Ms. Jaithai Upakarnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke at a press conference on 9 October about the upcoming official visits to Thailand by foreign leaders.

She said that during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok from 12 to 18 October 2026, there will be official and other important visits to Thailand by foreign leaders, as follows:

1. Mr. Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, and his wife will pay an official visit to Thailand as guests of the Government, together with a delegation of business leaders. This marks the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years and coincides with the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Switzerland in 2026. 

Switzerland is a key partner for Thailand, being the second-largest trading partner in Europe and the top partner within the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). More than 150 Swiss companies have invested in the Thailand, while, the two countries maintain close people-to-people relations, with approximately 36,000 Thai nationals residing in Switzerland.

2. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, will visit Thailand as guest of the Government. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will welcome President Tharman at Government House. President Tharman will also be granted an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen at the Amporn Sathan Residential Hall. 

Singapore is a key strategic partner for Thailand across various dimensions, including sustainable green partnerships, food security, and economic connectivity, particularly in the digital economy, technology, and innovation. Singapore is one of Thailand's most important economic partners and is currently Thailand’s largest investor in the country.