Thailand Steps Up Flood, Transport Measures Ahead Of IMF-World Bank Meetings

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Thailand is stepping up efforts to prevent flooding and transport disruptions from affecting next week's annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, expected to draw about 15,000 participants from 191 countries.

Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had ordered relevant agencies to prevent flooding and transport disruptions from affecting the Oct 12-18 meetings at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).

“The prime minister wants transport services back to normal as soon as possible and wants to maintain confidence in Thailand's readiness to host international visitors and attract foreign investment,” Ekkapob said in a statement on Monday.

He said the prime minister issued the directive during a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command on Monday to review the flood situation and ongoing relief efforts.

The preparations come after flooding affected Bangkok and dozens of other provinces, disrupting transport services and airport operations.

Ekkapob said Anutin had also specifically instructed Airports of Thailand (AOT) and the Transport Ministry to ensure smooth arrangements for arriving and departing passengers, as well as cargo transportation, throughout the meetings.

The annual meetings will bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institution executives, academics, civil society representatives and media members.

-- BERNAMA