On 18 August 2026, Ms. Shaikha Al-Essa, Secretary General of the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), met with H.E. Mr. Songchai Chaipatiyut, Ambassador of Thailand at the Royal Thai Embassy.

On this occasion, both sides discussed ways to promote cooperation between the financial institutions and banking sectors of the two countries, including the organization of the GCC-Asia Economic Forum and the Kuwaiti Banks Reception on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (AM2026), which is scheduled to take place from 12–18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand, marking the second time that Thailand has had the honour of hosting the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

The AM2026 is a significant global forum on economic and financial affairs, playing an important role in shaping cooperation frameworks and strengthening confidence in the global economic and financial system. Thailand is expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants, including Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, financial institution executives, and civil society representatives from 191 member countries. Discussions will focus on key global issues such as economic growth, fiscal and financial stability, poverty reduction, and pathways toward sustainable development.

KBA plays an important role in connecting Kuwait’s financial institutions and banking sector with relevant stakeholders abroad. The organization of these events therefore presents an important opportunity to strengthen networks between Thailand and Kuwait, which could further facilitate cooperation in trade, investment, and financial services in the future.