Bangkok under security blanket around IMF-World Bank conference
Collected Photo
Thai police have set up a three-tier security cordon in the capital, Bangkok, and various areas around the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group. Special security and traffic management plans have been put in place ahead of the arrival of finance ministers, central bank governors, and top representatives of international organizations from 190 countries to attend the conference.
To ensure the security of world leaders and international guests at the conference, to be held from October 12 to 18, the Royal Thai Police and Bangkok Metropolitan Police are on maximum alert. A three-tier security system has been built around the conference venue, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the reception venue One Bangkok Forum, and 22 luxury hotels designated for VIP guests.
K-9 and anti-bomb squads
As part of the security plan, bomb disposal teams and specially trained K-9 squads have been deployed. These teams are working to detect suspicious objects, explosives, and weapons at the conference venue, parking areas, nearby parks, and VIP hotels. At the same time, round-the-clock surveillance has been strengthened in important areas.
Drone surveillance
Tourist police have arranged special patrols and drone surveillance in the conference venue and the adjacent Benjakitti Park area. Relevant units have been kept ready to monitor the security situation and take quick action in any emergency.
Assemblies and protests banned
Special measures have also been taken to control possible protests and gatherings around the conference. It has been reported that public gatherings, processions, and protest assemblies have been banned within 100 meters of the main conference venue and VIP hotels from October 10 to 20.
Police have taken a special traffic plan to control congestion in central Bangkok and ensure the smooth movement of VIP convoys during the conference. For this, traffic movement is being monitored through a traffic control and command center. Citizens are also being given necessary instructions about the traffic situation.
Bangkok Police have advised avoiding unnecessary travel on Ratchadaphisek Road, the Asok-Sukhumvit area, Rama IV Road, and the connecting roads from the two international airports into the city center. The general public has been urged not to use these roads unless absolutely necessary.
To reduce the pressure of private cars, passengers are being encouraged to use public transport. Authorities have especially advised using the BTS and MRT electric rail services. At the same time, to control traffic congestion, arrangements have been taken for government employees to work from home on certain days and for a special holiday on October 16.
Thailand's Ministry of Interior and police administration have sought the cooperation of the general public in security and traffic management. They have asked people to contact the emergency police service at 191, tourist police at 1155, and 1197 for traffic-related information if any suspicious activity is noticed.
Extra caution has been taken in security and traffic management in important areas of Bangkok centering on the conference. Police said one of the main goals of this plan is to ensure the security of international guests while maintaining the normal movement of city residents.
