BANGKOK, Thailand – The government invites the public to watch selected sessions of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings online for free, with no registration required.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana announced on October 10 that Thailand will host the meetings in Bangkok from October 12 to 18, 2026. Public sessions will be livestreamed via World Bank Live, enabling viewers to follow discussions remotely.
A key session, the Civil Society Townhall, will take place on October 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. Thailand time, featuring World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and senior executives. Questions will be accepted from both in-person and online audiences, though not all may be selected. Recordings will be available after the event.
Other public sessions include “Small AI: More and Better Jobs” on October 12 from 10:00 to 11:10 a.m., which will focus on affordable, accessible artificial intelligence to boost productivity and create jobs. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is among the participants.
On October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., “MSME Finance: Leveraging Data for Jobs” will explore how data and digital technology can improve access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
The spokesperson stated the government aims to give all sectors of society access to insights from this global economic platform, especially on AI, the future of work, and SME funding. She noted that online viewing does not grant physical entry to the venue and encouraged viewers to check live streams and updated schedules at live.worldbank.org and www.am2026thailand.go.th. (NNT)
