Bangkok:Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, has conducted an inspection of disaster preparedness plans for the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings scheduled in October 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti, along with the Ministry of Finance, Royal Thai Police, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, tested a comprehensive risk management system for the event. The preparations focus on emergency and natural disaster responses, such as floods, power outages, and earthquakes. Coordination with the Meteorological Department and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is ongoing, ensuring contingency plans are in place for potential emergencies, including systematic evacuation processes.
The Minister of Finance emphasized lawful measures to manage protests, with designated areas provided for legal expressions of opinion, ensuring that such activities do not disrupt the meetings.
Ekniti confirmed that the IMF and World Bank are aware of Thailand's capabilities to handle natural disasters, and 15,000 financial leaders have already registered for the event. There have been no cancellations, indicating confidence in Thailand's hosting abilities.
Addressing the economic impact of recent floods, Ekniti highlighted that the effects are minimal, with an impact of less than 0.1% on GDP. The growth forecast for 2026 remains at 2.0-2.5%, with the government prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.
Ekniti urged Thai citizens to participate in hosting the event, showcasing Thailand's hospitality and creating a memorable experience for international visitors.