IMF forecasts global growth at 3.1% in 2026 as meetings conclude. The 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from October 12 to 18, 2026, concluded with nearly 20,000 attendees from 191 countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas noted this was the highest attendance since the meetings began, marking Thailand’s first time hosting this major event in 35 years since 1991. The IMF maintained its global economic growth forecast for 2026 at 3.1%, a relatively stable figure driven by two opposing forces: an energy crisis restraining growth, while investment in artificial intelligence (AI) is boosting it—with growth concentrated in approximately 32 countries. Global inflation rose to 4.7%, as major central banks simultaneously tightened lending. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates to a range of 3.75–4.00% and halted previous signals of further rate hikes. Bond yields in the United States, Germany, and Japan reached multi-decade highs. The IMF warned that leverage within the AI ecosystem is increasing, and Asia faces the greatest risk of severe damage if the AI trend stalls. Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by only 2.1%, the lowest among the ASEAN-5, with its current account shifting into deficit. Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand forecasts growth at 2.3%, while the government has set a target of “over 3%.” Thailand achieved tangible outcomes, including the Bangkok Framework to combat digital financial fraud, over 50 bilateral discussions, and a $200 million grant from the World Bank to pave the way for a carbon market. By Nattaphon Nuinuan