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 motorcades 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 revamped Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Khlong Toei district.
The leader of the world's largest economy, United States 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 would be at the summit. They include Chinese President Xi Jinping, leader of the world's second largest economy.
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.
The Bank of Thailand said all banks in the capital and the two adjacent provinces would remain open to ensure financial services were not disrupted.
