Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas on 9 October 2026 led members of the media to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to showcase the venue’s full readiness ahead of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (2026 IMF-World Bank Meetings).

Mr. Ekniti stated that Thailand will open its doors from 12 to 18 October to welcome over 15,000 policymakers, economists, government officials, private sector executives, and media representatives from 191 countries who are coming together to jointly shape the direction of the global economy. Hosting this gathering is akin to bringing the global headquarters of the IMF and the World Bank Group from Washington, D.C., directly to Thailand.

For this milestone occasion, the Thai government has prepared facilities and infrastructure to the highest international standards, integrated with advanced digital innovation. Every aspect of the welcome will embody Thailand’s distinctive identity – including the warmth, friendship, and meticulous care of Thai hospitality – underscoring the nation's standing on the world stage.

Regarding venue readiness, the QSNCC has elevated its operations to international benchmarks. Its state-of-the-art Master Control Room and broadcast transmission systems match the caliber of major global events like the FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, these systems are managed by an elite team with direct operational experience from the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Concurrently, the highest level of security is in place, in close coordination with the Royal Thai Police. This multi-tiered zoning system features 17 X-ray checkpoints, 19 walk-through security gates, and 24-hour integrated CCTV surveillance. Additionally, dedicated security personnel are stationed around the clock across all 21 official delegate hotels.

Mr. Ekniti added that the Annual Meetings are expected to generate an immediate economic injection of approximately 1.05 billion to 2.25 billion baht. This is driven by an estimated 15,000 attendees staying from 7 to 10 days with a daily expenditure of 10,000-15,000 baht per person across tourism, hospitality, and local products. The event also opens the door to Thailand's economic future by showcasing its potential as a regional investment hub for Southeast Asia's future industries.