Thailand is intensifying preparations for one of the world’s most consequential economic gatherings, moving to elevate its diplomatic liaison capabilities to the highest international standards ahead of the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
As the October 12th to 18th meetings draw closer, the Ministry of Finance’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has completed an intensive training program for liaison officers as part of a broader national effort to ensure the Kingdom is fully prepared to welcome more than 15,000 delegates from 191 countries.
Training Thailand’s diplomatic front line
Held from June 24th to 25th at the Ministry of Finance, the training brought together officials from a wide spectrum of institutions, including the Bank of Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Board of Investment, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and several specialized financial institutions.
For Thai authorities, liaison officers (LOs) will play a pivotal role during what is often described as the “Olympics of Finance.”
Opening the program, FPO Deputy Director Nadhavudh Dharmasiri thanked volunteers serving as liaison officers, emphasizing that efficient hospitality and seamless coordination would be critical to building confidence among international participants and leaving a lasting impression on visiting delegations.
Assistant Permanent Secretary for Finance Amonrat Jarurat underscored the significance of the role even further, describing liaison officers as the country’s frontline representatives and, in effect, the “face of the nation.”
Training sessions, led in part by experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Protocol, focused on diplomatic protocol for VIPs, international etiquette, cross-border coordination, conference management, and communication skills designed for high-level global engagements.
A national effort with global stakes
The liaison program forms part of Thailand’s wider “Road to Thailand” initiative, aimed at ensuring every aspect of the meetings meets international standards.
Preparations have now shifted from broad logistical planning to fine-tuning operational details. More than 1,000 official meetings are expected to take place during the week-long summit, requiring extensive coordination on transportation, security, visa facilitation, medical services, and delegate support.
The meetings, to be held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, will mark the second time Thailand has hosted the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings, having first done so in 1991. Alongside Japan and Türkiye, Thailand is among only three nations to have been selected to host the event twice.
Advancing Thailand’s global vision
Hosting the summit is expected to provide a major diplomatic and economic showcase at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and global economic fragmentation. Under the host-country theme, “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience,” Bangkok hopes to highlight its development vision, digital transformation efforts, and commitment to inclusive growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has said the meetings offer an opportunity to showcase Thailand’s capabilities and leave a lasting legacy, reinforcing the country’s standing as a regional hub for finance, investment, and international conferences.
With just months remaining before the world’s financial elite converge on Bangkok, Thailand is shifting preparations into high gear. Amid the gleaming venues and carefully choreographed logistics, it will ultimately come down to the Thai people, be they government representatives, business leaders, volunteers, liaison officers, or frontline staff, to make a lasting impression.
Teerin Julsawad