Thailand offers free online access to selected IMF-World Bank meetings

The Thai government invited the public to watch selected Annual Meetings events free online through World Bank Live.[1] World Bank Live says viewers can watch public sessions without registering, and the Nation notes that viewers do not need to travel to the conference venue to watch participating sessions.[3][1] Recordings will remain available after livestreams end, with World Bank Live saying recordings will be posted on the event page after each session.[1][3] Online viewing is separate from attending in person: it does not grant access to the physical venue without the required registration.[1]

The “Small AI: More and Better Jobs” session is listed from 10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.[1] World Bank Live’s event page says it took place on October 11, while the Annual Meetings themselves are scheduled for October 12 to 18.[3][2] The session is about practical, affordable AI applications adapted to local languages, infrastructure and budgets in developing countries.[3] It is intended to examine how countries can move AI projects beyond pilots to wider impact and use AI to create jobs.[3] Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is listed as a participant.[1]

The World Bank Group is scheduled to host “MSME Finance: Leveraging Data for Jobs” on October 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.[1] The discussion will examine how data and digital technologies can improve financing access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and support their expansion and job creation.[1] KASIKORNBANK Chief Executive Officer Kattiya Indaravijaya is among the listed speakers.[1]

The Civil Society Townhall is scheduled for October 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thailand time.[1] World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and senior executives are expected to provide institutional updates and engage directly with civil-society representatives.[1] Online viewers can submit questions, although submission does not guarantee selection.[1] The meetings bring together government, business, civil-society and international-organization representatives to discuss jobs, investment, growth and development challenges.[1] The government said it wanted people across society to access ideas and knowledge from the meetings even if they could not attend in person.[1]