Police Urge Avoiding Five Bangkok Roads for IMF-World Bank Meet
Police are urging the public to avoid five key roads around Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre during the IMF‑World Bank meetings from October 12‑18, 2026, while preparing for possible protests. A memo from the Metropolitan Police Bureau 5 proposes banning all vehicle traffic on those routes from October 10‑20 if large anti‑meeting demonstrators gather. Authorities stress that no roads have been closed yet and the order would be used only in an emergency.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid five specific areas during the IMF‑World Bank meeting scheduled for October 12‑18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Police say no roads have been closed yet, but they are ready to act if protests occur. On October 11, 2026, reporters shared a memo from Deputy Commander Jakkrit Chosongnoen of the Metropolitan Police Bureau 5, dated October 10, 2026, requesting an emergency order to ban all vehicle traffic from October 10‑20 to accommodate the annual World Bank Governors’ and IMF meetings, the gala dinner at the One Bangkok Forum, and 22 hotels housing delegates, amid intelligence of large anti‑meeting demonstrators seeking to disrupt the event. The memo proposes closing the following routes: Rama IV Road from the Radio Intersection to the Rama IV Intersection (both sides); Dhupatithep Road throughout its length between Rama IV and Sukhumvit Roads (both sides); Ratchadaphisek Road from the Rama IV Intersection to the Asok Intersection (both sides); Sukhumvit Road from the underground rail at Phloen Chit to the Asok Intersection (both sides); the overpass at Ranong from in front of Chong Nonsi School to in front of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (both sides); and Witthayu Road from the Witthayu Intersection to the Sarasin Intersection (both sides) from 00:01 on October 12 until 24:00 on October 18. Pol. Lt. Gen. Thawach Wongsa‑nga, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said the bureau is still drafting the order, which would be implemented only if mass gatherings occur, and that no roads around the venue have been closed at present. He advised the public to plan travel in advance and avoid the vicinity of the convention centre, where over 16,000 participants are expected for the 2026 IMF‑World Bank Group Annual Meetings from October 12‑18, which could affect local traffic. Pol. Lt. Gen. Sirivat Dee‑poh, police spokesperson, added that the circulating memo from Lumpini Police Station proposing traffic closures is genuine, but it only grants officers authority to manage traffic and security in emergencies or urgent situations on those routes; it does not constitute a permanent road closure.
