The Thailand government approved a 3-day special holiday for Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Nonthaburi during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit to be held next month to reduce traffic congestion in the capital.
Thailand is the host of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC )Summit 2022 where meetings of leaders will take place on November 18-19 (Friday-Saturday) in Bangkok. APEC brings together the leaders of its 21 member countries.
To prepare the city for the arrival of the world leaders and delegates, the Thai Cabinet declares November 16-18 a special holiday for the three provinces mentioned above giving a five-day long weekend with the hope that residents would leave the city to pave way for the smooth traffic for the APEC delegates.
The APEC forum will be held at the revamped Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Khlong Toei district. A usual motorcade of world leaders is expected during the event.
The move is also to help ensure the safety of the participants, especially since the globe’s largest economy leaders are expected to attend.
However, the world’s largest economic leader US President Joe Biden, is most likely not to attend as he is reported to be hosting the wedding reception for his granddaughter at the White House on November 19. However, Washington has not officially informed Thailand of the matter.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, leader of world’s second-largest economy, has verbally confirmed his participation together with other six leaders according to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Saengrat said on Thursday that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, officially confirmed that he will attend the event next month.
Government agencies that have to provide public services, such as hospitals, courts, and banks have been ordered to remain open in serving the public. The Bank of Thailand said all banks in the capital and the two adjacent provinces would remain open to ensure financial services are not disrupted.