– The 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings run from the 12th to the 18th of October at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, with more than 15,000 delegates expected from about 190 countries.
– Bangkok police and the government have advised motorists to avoid five key zones, including parts of Ratchadaphisek, Sukhumvit, Rama IV, Benjakitti Park and airport-to-centre routes. Roads remain open, but temporary restrictions and motorcades are expected.
– Government staff in Bangkok are on work-from-home on 12, 14 and 15 October. 13 October is a national holiday and 16 October is a special government holiday in the capital only.
– Travellers connecting through Bangkok or staying near the venue should allow extra time and prefer the MRT or official shuttles where possible.
Bangkok: The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, and the World Bank Group opened on Monday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, bringing more than 15,000 delegates to the capital for a week of discussions on the global economy and prompting traffic and security measures around the venue.
The meetings run through Sunday, the 18th of October. Thailand is the host for the first time in years, and officials have described the event as a chance to showcase the country’s recovery and attract further investment. A security perimeter is in place around the convention center from the 11th to the 18th of October. Access is restricted to badge-holding participants. The center itself is closed to the general public until the 19th of October. Complimentary shuttle buses run between Suvarnabhumi Airport, official hotels, and the venue.
Police and the government have told motorists to avoid five areas where congestion or temporary controls are most likely:
– Ratchadaphisek Road between the Rama IV intersection and the Asok-Sukhumvit intersection, including roads around Benjakitti Park.
– Sukhumvit Road in the Nana, Asok and Phrom Phong stretches.
– Rama IV Road in the Khlong Toei area and in front of the convention center.
– Routes from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports into central Bangkok.
– Benjakitti Park itself, where some sections and access points are restricted.
Earlier documents from Lumpini Police Station listed possible temporary restrictions on additional roads, including parts of Wireless and Duang Phithak. The Royal Thai Police clarified that those were contingency measures for security or emergencies, not standing closures. Roads remain open, but delegate motorcades and spot checks can still cause delays. Commuters are advised to use the MRT Blue Line, which stops at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station, or to check real-time traffic updates.
To cut vehicle numbers, government agencies in Bangkok have been told to work from home on 12, 14 and 15 October. 13 October is already a national public holiday. 16 October has been designated a special government holiday for Bangkok staff only. Private-sector offices are not covered by the holiday, so traffic will not disappear entirely.
For people travelling between Pattaya, Chonburi or other eastern destinations and Bangkok, or for anyone connecting through the capital’s airports, the practical effect is longer journey times on the days the measures are in force. The eastern corridor itself is not under special restriction, but arrival into central Bangkok or the airports can be slower. Officials have asked the public to plan ahead, use public transport where possible, and follow police announcements. No major protests or security incidents had been reported at the opening.
The meetings continue through the weekend. Normal traffic patterns are expected to resume on Monday, the 19th of October.
Photos are from a special Thailand showcase pavilion at the meeting.
