Tunis:Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapha, expressed gratitude to the Thai people for their role in co-hosting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) meeting. He emphasized that Thailand is re-emerging on the global stage, with plans to expand its influence in ASEAN and European regions.

According to Thai News Agency, the event welcomed 20,000 participants from 191 countries and received high praise. Ekniti highlighted Thailand's potential to host world-class events, which has encouraged participants to plan future visits for tourism. The Royal Pavilion exhibition showcased Thailand's economic policies, inspired by King Rama IX's approach to development, which stresses gradual progress and international cooperation.

Ekniti also shared that the World Bank has praised the "Whispering Bird" application developed by Thailand and plans to implement it in various countries. The meeting also focused on increasing funding for climate change and disaster risk management. Thailand has made strides in integrating itself into the global arena, promoting human resource development and cultural exchange, exemplified by the Wai Kru ceremony in Muay Thai demonstrations.

He acknowledged the ongoing work required to maintain Thailand's momentum, including the development of ideas at forums such as ASEAN and the Davos economic conference. Fiscal discipline was a key topic at the meeting, with the IMF warning countries to manage public debt carefully. Ekniti noted that Thailand's public debt stands at 60% of GDP compared to 100% in some Western countries, maintaining confidence among foreign investors with low government bond interest rates.

The discussion also touched on employment challenges due to low birth rates and the rise of AI, prompting workforce development initiatives. Ekniti mentioned the Asian Development Bank's confidence in Thailand's water and disaster management, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements and grants for river basin research.

To boost fiscal revenue, digital systems will be employed to expand the tax base and reform excise taxes, ensuring fairness for Thai SMEs. Thailand is also poised for investment in data centers, being one of seven leading Asian countries, with environmental factors being considered.