Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas has inspected Thailand’s readiness for hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, which will take place from 12 to 18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok.

Mr. Ekniti said that his inspection on 2 October involved the safety system, electricity, waterworks and other supporting systems, as well as risk management and measures to deal effectively with unforeseen circumstances.

Systems and contingency plans have been tested under various scenarios, including floods, power outages, earthquakes, and public gatherings, to ensure that Thailand can effectively respond to different situations in compliance with international standards for management and the safety of meeting participants. 

Regarding the flood situation, he received reports of weather forecasts and rainwater volumes from the Thai Meteorological Department and preparations to cope with the situation by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Mr. Ekniti stated that all relevant agencies have been working closely together and that they are confident with Thailand’s potential. He emphasized Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings.

The QSNCC, the venue for the meetings, is also ready to welcome more than 15,000 participants from 191 member countries, comprising finance ministers, central bank governors, executives of financial institutions, academics, representatives of civil society, and members of the media. 

He urged Thai people to join hands in demonstrating Thailand’s potential for hosting the upcoming IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, often called the "Olympics of Finance."