Thailand Bans Protests Near IMF-World Bank Meeting Venue
Thailand has banned public gatherings around the Sirikit National Convention Center and 22 hotels for the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings scheduled October 12-18 2026 to ensure security and order. The announcement, issued October 11 by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, designates the area as a no-assembly zone under the Public Assembly Act from October 10-20, tasking police with enforcement. The measure expects attendance of central bank governors, finance ministers, and international officials.
The Royal Gazette published the Prime Minister's announcement designating the area around the Sirikit National Convention Center and 22 hotels as a no-assembly zone under Section 8(5) of the Public Assembly Act for the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026, to be held from October 12 to 18 at the venue in Bangkok. The order, issued on October 11, cites the need to ensure order, maximum security, and to prevent public gatherings from blocking entrances or disrupting work. Invoking Sections 5 and 8(5) of the Act, the announcement takes effect from October 10 to October 20 and requires the Royal Thai Police to set regulations and define the prohibited roads and surrounding areas. Signed on October 9 by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the notice lists the 22 designated hotels: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, InterContinental Bangkok (Ratchaprasong), Holiday Inn Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, Anantara Siam Bangkok, Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, The Athenee Hotel Bangkok, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Conrad Bangkok, JW Marriott Bangkok, Landmark Bangkok, Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit, Modena by Fraser Bangkok, and Wyndham Bangkok Queen Convention Centre.
