Joint Press Release by the Ministry of Finance of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand, and the International Monetary Fund on Progress in Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings

IMF News, March 4, 2026

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Canonical URL: Joint Press Release by the Ministry of Finance of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand, and the International Monetary Fund on Progress in Preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings

Event dates and venue:
- 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group: October 12–18, 2026.
- Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand.
Press Release identification:
- Press Release No. 26/069; dated March 4, 2026.
Key operational progress noted:
- Advancements in construction, security, and branding.
- Close coordination among stakeholders.
- QSNCC described as having world-class facilities and ready to host the Meetings.
Historical context:
- This will be the second time Thailand hosts the Annual Meetings at QSNCC, following the 1991 Meetings.
- Thailand highlighted as only the third country outside of the United States to host the Annual Meetings more than once.

Official event theme:
- “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”.
Core elements of the theme:
- Emphasis on the quality of people, resilience of economic and financial systems, and international cooperation.
- Recognition of rapid transformation brought on by artificial intelligence.
- Resilience to multi-pronged challenges ranging from geopolitics to climate change.
Intended contribution:
- Thailand’s transition model presented as a potential showcase and replicable example for other countries in the region.

Participants in discussions:
- Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
- Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand.
- Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF.
Remarks by Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas:
- Hosting symbolizes Thailand’s progress over the past 35 years and its role as a pillar of stability and a hub for global economic cooperation.
Remarks by Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn:
- The Annual Meetings serve as a platform to exchange perspectives and explore practical paths toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive growth.
- Thailand reaffirms readiness to host and to facilitate smooth, well-coordinated Meetings.
Remarks by Dr. Kristalina Georgieva:
- Expressed appreciation for the partnership and hospitality.
- Highlighted Asia as a driving force of global growth and emphasized discussing pragmatic solutions to shared challenges.

Bank of Thailand agenda:
- “Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF) for Financial Wellbeing”.
Objectives and expectations:
- Promote financial resilience.
- Use the Annual Meetings to advance SIDF at the global level.
- Develop a practical SIDF blueprint that countries can adopt and adapt.
- Position the SIDF blueprint as a lasting contribution from Thailand beyond its role as host.

About the Ministry of Finance:
- Cabinet ministry responsible for public finance, taxation, the treasury, government properties, operations of government monopolies, and revenue-generating enterprises.
- Vested with power to provide loan guarantees for governmental agencies, financial institutions, and state enterprises.
About the Bank of Thailand:
- Public institution with mandate to foster a stable, sustainable and inclusive macroeconomic and financial environment for higher quality of life over the long term.
About the IMF:
- Global organization supporting economic growth and prosperity for all of its 191 member countries.
- Supports economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation.
- Governed by and accountable to its member countries.
For more information on the 2026 Annual Meetings:
- https://www.imf.org/en/news/seminars/campaigns/2026/10/thailand-2026

Joint Press Release by the Ministry of Finance of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand, and the International Monetary Fund; March 4, 2026.