BANGKOK, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings are held every October, rotating between the institutions’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., United States (for two consecutive years) and a selected member country every third year. This rotation reflects regional diversity and global collaboration. In 2026, Thailand has the honor of hosting the Annual Meetings for the second time, following its first hosting in 1991—35 years ago. Thailand is also one of only three countries to have been selected to host the Meetings twice.
The return of this “Olympics of Finance” to Thailand after more than three decades marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s global image across multiple dimensions. It highlights Thailand’s status as a core economic, fiscal, and financial hub in Southeast Asia, while demonstrating its readiness to host a world-class event. This includes robust infrastructure, connected aviation and transportation systems, welcoming tourism ecosystem, integrated work-support services, and a world-class meeting venue, such as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the official host venue of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Hosting the Meetings also presents a valuable opportunity for Thailand to showcase its unique identity through soft power, ranging from arts and culture to cuisine and diverse travel destinations. The event is expected to stimulate the domestic economy and bring positive impacts to tourism, hospitality, and investment across various sectors.
At the same time, the Meetings will serve as a platform of opportunity for all Thais to act as hosts, welcoming not only finance ministers, central bank governors, and leaders of financial institutions, but also representatives from civil society and global media. More than 15,000 participants from 191 countries are expected to attend and collectively shape the future of the global economy. During the meetings, Thailand will advance its official theme: “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”, which reflects a people-centered development approach, while strengthening economic and financial resilience to better navigate future risks.
Since early 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand working together as the “Thailand Planning Team” have been closely collaborating to prepare for the Annual Meetings. Key initiatives include the launch of an official event landmark at Benjakitti Park to raise public awareness and symbolize Thailand’s readiness to welcome the world, as well as ongoing progress meetings with the IMF and World Bank Group. Thailand also recently welcomed Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, during her visit in early March.
