On 11 October 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in the “Bloomberg Invest Bangkok: Growth in an Age of Turbulence” roundtable discussion, jointly organized by Bangkok Bank and Bloomberg. The event was held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings 2026), hosted by Thailand from 12 to 18 October 2026 in Bangkok.

The event provided an opportunity to exchange views with leading private sector executives on global and regional developments, as well as emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the global economy and investment.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the global economy would continue to gravitate toward the Asia-Pacific region, while ASEAN would remain one of the world's most economically dynamic and geopolitically stable regions. 

In order to capitalize on these opportunities, he said, ASEAN must accelerate regional economic integration, digital transformation, and cooperation on clean energy and energy security, all of which require close collaboration between the public and private sectors. 

For its part, Thailand remains committed to pursuing continuous reforms, particularly through its efforts to accede to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with a view to enhancing its competitiveness and strengthening economic resilience. 

The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasized that regional cooperation and collective efforts would be key to turning challenges into opportunities.

From 10:00 to 11:30, the panel “Small AI: More and Better Jobs” explores how practical AI applications can help create jobs and improve job quality. For people in Thailand, key questions include how workers and small businesses can access this technology and what skills they need to benefit from emerging opportunities.

From 11:30 to 12:45, the “Youth Dialogue with First Deputy Managing Director” offers an opportunity to hear young people’s perspectives and questions on the economic future, providing insights to help them plan their learning and prepare for a rapidly changing world of work.

From 13:00 to 14:00, “Civil Society Townhall with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga” provides a forum for dialogue between civil society and the World Bank Group President. Key focuses include development proposals that address people’s everyday needs and ways to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach more people.

From 16:30 to 17:20, the Thailand Pavilion Opening Ceremony will showcase Thailand’s strengths in three areas: digital public infrastructure, climate resilience, and longevity. Featured examples include PromptPay, water management, and healthcare systems. A royal exhibition will also highlight royal development initiatives aimed at improving people’s quality of life.

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Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan stated that the Government urged commuters to plan their journeys ahead of time, while traveling near QSNCC and along the routes linking to business centers. They are advised to use public transport, such as MRT and BTS electric trains.

Police instructions have been issued to ensure the highest standards of safety for attending international delegates and leaders, while maintaining smooth and efficient traffic flow across the capital.

In particular, commuters travelling along Ratchadaphisek Road between the Rama IV and Asok Montri intersections, or along Rama IV Road near QSNCC, are advised to allow extra travel time and check alternative routes.

Government agencies in Bangkok will implement work-from-home arrangements on 12, 14, and 15 October. A special public holiday has been designated for 16 October in Bangkok only, while 13 October remains a regular public holiday. 

State-owned enterprises, financial institutions, educational institutions, and private-sector organizations, particularly those near QSNCC, are encouraged to consider adjusting their working arrangements as appropriate.

They were accompanied by Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikorn Somklang, Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, and Chairman of the Community Organizations Development Institute Kobsak Pootrakool.

The visit took place ahead of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, hosted by Thailand from 12 to18 October. Mr. Ekniti warmly welcomed Ms. Georgieva as a friend, noting that although the week would be filled with important discussions shaping the global economy, stepping outside the meeting rooms to engage with and learn from communities was equally important.

This collaborative effort brings together the Ministry of Finance, the IMF, the Bank of Thailand, and public- and private-sector partners to support community development and expand educational opportunities. A key initiative is the renovation of the Bo Farang Community Learning Center, with the IMF providing funding and technological equipment. Thai partners are coordinating with the C asean Foundation and other organizations to improve the premises and facilities.

The center will provide children and young people in the community with a space for learning, skills development, and access to technology. The initiative reflects Thailand’s commitment to ensuring that hosting a major global economic gathering delivers tangible, lasting benefits for people beyond the meetings themselves.

“Today’s activities may seem simple, but they reflect the central theme of these meetings: empowering people and building resilience,” Mr. Ekniti said. “At Bo Farang, we see that opportunity begins with safe and secure housing and grows into a better quality of life – from growing vegetables to reduce household expenses and cultivating mushrooms to earn additional income, to a learning center that enables people to develop their skills. Together, these efforts strengthen families and communities, improve their ability to build better lives, and prepare them for future change.”

He stressed that meaningful development requires cooperation among the government, the private sector, development partners, and, most importantly, the community members themselves.

She pointed out that the event is a crucial opportunity for Thailand to exchange knowledge and experience with various countries, as well as building upon cooperation with the World Bank in developing workforce readiness for changes in the economy and labor market. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is moving forward with cooperation with the Equitable Education Fund and the World Bank under a five-year memorandum of understanding to upgrade vocational education, develop teacher potential, and increase educational opportunities for all groups of youth.

The Government, through the Ministry of Labor, will also proceed with discussions on cooperation with the World Bank to develop skills and increase employment opportunities for Thai people, while laying the foundation for a labor system that can support economic shifts and an aging society, with the goal of turning technical cooperation into tangible benefits for workers and their families.

