Thailand Gears Up to Host 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings

Thailand is moving ahead with plans to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18 in Bangkok. A second meeting of the 2025 Public Relations Working Group was recently held to review communication strategies and coordinate interagency efforts for the high-level event.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reported progress on its communications strategy, which was developed in collaboration with the consultancy firm Ogilvy. Launched in July 2025, the plan involves messaging, outreach channels, and media activities targeting both domestic and international audiences.

The meeting also addressed cross-agency collaboration on content and outreach. Government agencies were encouraged to provide material related to Thai culture, tourism, and traditional architecture for promotional use. Communication channels such as Facebook, radio, television, and public displays will support visibility. A “Host Government Website,” currently under development by the Fiscal Policy Office and BOT, will serve as the leading portal for event updates.

Proposed activities for visiting delegates include volunteer work at Ayutthaya Historical Park and tree-planting at the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture in Pathum Thani. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended international media outreach, including partnerships, interviews, and coverage through foreign news outlets. Weekly radio segments and digital signage are also under consideration.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration confirmed its support for local communications and suggested an interview with the Bangkok Governor before his term ends in June 2026. Promotional efforts will extend abroad, with a Thailand booth planned in Washington, D.C., and three cultural exhibitions titled “Sala Thai” to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Government agencies will contribute to these efforts to help present Thailand to a global audience.

Source: National News Bureau Thailand