BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved a budget of 1.16 billion baht to support Thailand’s preparations to host the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2026, with around 15,000 participants expected.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 28 April that the funding, drawn from the central emergency budget for fiscal year 2026, will be allocated to the Fiscal Policy Office, the lead agency responsible for organising the event.
The budget will cover venue preparation, registration systems, information technology infrastructure, office equipment and furnishings, in line with standards set by the IMF and the World Bank Group.
Preparations must be completed ahead of an inspection scheduled for September–October this year, with the meetings set to take place from 12–18 October 2026.
Ratchada said hosting the meetings would demonstrate Thailand’s readiness to stage major international events and provide a platform to present the country’s economic policies on the global stage, while strengthening cooperation with international partners.
The annual meetings are regarded as one of the world’s most important economic and financial gatherings, bringing together finance ministers and central bank governors from nearly 190 member countries, alongside delegates from across the globe.
