Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), scheduled for 12-18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, escorted by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, on 5 March paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at Government House during her visit to Thailand to follow up on preparations for the annual meetings.

Prime Minister Anutin expressed his satisfaction with close cooperation between Thailand and the IMF, especially in terms of policy consultation and technical collaboration. Both sides also exchanged views on the conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on the global economy. 

The Prime Minister learned about the IMF’s assessment of possible spillover effects on the global economy. They also discussed major areas Thailand should prioritize in preparing for risk management amidst global economic uncertainty.

IMF Managing Director commended Thailand for its readiness to host the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 after visiting the meeting venue. She expressed confidence that the country would successfully host this event, saying that the meetings would provide an important opportunity to promote practical cooperation to address global economic volatility, rapid technological change, and other emerging challenges.

The Prime Minister said that the Thai government had included Thailand’s hosting of the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 as part of the national agenda, and that all sectors of Thai society would work together to ensure that the event is organized smoothly, with great efficiency in line with international standards.

The meetings will be held under the theme “Thailand New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This will be the second occasion since 1991 that Thailand has had the honor to host the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings, one of the world’s top economic conferences.

Over 18,000 representatives from nearly 200 nations, including finance ministers, central bank governors, leaders of financial institutions, as well as executives and staff of IMF and WBG, are expected to attend the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026.