Daily Briefing 12 October 2026

The 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group and Related Meetings

12 October 2026

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), officially welcomed delegates from around the world on the occasion of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (2026 IMF-WBG Annual Meetings), held between 12–18 October 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Hosting this gathering in 2026 marks the second time for Thailand, following its first hosting in 1991, 35 years ago, making Thailand one of only three member countries honored to host the Annual Meetings twice. Commencing on 12 October 2026, the 2026 IMF-WBG Annual Meetings welcome financial leaders, policymakers, representatives from the public and private sectors, academics, and media from 191 countries worldwide, reflecting Thailand's role and prominence on the international economic and financial stage. The key outcomes of the meetings and major activities taking place on 12 October 2026 are summarized as follows:

1. Outcomes of the World Bank Group Flagship, Small AI: More and Better Jobs

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, participated in the World Bank Flagship panel titled “Small AI: More and Better Jobs,” emphasizing that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of work, bringing both opportunities and risks. Thailand therefore aims to drive three core objectives: (1) enhancing existing jobs, (2) creating new jobs, and (3) ensuring that everyone benefits, guided by the concepts of AI in All, All in AI, and AI for All.

The principle of AI in All involves making AI an integral part of livelihoods across all groups, such as boosting the productivity of existing enterprises through tools like the “Nok Krasib” (Whispering Bird) AI on the Thung Ngern application, which helps small merchants manage operations, boost profits, and leverage business data to expand access to credit. Meanwhile, the principle of All in AI focuses on developing an AI-driven economy by transforming investments in data centers and cloud infrastructure into quality jobs for Thai talent through the high-skilled human resource development program for modern industries (Skill Bridge), linking workforce skills training directly to business needs and reducing the cost of AI adoption for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Lastly, the principle of AI for All means leveraging AI for the benefit of all segments of society, actively supporting workers and enterprises that may struggle to adapt to technological shifts so that no one is left behind. Meanwhile, while promoting AI adoption, people must also be protected from the risks associated with AI and digital technology, particularly digital crime and online fraud. To do so, international collaboration must be called upon, including one with prominent international organizations, such as between the IMF and the WBG.

2. Launch of the Book “Shaping the Future of Asia: Opportunities and Challenges” by the IMF

The IMF’s book “Shaping the Future of Asia: Opportunities and Challenges” presents perspectives on the future of the Asia-Pacific region as a key engine of global economic growth amidst significant structural transformations. The discussion centered on demographic transition, technological transformation, and changing patterns of regional trade and investment, underscoring the importance of advancing structural reforms, boosting productivity, developing the services sector, and equipping workers with the skills needed for future industries to support sustained growth. At the same time, leveraging AI technologies and strengthening regional cooperation will be essential to navigating uncertainties, mitigating the impacts of an aging society,

and fostering robust, resilient, and inclusive growth so that the public may fully benefit from economic transitions.

3. Opening Ceremony of the Royal Honor Exhibition “The Royal Legacy: Empowering People, Building Resilience”

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, alongside Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, the BOT Governor, and the Annual Meetings organizingteam, welcomed Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who presided over the opening ceremony of the Thai Pavilion, the exhibition space that presents Thailand’s economic potential, culture, and readiness to welcome delegates from across the globe, divided into four main zones:

(1) The Royal Pavilion under the concept “The Royal Legacy: Empowering People, Building Resilience” conveys royal duties and development philosophies that laid the foundation of strength for the nation and continuously enhanced the quality of life of the Thai people. It reflects the value of development aimed at creating opportunity, reducing vulnerability, and strengthening long-term social immunity in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and key issues facing the global community, including inequality, natural disasters, and emerging forms of risk in a fast-changing world.

(2) Digital Public Infrastructure Zone showcases Thailand’s digital infrastructure, aimed at enabling citizens and businesses to access government services, digital payments, and other services efficiently, promptly, reliably, and seamlessly, such as PromptPay, cross-border QR payments, and National Digital ID project. It also highlights the integration of government digital infrastructure to support economic stimulus measures and public welfare schemes, alongside the development of domestic and regional payment and fund transfer systems that facilitate trade and investment. Furthermore, regional connectivity enables fast and efficient cross-border

transfers and QR payments, lowering overall costs through bilateral linkages and Project Nexus, which will connect Fast Payment Systems multilaterally in the future.

(3) Climate Resilience Zone presents approaches to addressing risks stemming from climate change, ranging from flood management and data mapping for the care of vulnerable groups to eco-friendly tourism and the development of low-carbon cities and communities.

(4) Longevity Zone highlights Thailand’s potential as a regional health and wellness hub through a resilient public health system—from Universal Health Coverage and the Village Health Volunteer (VHV) network, which serve as the foundation of citizen care, to industries of the future including health foods, bio-cosmetics, traditional Thai massage, precision medicine, and the Wellness Economy that builds on Thailand's social capital and wisdom.

4. Bilateral Meeting

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, to expand cooperation between Thailand and the IsDB in transition finance, infrastructure, SMEs, and Halal value chain development, as well as Islamic finance. Both parties discussed building upon collaboration regarding Sukuk bond issuance and capacity-building for the Islamic Bank of Thailand.

In addition, the first day of the 2026 IMF-WBG Annual Meetings also featured notable activities such as the youth perspective exchange in the IMF’s Youth Dialogue with the First Deputy Managing Director, and the Civil Society Townhall with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

The general public can view live broadcasts of key proceedings on Facebook “AM2026 Thailand” and follow further details related to the meetings on the website www.am2026thailand.go.th.

Download Daily Briefing 12 October 2026 (PDF)