IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok face protests and growth warnings

During the IMF-World Bank 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok, approximately 600 protesters disrupted proceedings near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The demonstrators, part of a network opposing the institutions, marched through several intersections to voice concerns regarding development policies and economic approaches. The protests caused significant traffic congestion, leading police to negotiate with the group and implement road closures on Ratchadaphisek road to maintain security.

In its regional outlook report issued during the meetings, the International Monetary Fund projected that Asia’s economic growth will moderate to 4.8 percent in 2026 and 4.4 percent in 2027. The IMF warned of several risks, including energy shocks induced by conflict in Iran, potential corrections in the artificial intelligence boom, and volatility stemming from US monetary policy. The lender noted that rising global bond yields and fiscal pressures in advanced economies are likely to maintain upward pressure on yields across the Asia-Pacific region.