BANGKOK, Thailand | Thailand is preparing to welcome more than 15,000 delegates from 191 countries for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings from October 12 to 18, as policymakers confront mounting concerns over global growth, rising public debt, energy costs and financial stability.
The meetings will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, bringing together central bank governors, finance and development ministers, business leaders, economists and representatives of international organizations to discuss the global economic outlook and development priorities, according to the IMF, World Bank and Thailand’s government.
Thai officials have stepped up preparations for the gathering, including arrangements for security, transportation, conference facilities and international delegates. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed government agencies to ensure smooth operations and use the event to attract investment, strengthen international confidence and generate business for the country’s service sector.
The agenda comes as IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned of risks from high energy prices, mounting government debt and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. In remarks ahead of the meetings, she urged governments to strengthen fiscal discipline and address economic vulnerabilities while managing the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies.
Reuters has also reported that Thailand hopes to use the event to present itself as a stable investment destination, with the government seeking to accelerate investment in sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, electric vehicles and renewable energy. The country continues to face challenges from high household debt and sluggish economic growth.
The meetings will also take place without U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who Reuters reported will not attend because of domestic engagements. Deputy Treasury Secretary Francis Brooke and Under Secretary for International Affairs Erin Browne are expected to lead the U.S. delegation.
The Annual Meetings are a major forum for international economic cooperation. Discussions typically cover economic growth, monetary and fiscal policy, poverty reduction, development financing and the stability of the international financial system. The gatherings also provide opportunities for governments and financial institutions to hold bilateral discussions on debt, trade and investment.
Thailand last hosted the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in 1991. According to the IMF and Thailand’s Finance Ministry, this year’s event marks the country’s return as host after 35 years and makes Thailand one of only three countries outside the United States to have hosted the meetings more than once.
The weeklong gathering is expected to draw international attention to both the challenges facing the global economy and Thailand’s efforts to strengthen its role as a regional hub for finance, trade and investment.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
