiting anyone without passes from entering the area surrounding the meeting.
