Finance summit thrusts Thailand onto global stage

Thailand is gearing up to host the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, one of the world's most influential gatherings on international economic and financial cooperation, in October for the first time in 35 years.

- SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG

Thailand's promotional booth at the IMF-WBG Annual Meeting 2025.

Thai leaders hope the global event will enhance foreign confidence in the country's economic fundamentals.

Scheduled for Oct 12-18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the meetings will bring together more than 15,000 delegates from 191 economies, including finance ministers, central bank governors, executives from major global financial institutions, academics and thought leaders, fund managers and credit rating agencies.

Vinit Visessuvanapoom, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said during a recent media briefing that hosting the meetings could help strengthen confidence in Thailand's economic fundamentals, potentially generating indirect benefits for the economy.

"The authorities believe the event will boost confidence among foreign audiences particularly investors and tourists who will have an opportunity to experience Thailand firsthand," he said.