Thailand has affirmed its readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), a prestigious global economic event drawing over 18,000 attendees, including finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institution executives, and thought leaders from nearly 200 members.

The meetings, collectively abbreviated as “AM 2026 Thailand,” are scheduled for October 12th to 18th, 2026. Next year will mark the first time in 35 years that Thailand will host the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings, a return that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra described as a national agenda. The event will provide a platform for global policymakers to discuss pressing economic issues, from inflation management to strategies for climate resilience and digitalization.

For Thailand, the meetings represent an important opportunity for the kingdom to demonstrate to the world its economic and financial progress, as well as its potential as a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital-driven finance.

Economic summits bring strategic exposure

The Annual Meetings are traditionally among the most important gatherings on the global economic calendar. They rotate every three years to a member country outside the organizations’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., with Thailand following Morocco, which hosted the 2023 meetings in Marrakech.

The decision for Thailand to host the 2026 Annual Meetings was formalized on October 15th, 2023. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of Thailand’s readiness to host such a major event.

The meetings will focus on global economic trends, including concerns over slowing growth, rising inequality, and geopolitical tensions. With global growth projected to hover around 3% — the lowest in three decades — Thailand will play a pivotal role in facilitating discussions on sustainable economic policies and financial stability.

“The Meetings are expected to spur not only economic and tourism-related activities, but also provide opportunities for trade and investment over the long run,” said Chayawadee Chai-Anant, Assistant Governor of the Corporate Relations Group at the BOT. She added, “It will also serve as a platform to showcase Thailand’s distinctive arts, culture, and cuisine to the world.” 

The BOT further noted that the influx of delegates and media attention would enhance the nation’s image as a world-class conference destination. Additionally, the event will serve to showcase Thailand’s infrastructure, tourism, and service sectors, aligning with the country’s ambition to become a financial and technological hub in Southeast Asia.

All hands on deck

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra leads a meeting on preparations for the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings on February 3rd, 2025. Source: Public Relations Department

Thailand is now counting down to what is expected to be one of the largest economic events in its history. As global economic leaders prepare to gather in the City of Angels, all eyes will be on the kingdom’s ability to balance its ambitious goals with the logistics of hosting this world-class event.

Preparations are already in full swing, with the Ministry of Finance and the BOT leading the charge. The Thai Cabinet has established four subcommittees tasked with strategic implementations, protocol, security, traffic, and public health. The government, meanwhile, will organize side meetings and events to maximize exposure and economic opportunities.

A uniquely Thai logo

A logo design contest was also launched in 2023 to involve the public in the branding of the 2026 meetings, with Fiscal Policy Office Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja and Assistant Governor Chayawadee in attendance. 

According to Paitoon Patisoncharoen, the graphic designer behind the winning design, the logo aims to reflect Thainess, finance, and modernity. It combined traditional Thai patterns known as Lai Prajam Yam and the Phra Saeng Chakra emblem found on ancient Thai currency known as Phot Duang or bullet coins. 

Based on the primary icon, the designer extended the concept to create a unique typography. Other graphic elements were inspired by the Phra Saeng Tri emblem, the Garuda insignia, and traditional motifs of bael leaves, all of which also appear on ancient bullet coins, to form a cohesive pattern.

The winning design will be featured on promotional materials, souvenirs, and event decor, aiming to blend Thailand’s modern vision of leadership with its rich cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Finance and the BOT have called on the public to extend a warm welcome to delegates, showcasing the renowned hospitality of the Thai people and the nation’s peerless capacity for creativity and innovation.

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