Thailand is preparing to host the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok from October 12–18, bringing together more than 15,000 participants from 191 countries, including central bank governors, economic policymakers and business leaders, for discussions on the world economy.
According to report, Bangkok government is working on easing the traffic during this period which allows offices work from home on October 12, 14 and 15.
October 13 is an existing public holiday and October 16 has been declared a special government and bank holiday, with private companies and state enterprises asked to consider suitable arrangements.
Security has been tightened at the meeting venue in central Bangkok and 21 official hotels, report says.
Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner, Phongsiam Meekhanthong said about 500 Tourist Police officers will also help secure the venue, delegate hotels and tourist attractions through undercover deployments, patrols, drones and motorcade escorts coordinated with around 39 embassies.
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The Thai Foreign Ministry said visiting leaders include Swiss President Guy Parmelin, making the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
According to the Thai Finance Ministry, the participants spending could generate 1.05–2.25 billion baht for the Thai economy.
More than 320 electric vehicles will serve participants to cut carbon emissions, the Ministry said.
However, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration warned that heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for Bangkok and surrounding provinces on October 10–11, potentially causing localised flooding.
This comes after parts of the city flooded two weeks ago following 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain over three days.
