The contest is part of the "Road to Thailand" campaign leading up to the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings, one of the world's most critical economic and financial forums, commonly dubbed the "Olympics of Finance." Scheduled for October 12-18, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, the event will welcome over 15,000 global policymakers, economists, government representatives, private sector leaders, and members of the press from 191 countries. This occasion marks only the second time in 35 years that Thailand gets to host these prestigious meetings.
The contest invited university students aged 18-25 to pitch world-changing policies through vertical videos of under two minutes in length, focusing on one of two key topics:
- Topic 1: Imagine you are a leader of an international financial institution advising countries on policy choices to navigate new economic horizons. What would you identify as top policy priority, and why?
- Topic 2: It has been 35 years since Thailand last hosted the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings. Looking ahead to the next 35 years and toward new economic horizons that empower people and build resilience, what do you see as Thailand's key economic priorities and challenges? What actions will be required to achieve these goals and overcome the obstacles ahead?
In the final presentation round, contestants show ideas and demonstrate proficiency by presenting creative policy proposals and addressing questions from interviewers with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. This clearly demonstrated that the new generation possesses both deep interest in and a strong understanding of challenges facing the world today. They stand ready to use their creative power to champion public policies that drive sustainable progress for both Thailand and the global community.
This contest was far more than a competition; it served as a vital platform for Thai youths to voice their ideas for the country's future on a global stage. From over 130 submissions, ten finalists were selected to present their concepts and defend their vision in front of a panel of judges.
The entries of the 10 finalists cover ideas related to global megatrends, including:
- Digital Transformation & AI:Finalists presented compelling policies on smart technology integration and workforce preparation, emphasizing the creation of future-ready skills through upskilling and reskilling to ensure equal and inclusive access to the digital transition.
- Green Economy:Proposals focused on financial and business adaptation to climate change, proving that sustainability is now a critical condition for economic development, trade, and investment. New-era monetary and fiscal policies must actively facilitate business transition toward true carbon neutrality.
- Geopolitics & Economic Shifting:Amid shifting global geopolitics, finalists sharply analyzed global supply chain adjustments and proposed strategic guidelines for Thailand and ASEAN to attract new investment, demonstrating their ability to link the global economic picture with regional and national frameworks.
Based on the short clip production and the performance in the final round, top five contestants were selected to receive cash prizes totaling 120,000 THB, certificates of achievement, and an exclusive opportunity to participate in the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings:
- Grand Prize (50,000 THB): Natthanan Chuea-in
- 1st Runner-Up (30,000 THB): Siwapat Pudsa
- 2nd Runner-Up (20,000 THB): Kansom Makhai
- Honorable Mentions (10,000 THB each): Nawakul Pachanaphun and Napat Sakdibhornssup
This activity affirms Thailand's commitment to fostering youth participation on the international stage, aligning directly with the national vision: "Thailand's New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience" by providing platforms for young people to shape the country's future and build sustainable strength.
To learn more about Road to Thailand activities, visit https://www.am2026thailand.go.th or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AM2026THAILAND
