Thailand prepares to host IMF-World Bank meetings with 15,000 delegates

Investing.com -- Thailand is preparing to host the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok from October 12 to 18, bringing together more than 15,000 delegates from 191 countries to discuss global economic challenges.

The gathering will bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, economic policymakers and business leaders for discussions on the global economy, financial stability and development priorities.

Thailand’s Finance Ministry estimates that spending by international participants could generate between 1.05 billion and 2.25 billion baht ($32 million to $69 million) for the domestic economy.

Authorities have introduced extensive security and traffic management measures ahead of the week-long event, which will take place in central Bangkok.

Government offices in the capital will implement work-from-home arrangements on October 12, 14 and 15 to reduce congestion.

October 13 is already a public holiday, while October 16 has been designated a special government and bank holiday. Private companies and state enterprises have been encouraged to make appropriate arrangements.

Security has been strengthened around the meeting venue and 21 designated hotels.

Approximately 500 Tourist Police officers will support security operations through patrols, undercover deployments, drones and motorcade escorts, working alongside representatives from about 39 embassies.

High-profile visitors include Swiss President Guy Parmelin, whose trip marks the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

More than 320 electric vehicles will transport delegates as part of efforts to reduce emissions during the meetings.

Preparations are also facing potential weather disruptions, with authorities warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Bangkok and surrounding provinces on October 10 and 11.

The warning follows flooding in parts of the capital two weeks earlier after approximately 320 millimetres of rainfall accumulated over three days.