The 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings will take place in Bangkok from 12 to 18 October 2026. This is the second time that Thailand has been honored to host the meetings, making it one of only three countries in the world to have hosted this event twice. The meetings will be attended by more than 15,000 participants from over 190 countries, with about 1,000 press members covering the event.

Hosting the Annual Meetings is an important opportunity to showcase Thailand’s economic and financial potential to global investors, attract investment, particularly in future technologies, and advance the Bangkok Blueprint strategy in digital finance and the environment presented by Thailand to the meetings, as well as other important economic agendas.

The 2026 TIP Report placed Thailand in Tier 2 for the fifth consecutive year, acknowledging significant progress in combating human trafficking through key measures:

- Increased funding for anti-trafficking activities;

- Investigation and prosecution of officials allegedly complicit in human trafficking;

- Assistance for potential victims during reflection periods;

- International collaboration on repatriating foreign victims fleeing online scam centers in neighboring countries;

- Establishment of an inter-agency law enforcement center to combat online scams.

Combating human trafficking is a national priority for Thailand. Government agencies across all sectors have worked together to continuously improve their effectiveness in protecting both Thai nationals and foreigners in Thailand, in line with human rights and humanitarian principles. 

The Royal Thai Government has also stepped up its efforts and measures against transnational criminal organizations, particularly those involved in trafficking people into forced criminality in scam centers. Thailand remains fully committed to sustaining these efforts, while strengthening international cooperation to combat human trafficking and transnational crime - a shared interest and common goal of Thailand, the United States and the international community.

The parallel activities include:

- A Dinner Talk on “Rethinking Growth: Thailand’s Pathways to a More Balanced and Sustainable Future” The event will be held on 13 October at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. It will present Thailand's approaches to promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth, with a focus on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model. 

- A High-level panel discussion on “Food Systems Transformation and Economic Growth – Powering Economic and Social Development through the Energy Transition” The panel discussion will be held on 14 October at InterContinental Hotel Bangkok. The discussion will focus on energy transition to promote food security, enhance the resilience of agricultural and food systems, reduce imports of fossil fuels, and support sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

- A Panel Discussion on “Promoting Quality Infrastructure in Asia Pacific” The panel discussion will be held on 15 October at the Conrad Hotel Bangkok. The panel will exchange views on the challenges of developing quality infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as approaches to attracting sustainable investment for infrastructure projects.

Previously, on 9 October, a Round-Table Meeting on “Strengthening ASEAN Resilience and the Role of Emerging Development Partners for a More Secure and Sustainable Future took place at the Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok. Participants included agencies responsible for development cooperation from Thailand, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. The meeting focused on approaches to strengthening ASEAN resilience in addressing challenges through trilateral cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on a people-centered approach and the principle of leaving no one behind.

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.

This was the first official visit to Thailand by a Prime Minister of Timor-Leste in thirteen years, and the first since Timor-Leste became a member of ASEAN last year. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in all dimensions, as well as regional developments.

After the bilateral meeting, the two sides issued a Joint Statement, which will serve as a roadmap for their partnership in the years ahead, as follows:

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, His Excellency Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, paid an official visit to Thailand from 9 to 10 October 2026. During the visit, the two Prime Ministers held bilateral discussions in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Timor-Leste.

Overall Bilateral Relations

2. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction with the friendly bilateral relations and the close development partnership between Thailand and Timor-Leste. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, both bilaterally and within ASEAN, for the shared prosperity and advancement of both countries.  

3. Both Leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing regular exchanges of visits at all levels, and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the Establishment of a Mechanism for Bilateral Consultations. They looked forward to the early convening of the inaugural Bilateral Consultations in Timor-Leste, at a mutually convenient time, as an important mechanism to review bilateral cooperation, follow up on the outcomes of the visit, and identify new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

4. Both Leaders recalled that Thailand was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste, on 20 May 2002. They further recalled Thailand’s longstanding contribution to peacekeeping and peacebuilding in Timor-Leste, particularly through the service of Thai officers as Deputy Commander of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) from September 1999 to February 2000, and Force Commanders of the military component of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) from July 2000 to August 2002. They looked forward to commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027 through mutually agreed activities.

Defence and Security Cooperation

5. Both Leaders welcomed the close bilateral defence relations, including military exchanges, training, capacity-building and information sharing and looked forward to the forthcoming visit of the Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand to Timor-Leste as an opportunity to further deepen defence cooperation.

6. Both Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges, particularly online scams and other forms of transnational crime. They encouraged closer cooperation among relevant law-enforcement authorities, including through information exchange, capacity-building and relevant ASEAN mechanisms.

7. Thailand conveyed its acceptance of the invitation to join the Core Group of Strategic Partners for the INTERFET Memorial project and expressed its readiness to contribute relevant archival materials, photographs and personal accounts of Thai personnel who served in Timor-Leste, thereby supporting the preservation and commemoration of this shared history.
Economic Cooperation

8. Both Leaders encouraged greater trade and investment flows between the two countries and closer engagement between their respective private sectors. They identified agriculture and food processing, energy, infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, and the blue economy as areas with potential for expanded cooperation and investment. They encouraged relevant agencies and business communities to explore opportunities for business matching, trade promotion and investment facilitation.

