Thailand to host 2026 IMF-World Bank summits
Thailand will host the IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings on October 12–18, marking the second time the kingdom has staged the landmark event since 1991.
Track Thailand's economy in English — business, trade, finance and market news, covered by Thai PBS World, Thailand's public broadcasting service.
Thousands of central bankers, finance ministers, and global development leaders are gathering in Bangkok for the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings from October 12–18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has revised Thailand's full-year inflation forecast to 1.8–2.2%, up from 1.5–2.5%, cited rising energy and food costs fueled by Middle East tensions.
Spending during the upcoming Vegetarian Festival is projected to hit a six-year high of 46.91 billion baht, up 2.2% year-on-year due to rising food prices and plant-based trends, according to a UTCC survey.
Thailand will host the IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings on October 12–18, marking the second time the kingdom has staged the landmark event since 1991.
Thailand has emerged as Asia’s top ice cream exporter and the world’s 12th-largest, with exports continuing to grow this year.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has instructed the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) to ensure adequate consumer goods distribution and prevent price gouging in flood-hit areas.
Thailand has unveiled its first national strategy for the development of semiconductor (chip), and high-tech electronics industries, with the aim of attracting massive foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next four years.
Severe flood damage in Greater Bangkok is estimated at 3–5 billion baht, while total losses across 21 affected provinces could reach 5–10 billion baht, according to September 27 assessments.
The Federation of Thai SME Association has urged the government and city hall to deliver immediate aid to small businesses hit by recent flooding, warning delays could push vulnerable firms to closure.
The current flooding is estimated to have caused 12.3 billion baht in economic damage, with Bangkok accounting for the largest share at about 7 billion baht, followed by the eastern region at 2.9 billion baht, according to the University of the Thai
Convenience stores in Bangkok and surrounding provinces are running low on ready-to-eat meals and basic supplies as residents stockpile goods amid flooding fears.