## 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_

## Source details

**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](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/03/04/pr-26069-joint-pr-progress-2026-annual-meetings)

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## Bibliographic details
- Published: March 4, 2026

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### Progress in preparations and logistics
- 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.

### Thematic focus and host vision
- 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.

### Statements and priorities from officials
- 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.

### Policy initiative highlighted: Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance (SIDF)
- 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.

### Context on institutions and membership
- 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

### Media contacts
- Maneechai Chainuvati (ManeechC@bot.or.th)
- Pavis Devahasadin (pdevahasadin@imf.org)

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

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## References

- [Thailand and the IMF](http://www.imf.org/external/country/THA/index.htm)
- [United States and the IMF](http://www.imf.org/external/country/USA/index.htm)
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- [PRESS CENTER](http://presscenter.imf.org/)
- [https://www.imf.org/en/news/seminars/campaigns/2026/10/thailand-2026](https://www.imf.org/en/news/seminars/campaigns/2026/10/thailand-2026)
- [https://www.imf.org/en/home](https://www.imf.org/en/home)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/03/04/pr-26069-joint-pr-progress-2026-annual-meetings_