9. The Prime Minister of Thailand reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to support Timor-Leste's food security. Both Leaders agreed to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture and food security, including agricultural trade, food processing, technical cooperation and capacity-building. They also agreed to initiate negotiations towards the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on Rice Trade, reflecting a mutual ambition to enhance food security for Timor-Leste.

10. Both Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of enhanced air connectivity between Thailand and Timor-Leste in advancing economic relations, tourism and fostering people-to-people ties. They encouraged the conclusion and implementation of the Air Services Agreement between Thailand and Timor- Leste at the earliest opportunity, and looked forward to the commencement of direct air connectivity between the two countries at the earliest opportunity. 

Development Cooperation

11. The Prime Minister of Thailand reaffirmed Thailand’s role as a trusted development partner of Timor-Leste, while the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s valuable contribution, through the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), to Timor-Leste’s socio-economic development and capacity-building efforts.  

12. Both Leaders agreed to strengthen development cooperation in accordance with Timor-Leste’s priorities, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture, community development, public health and maternal care, human resources development and ASEAN-related capacity-building. They agreed to convene the 4th Technical Cooperation Meeting in Timor-Leste within this year to finalize and adopt the Three-Year Development Cooperation Programme (2026 - 2028).  

13. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste expressed his profound gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for initiating the Project on Children and Youth Development under Her Royal Highness’s patronage in six schools in Timor-Leste. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the schools to address hunger and improve children’s nutrition and health. He also expressed his appreciation for Her Royal Highness’s support in enabling Timor-Leste to participate in the biennial Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA), which recognizes outstanding teachers and has, to date, benefited six exemplary teachers from rural areas of Timor-Leste. 

14. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste expressed his appreciation for Thailand’s provision of more than 800 scholarships and training opportunities to Timor-Leste officials and students since 2001 These opportunities, valued at approximately USD 4 million, have been provided under various cooperation frameworks, including bilateral cooperation and the Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP).  

15. Both Leaders welcomed the progress of the two maternal and child health centers (BEmONC Centers), a project jointly implemented by the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the aim of reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Timor-Leste. Thailand expressed its readiness to explore, through NEDA, further cooperation in support of Timor-Leste’s development priorities.  

16. Both Leaders also welcomed the joint efforts between the two governments and international organizations on programmes in Timor-Leste that support public health and sustainable livelihoods, including nephrology services, the Tais and Women Weavers’ Network, and coffee sector development. 

17. Both Leaders agreed to expedite the conclusion of the two Memoranda on education cooperation and higher education cooperation. They also underscored the importance of enhancing capacity building in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to align with the labour market demands of both countries. 

Regional Cooperation

18. The Prime Minister of Thailand once again congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the eleventh member of ASEAN and reaffirmed Thailand’s support for Timor-Leste’s continued integration into ASEAN Community and its capacity-building needs, including Timor-Leste’s preparations towards its prospective ASEAN Chairship in 2029. 

19. Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting an open, rules-based, inclusive and ASEAN-centered regional architecture, and pledged to enhance coordination in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 towards a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-cantered ASEAN. They emphasized the importance of stable and constructive relations among major powers in contributing to peace and prosperity in the region. 

20. Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the fruitful and constructive discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to translating the outcomes of the visit into concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation, further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Timor-Leste and enhancing coordination within ASEAN.

21. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste expressed his sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand for the warm hospitality and courtesies extended to him and his delegation throughout the visit.

Mr. Vinit noted that Thailand and the QSNCC – a certified green building facility – are committed to delivering an environmentally friendly conference through concrete actions. These include providing a dedicated fleet of over 320 electric vehicles (EVs) for attendees – projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 95.8 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂eq), comparable to planting over 9,580 mature trees; circular waste management that upcycles food waste into organic fertilizer; a paperless digital meeting system; and significantly reducing single-use plastics across all catering operations.

Another major highlight is the “Thailand Pavilion” exhibition, organized into three core zones: 

Zone 1: Digital Public Infrastructure presents Thailand’s advances in digital financial infrastructure, including PromptPay and cross-border QR code payments, as well as data-driven technologies that help local community shops and micro-entrepreneurs gain greater access to financial services and economic opportunities.

Zone 2: Climate Resilience outlines various approaches to mitigating climate change risks, ranging from integrated flood management and data mapping for vulnerable groups to eco-tourism and low-carbon urban and community development. 

Zone 3: Longevity showcases Thailand’s healthcare system and wellness economy, covering Universal Health Coverage, the nationwide Village Health Volunteers (VHV) network, functional health foods, bio-cosmetics, traditional Thai massage, precision medicine, and the broader wellness industry – one of Thailand’s core competitive strengths.

In addition, an honorary royal exhibition titled “The Royal Legacy: Building Resilience and Empowering People” reflects the royal development initiatives that laid the foundation for Thailand’s resilience and sustained improvement in quality of life.

These enduring development principles not only hold deep significance for Thailand, but also align closely with global priorities, including sustainable development, inequality reduction, disaster response, and crisis management.