Thailand has approved a public holiday and work-from-home days for government agencies in Bangkok in October to reduce traffic congestion during a World Bank and the International Monetary Fund meeting.
The 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group, scheduled for Oct. 12-18, will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, covering global economy, financial stability, development policy, and international cooperation, The Nation reported.Thailand expects to welcome over 15,000 participants from 190 countries, including senior policymakers, executives from global financial institutions, economists, academics, and development experts.Under the plan, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, will be observed as a special public holiday in the capital.Government offices will shift to remote work for three days during the event week: Monday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 14; and Thursday, Oct. 15, Thai PBS News reported.
Bangkok's skyline during sunset in 2023. Photo by Reuters
Authorities stated the measures aim to ease transportation pressure, facilitate travel, and ensure tight security for the finance ministers, central bank governors, and senior delegates attending the meetings.State enterprises, financial institutions, schools, universities, and private companies near the venue are encouraged to consider flexible working arrangements tailored to their locations and operational needs.However, agencies responsible for essential public services or pre-scheduled appointments have been instructed to maintain necessary operations to avoid disruptions, according to the Bangkok Post.
