The Cabinet, during its meeting on 28 April 2026, approved a budget of 1.16 billion baht for Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) this October.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that the budget allocation from the 2026 fiscal year's central contingency fund would be used to cover preparations for the meeting venue, registration areas, information technology systems, and office equipment, supplies, and furniture, in accordance with the IMF and WBG's standards.

These preparations must be completed before the scheduled inspection of the readiness of the meeting venue by the IMF and the WBG between September and October 2026. The 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the WBG Group will be held from 12 to 18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. 

The annual meetings are among the most important meetings of the IMF and the WBG that bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, executives of financial institutions, academics, and members of civil society. 

The 2026 Annual Meetings are expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants from 191 member countries, who will discuss a variety of global agendas, such as economic growth, fiscal sustainability, financial stability, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.

Thailand became a member of the IMF and the WBG on 3 May 1949. It hosted the annual meetings of the IMF and the WBG once, in 1991. The 2026 Annual Meetings will mark the second time Thailand hosts these events. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that hosting the annual meetings once again represents an important opportunity for Thailand; it symbolizes not only Thailand’s significant progress made over the past 35 years but also its continued role as a pillar of stability and a hub for global economic cooperation.

Governor of the Bank of Thailand Vitai Ratanakorn reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings, saying that Thailand is committed to facilitating the meetings in a smooth and well-coordinated manner, helping to deliver the outcomes the IMF envisions.

He emphasized that the annual meetings take place at a time when the global economy faces multiple challenges that require long-term vision, innovation, and international cooperation.