The Prime Minister opened the 2026 IMF–World Bank meeting, highlighting Thailand’s role as a “global connector” addressing AI, geopolitics, and the climate crisis, aiming to transform capital into opportunities to enhance citizens' quality of life.
On 16 October 2026 at the Plenary Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings officially commenced. Carlos Spalding, Governor of the Central Bank of Paraguay, chaired the governors’ meeting. The event was attended by over 4,000 participants including heads of state, government leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors, and financial institution representatives from around the world, including IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
The opening ceremony featured an impressive cultural performance titled “The River of Angels: The Everlasting Stream of Cooperation,” showcasing Thailand’s beautiful customs, culture, and spirit of friendship to international delegates. Carlos Spalding praised the performance as a beautiful and memorable start to the meeting and expressed gratitude to the Thai people and authorities for their warm and heartfelt hospitality.
Chairing the meeting, Carlos Spalding handed the floor to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who officially opened the conference. He noted Thailand’s longstanding role as a meeting point of peoples, cultures, and ideas since Ayutthaya, a historic center linking East and West through trade and diplomacy. He recalled that Thailand previously hosted the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in 1991 at the same Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, which was built for that purpose.
The Prime Minister emphasized that today, 35 years later, the world has changed dramatically. In 1991, the fax machine symbolized speed; today, artificial intelligence is transforming economic activities and lifestyles. Meanwhile, former economic integration trends have shifted into geopolitical divisions that are reshaping trade and investment, alongside the climate crisis—one of the greatest challenges we face.
The Prime Minister introduced the conference’s key theme: “Thailand's New Horizon: Empowering People, Building Resilience,” stressing it reflects not just any one country’s future but a shared future for all. Preparedness arises from open trade, access to technology and finance, and mutually supportive cooperation.
For Thailand, building this legacy of cooperation begins with its role as a Connector—linking cross-regional markets, connecting capital with opportunities, and bridging technology with people. ASEAN regional cooperation serves as a bridge to the global stage, ensuring economic opportunities reach citizens, businesses grow, and quality of life improves inclusively. He called on the IMF, World Bank, and global partners to transform discussions into tangible partnerships and convert capital into opportunities accessible to everyone.
