Thirty-five years after hosting the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in 1991, Thailand welcomed the world back to Bangkok from October 12–18, 2026. Held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the gathering brought together financial leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss global economic challenges and international cooperation. For Thailand, hosting the meetings for a second time also offered an opportunity to showcase the culture and hospitality behind its reputation as the “Land of Smiles.”
Under Thailand’s host theme, “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience,” the occasion highlighted the country’s commitment to inclusive development and its ambition to bring local community talent to a global audience.
Contributing to this national effort were Mr. Rafael Gloede and Mr. Danat Settachan, 4th Year Finance students at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), who volunteered in welcome package operations and transportation services.
Rafael supported the welcome package team in sharing Thai culture with international delegates. He helped keep tote bag supplies organized, prepared packages, and assisted with distribution, ensuring they were ready for participants to collect. Featuring pha khao ma fabric woven by the Khu Bua community in Ratchaburi Province, the bags brought local craftsmanship to an international audience as part of Thailand’s cultural soft power initiative. He also helped participants find their shuttle buses, extending his support beyond the welcome package area.
Danat helped delegates navigate their stay in Bangkok through his role on the Transportation Team. Working at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, he welcomed arrivals, explained badge registration procedures, and guided delegates through hotel transfers and shuttle services. His work involved answering questions, clarifying routes and schedules, and escorting participants to the appropriate transport. This assistance helped delegates travel confidently between their hotels and the meeting venue and keep to their schedules throughout the week.
Their contributions supported the welcome and coordination behind an international gathering of this scale. For both students, the experience placed their Finance studies within a global setting while giving them a direct role in delivering Thailand’s hospitality, from delegates’ first arrival to their journeys between meetings.
