Key facts
- The IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings will take place in Bangkok from October 12-18.
- Over 15,000 participants from 191 countries are expected.
- Bangkok government offices will work from home on October 12, 14, and 15 to ease traffic.
- October 16 has been declared a special government and bank holiday.
- Security has been tightened at the venue and 21 official hotels.
- Participant spending is projected to generate 1.05-2.25 billion baht for the Thai economy.
- Over 320 electric vehicles will be used to transport participants.
- Heavy rain and potential flooding are forecast for Bangkok on October 10-11.
Thailand is preparing to host the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok from October 12 to 18. The event is expected to draw more than 15,000 participants, including central bank governors, economic policymakers, and business leaders, for discussions on the global economy.
To manage traffic congestion, Bangkok government offices will operate on a work-from-home basis on October 12, 14, and 15. October 13 is a public holiday, and October 16 has been designated a special government and bank holiday, with private companies encouraged to make similar arrangements.
Authorities have significantly tightened security at the meeting venue in central Bangkok and at 21 designated hotels. Approximately 500 Tourist Police officers will be involved in securing the venue, delegate hotels, and tourist attractions through various means, including undercover operations, patrols, drone surveillance, and motorcade escorts, in coordination with around 39 embassies.
Notable attendees include Swiss President Guy Parmelin, marking the first official visit by a Swiss president to Thailand in 22 years, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry.
The Thai Finance Ministry estimates that participant spending could generate between 1.05 billion and 2.25 billion baht for the Thai economy. To reduce carbon emissions, more than 320 electric vehicles will be utilized to transport participants.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has warned of heavy to very heavy rain and potential localized flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on October 10-11. This follows recent flooding in parts of the city after 320 mm of rain fell over three days two weeks prior.