IMF-World Bank meetings start as police flag five roads

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings commenced in Bangkok on October 12, 2021, with over 15,000 delegates from across the globe convening at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) for a week of discussions on global economic issues. As security and traffic preparations were ramped up, police confirmed that all roads in central Bangkok would remain open, despite earlier reports suggesting certain routes would be closed.

The Royal Thai Police clarified that a document proposing restrictions on six roads was genuine but did not lead to permanent closures; it merely allowed officers to impose temporary traffic restrictions as needed for security or emergencies. Motorists were advised to avoid five specific routes during the meetings due to potential disruptions: Sukhumvit Road, Ratchadaphisek Road, Rama IV Road, Wireless Road, and Duang Phithak Road.

The convention centre, where the meetings were held, was closed to the public from October 11 to 18, with operations resuming on October 19. Commuters were encouraged to utilize public transportation options such as the MRT Blue Line, and the Thai government implemented work-from-home arrangements and a public holiday on October 16 to mitigate traffic during the event.