Bangkok:The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok successfully hosted the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group. This significant event attracted over 20,000 finance ministers, central bank governors, and financial institution executives from 191 countries, making it a historic occasion for Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, this was the first time a conference center hosted the IMF-World Bank event twice at the same venue. Thailand, following Japan and Turkey, is the third country to host the event for a second time, but notably, it is the first to do so at the same location.
The global community's trust in Thailand for hosting the event again was attributed to high security standards, its strategic position as a regional hub, and world-class service facilities. The QSNCC underwent extensive renovations over 3.5 years to meet the technical and security requirements set by the IMF and World Bank. Almost 700 temporary meeting rooms were created, all equipped with necessary amenities and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The event also highlighted Thailand's soft power through four main dimensions. Over 5,000 meters of Thai fabric from various provinces were used to create sound-absorbing panels in meeting rooms, showcasing local craftsmanship. The conference also featured locally sourced cuisine with ingredients having geographical indications, such as Thai rice varieties and the Royal Gift of Tilapia.
An exhibition displayed royal activities and artworks, celebrating the contributions of King Rama IX and King Rama X toward sustainability. Security was a top priority, with thousands of officers ensuring the safety of attendees.
The economic impact of hosting the event is significant, with estimates suggesting billions of baht generated through spending by delegates and their entourages. The successful organization of the event underscores Thailand's capability as a global hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), enhancing its reputation further after hosting APEC 2022 and the FIFA Congress 2024.