Banks still open as normal
The cabinet has declared a three day government holiday in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan when Bangkok hosts the Apec summit next month.
The Nov 16-18 holiday in the three provinces was approved by the weekly meeting on Wednesday, to clear the roads for the motocades carrying leaders attending the summit, which is on Nov 18-19. Nov 19 is a Saturday.
Apec, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, brings together the leaders of its 21 member countries. The Bangkok summit will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
The leader of the world’s largest economy, US President Joe Biden, is unlikely to attend as he will be hosting the wedding reception for his granddaughter at the White House on Nov 19. However, Washington has not officially informed Thailand.
The Foreign Ministry said last week at least six foreign leaders had verbally confirmed they wlould be at the summit. They include Chinese President Xi Jinping, leader of the world’s second largest economy.
The Bank of Thailand said all banks in Bangkok and the two adjacent provinces would remain open to ensure financial services were not disrupted.