Bangkok: Thailand is set to host the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in October 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, this event marks a significant milestone for Thailand, as it will put the country at the forefront of global economic discussions and strategies.
Deputy Finance Minister Worapak Thanyawong will be attending this year’s meetings in Washington, D.C., highlighting Thailand’s active role within these international financial institutions. The IMF plays a critical role in overseeing financial stability and currency exchange among member countries by providing financial assistance during crises, such as currency fluctuations or current account deficits.
Mr. Worapak noted Thailand’s reliance on IMF mechanisms during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, when the country secured over US$17 billion under the Stand-By Arrangement program to stabilize its economy. The IMF continues to support member countries in managing fiscal vulnerabilities and adapting to geopolitical and energy transitions.
The World Bank, on the other hand, focuses on economic development by providing loans and technical assistance to developing countries for infrastructure and long-term development projects. Its subsidiaries, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Development Association (IDA), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), contribute to various dimensions of economic growth, with an increasing focus on sustainable development and energy transition.
In response to the 1997 financial crisis, East Asian countries established the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM), a reserve mechanism to handle financial crises independently of the IMF. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) supports this initiative by assessing macroeconomic risks and facilitating informed decision-making.
Hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meeting offers Thailand an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the global economic landscape and develop proactive strategies to address economic challenges amidst ongoing uncertainties. These meetings serve as a vital platform for shaping international financial and development cooperation, both regionally and globally.