On 2 April 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, was invited to attend the Bank Negara Malaysia 2026 Annual Dialogue with Ambassadors and High Commissioners, organised by the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) at its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, whereby H.E. Dato’ Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, BNM Governor, delivered a comprehensive briefing on Malaysia’s economic and financial developments to over 30 invited foreign Ambassadors to Malaysia and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Malaysia.
The Governor highlighted Malaysia’s economic and financial performance in 2025, and outlook for 2026, projecting growth of 4 - 5 per cent, supported by robust household consumption, a firm labour market, continued expansion in trade and investment, as well as growth in the tourism sector. The Governor also underscored key policy priorities in addressing geopolitical challenges, including safeguarding financial stability, strengthening regional financial connectivity, and preventing fraud and financial crime, among others.
During the Dialogue, Ambassador Lada contributed to the discussion by reaffirming Thailand’s proactive role in combating fraud and scam-related crimes, including through Thailand’s hosting of the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams on 17 - 18 December 2025 in Bangkok, and Thailand’s pledge announced at the Global Fraud Summit 2026 on 16 - 17 March 2026 in Vienna. The Ambassador also reiterated Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 IMF - World Bank Group Annual Meetings during 12 - 18 October 2026 in Bangkok, which will serve as an important platform for exchanging global economic and financial perspectives while advancing meaningful outcomes for future economic development.
On 6 April 2026, Ambassador Lada was also invited to attend a Fireside Chat under the topic “Navigating Malaysia’s Economic Crossroads: Stability, Growth and Global Headwinds” with the BNM Governor, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Business Club at the St. Regis, Kuala Lumpur.