🗞️ Good morning! The Airport Rail Link now accepts EMV Contactless cards. Bangkok picked up 391,027 krathongs this year, 24% fewer than last year. And check out Bangkok’s first 3D-printed canal bridge at Khlong Ong Ang.

🙏 Thanks to Ng, who became a Soi Builder this week!

That’s the new standard, in percent, for black smoke opacity from diesel engines in Bangkok. The city is tightening the limit from 30% to 20%.

Why it matters: This new standard targets a primary source of PM 2.5 pollution: old diesel trucks, buses and pick-ups. Officials have long been frustrated by the 30% rule, which they said allowed visibly polluting vehicles to pass inspections.

The quote: “In the past, checking for black smoke was frustrating because we could see with our eyes that it looked very black, but when the test results came out, everything passed,” said Pornphrom Vikitsreth, sustainability adviser to the governor.

Between the lines: The city actually pushed for a 10% limit, but the national government agreed on 20% for now. This took effect Nov. 1.

What’s next: The new standard is already being enforced. In the first few days, officials have checked 943 vehicles and ordered 21 off the road. They’re also pushing to cut the 30-day grace period for repairs down to just three days for private vehicles.

The city council has been defunding the same safety measures it now wants to mandate in future construction after its own investigation into recent collapse incidents.

Driving the news: A council committee report released two weeks ago identified a lack of independent oversight as a key failure and recommended the city hire external consultants for every large-scale project.

Yes, but… The council has repeatedly cut those same oversight budgets, arguing it’s a waste of money. Councilors have cited the Public Works Department’s ability to oversee its own projects, as well as past project delays that occurred despite independent oversight.

By the numbers: The council cut 104 million baht for external oversight of two new hospital projects last year. It cut another 29.5 million baht for the same purpose during the 2025 budget hearings.

Between the lines: The council’s budgeting priorities are in direct conflict with the official safety lessons learned from its own fatal disaster probes.

Catch up quickly: This special committee was formed in 2023 to investigate the On Nut-Lat Krabang overpass collapse that killed two and injured 13. It later expanded to include other incidents like the Samsen sinkhole and the Sukhumvit 64/1 collapse, among others.

The report also suggests a LINE group for the public to report accidents or hazards from project sites, stricter enforcement of truck weight limits and better public information on construction schedules and road closure times.

📝 Read the full report in Thai here.

A progressive councilor is pressing the city for failing to provide adequate abortion services, while officials blame a shortage of “willing” medical staff.

Why it matters: Limited access at public hospitals is pushing residents to more expensive private clinics or, in some cases, unsafe underground options, said Bang Sue Councilor Pattraporn Kengrungruengchai.

By the numbers: City hospitals performed 19 abortions in 2023 and 15 in 2024, while referrals to outside facilities jumped 114%.

The other side: Deputy Gov. Tavida Kamolvej said the problem isn’t the policy, but personnel. Only 19% of the city’s 74 gynecologists and obstetricians are willing to perform the procedures.

Big picture: Bangkok now has eight hospitals offering abortion, up from two. Tavida noted many referrals come from doctors deeming abortion medically inappropriate or when patients decide to continue pregnancy after consultation.

Flashback: In July 2024, a special committee chaired by Pattaraporn recommended the city create dedicated abortion clinics and hire willing medical staff, specifically to bypass these exact staffing shortages.

Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said a key reason for Bangkok’s flooding isn’t just heavy rain, but also thousands of illegal settlements blocking main drainage canals. He pointed to the Prem Prachakorn Canal as a “crisis” point.

Why it matters: The city’s plans for drainage tunnels and dams along the Prem Prachakorn and Lat Phrao canals are on hold because thousands of houses are in the way.

By the numbers: There are 6,386 households along the Prem Prachakorn Canal and 7,069 along the Lat Phrao Canal.

What they’re saying: Officials acknowledged their legal authority to act but stressed it’s a sensitive issue requiring negotiation and understanding, not just force.

Big picture: The city’s primary strategy is to relocate residents to public housing projects, “Baan Munkong.” Until that slow-moving process is complete, major flood prevention projects remain stalled.

What to watch: The city is monitoring a triple threat this week: peak high tides, the year’s highest-yet release of northern runoff and potential rain in the forecast.

The Doulos Hope, an international floating bookstore, has docked at Bangkok Port, offering residents access to a selection of more than 2,000 family-friendly English-language titles until Nov. 30.

By the numbers: The vessel consists of 160 volunteers from 37 different countries. While entry costs 20 baht, individuals under 12 and above 65 get in for free.

How to go: You can reach to port by pinning “Doulos Hope Bangkok” in your maps. By MRT, get off at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center station and take a taxi or motorbike. Free parking is available for private cars.

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