Urgent! Cabinet Approves October 16 as Special Holiday in Bangkok; Three Days of Work-from-Home for Government Employees, Private Sector Urged to Cooperate
Thailand's Cabinet declared October 16 a special holiday in Bangkok and ordered government work-from-home for three days to ease traffic during the World Bank and IMF annual meetings expected to draw over 15,000 global finance leaders.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced on May 19, 2026, that the Cabinet approved the restructuring of a national-level committee to prepare for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund. October 16 will be declared a special government holiday exclusively in Bangkok. Bangkok government agencies will operate remotely on October 12, 14, and 15. State enterprises, financial institutions, educational institutions, and private businesses in areas surrounding the conference venue are asked to implement appropriate measures suited to their locations and operations. Agencies with essential services or pre-scheduled public appointments may continue operations if cancellation would cause harm or service disruption. These measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion, facilitate travel, and ensure maximum security. The meetings are expected to draw over 15,000 finance ministers, central bank governors, and global leaders from 190 countries to exchange views on global economic and financial challenges.
