Community Visit Sets Stage for IMF–WBG Meetings Week: Linking Opportunity to Strong Econ

Community Visit Sets Stage for IMF–WBG Meetings Week: Linking Opportunity to Strong Economy

On 11 October 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva joined the IMF CSR Program at the Bo Farang Rim Nam Phatthana community. They were accompanied by Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikorn Somklang, Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, and Chairman of the Community Organizations Development Institute Kobsak Pootrakool.

The visit took place ahead of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, hosted by Thailand from 12–18 October. Mr. Ekniti warmly welcomed Ms. Georgieva as a friend, noting that although the week would be filled with important discussions shaping the global economy, stepping outside the meeting rooms to engage with and learn from communities was equally important.

This collaborative effort brings together the Ministry of Finance, the IMF, the Bank of Thailand, and public- and private-sector partners to support community development and expand educational opportunities. A key initiative is the renovation of the Bo Farang Community Learning Center, with the IMF providing funding and technological equipment. Thai partners are coordinating with the C asean Foundation and other organizations to improve the premises and facilities.

The center will provide children and young people in the community with a space for learning, skills development, and access to technology. The initiative reflects Thailand’s commitment to ensuring that hosting a major global economic gathering delivers tangible, lasting benefits for people beyond the meetings themselves.

“Today’s activities may seem simple, but they reflect the central theme of these meetings: empowering people and building resilience,” Mr. Ekniti said. “At Bo Farang, we see that opportunity begins with safe and secure housing and grows into a better quality of life – from growing vegetables to reduce household expenses and cultivating mushrooms to earn additional income, to a learning center that enables people to develop their skills. Together, these efforts strengthen families and communities, improve their ability to build better lives, and prepare them for future change.”

He stressed that meaningful development requires cooperation among the government, the private sector, development partners, and, most importantly, the community members themselves.