Thailand will showcase its products and tourism opportunities during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok next month.
The Oct 12-18 meetings will bring more than 15,000 policymakers, economists, public- and private-sector representatives and media personnel from 191 countries, according to the Bank of Thailand.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas described the event as the “Olympics of finance”.
The theme, “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, focuses on expanding opportunities for people and businesses while strengthening the economy and society against global volatility.
Thailand last hosted the annual meetings in 1991.
Mr Ekniti said the Finance Ministry and central bank would showcase products from across the country to delegates, particularly those with high purchasing power, to help businesses expand their markets.
The government expects the event to boost tourism by encouraging delegates to travel in Thailand during and after the meetings.
Business-matching sessions, seminars and financial-sector activities will give businesses opportunities to meet foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Textiles, culture and muay Thai will feature among the activities promoting the country.
A Royal Pavilion will be featured on Oct 13, the anniversary of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. It will showcase initiatives inspired by his royal development principles, including approaches centred on empowering people, and projects continued under the current reign.
Mr Ekniti said the pavilion would introduce delegates to Thailand’s development experience and show how the principles could help communities build resilience and adapt to global changes.