Thailand Champions People-Centred Development, Mobilising Private Capital to Drive Job Creation and Unlock Inclusive Growth

Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, attended the 114th meeting of the Development Committee during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok. Delivering Thailand’s statement on behalf of the South East Asia Voting Group, he underscored a clear priority: development finance must deliver tangible benefits for people. Beyond mobilising greater investment, it must generate quality jobs, raise living standards, and ensure that local businesses and communities share meaningfully in the gains of economic growth.

Thailand also stressed the need to translate the World Bank Group’s knowledge and expertise into actionable policies and measurable development outcomes, particularly to help middle-income countries unlock their economic potential and sustain progress. Strengthening transparency and accountability in development projects remains essential to ensuring that resources deliver lasting impact.

Dr. Ekniti emphasised that sustainable development must invest in people and build stronger, more resilient economies. By aligning development finance with these priorities and deepening international cooperation, countries can expand economic opportunities, empower communities, and ensure that the benefits of growth reach more people.