🗞️ Good morning! Trash fees increase Wednesday. Purple and Red line fares return to normal this week. The new transport minister says he’ll push to keep the 8-baht fare for the new EV BMTA buses — but nothing concrete yet.

🙏 A thank you to our newest supporters! Welcome to Jeff Oneill and another reader as Soi Visionaries, Andy Nicolaou as a Soi Builder and another reader as a Senior Soi Builder.

Bangkok has 2,735 coin-operated water dispensers, a city report says.

Why it matters: These widely used machines pose a public health risk if not properly maintained. Consumer groups found that more than 90% of those machines operate without a proper license.

Yes, but… City data shows only 88 unlicensed machines, mostly in Pathum Wan and Sai Mai. About 98% passed the latest water quality tests.

What’s next: Officials said they will continue to test every machine three times a year in January, May and September. District offices were ordered to take legal action against the 88 unlicensed operators.

A useful tool: This map shows all locations for water dispensers in the city and allows users to report any issues.

Bangkok’s creative districts need two things to thrive: a master plan and local “district managers,” modeled after London and New York City, says a report by city agencies and academics.

Why it matters: Bangkok’s creative energy has long been driven by grassroots efforts. But to move beyond one-offs, the city needs a structure to sustain communities and businesses.

By the numbers: There are 30 designated creative districts, with a plan to expand to 50 next year.

Big picture: Bangkok has strong cultural foundations in areas like Charoengkrung and Talat Noi. But the lack of a clear plan often hinders progress. The opportunity lies in linking physical development with creative programming.

What’s next: The study offers two solutions modeled after other cities.

What they’re saying:

Bottom line: If these ideas take hold, expect a more organized creative scene beyond just the big annual festivals. Bureaucracy and funding remain hurdles.

City council blocked carrying over the budget for electric trash and water trucks, stalling a key anti-pollution push.

Why it matters: The move delays the city’s transition away from its diesel-powered service vehicles.

By the numbers: What got cut includes plans to rent 145 electric water trucks, 399 electric, two-ton garbage trucks, 874 electric, five-ton garbage trucks and 74 electric garbage trucks with container lifts.

Big picture: The city has pushed EVs for years, but procurement snags and contract revisions keep stalling the process.

What they’re saying: The council cited concerns over high rental costs, the lack of charging stations and the project's delays. However, the city’s own data shows renting an EV fleet is cheaper.

What’s next: The project is now on hold until at least the 2027 fiscal year.

Construction kicked off on a pedestrian bridge over Khlong Bangkok Yai, part of the city’s push to brand Talat Phlu as a food spot.

Why it matters: The project is designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to access the market on foot. Paired with events like the ongoing “Talat Phlu Night Walking Street,” it could boost the local economy.

The details: The 100-meter-long, three-meter-wide bridge will connect the Bangkok Yai District Office with the main market area. The construction takes 360 days.

Between the lines: The nearest major transit station is the Tha Phra MRT station, about a 900-meter walk from the new bridge.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is celebrating 19 years of operation today as it looks ahead to future upgrades.

Why it matters: Since opening in 2006, it has handled more than 878 million passengers and 5.45 million flights. Passenger volume grew by nearly 5% this fiscal year.

What’s next: The airport is pushing its “World Class Hospitality Airport” vision, focusing on tech and facility upgrades.

A deep sinkhole in Central Bangkok has shut down Vajira Phayaban Intersection, with officials vowing a two-week road surface fix.

Why it matters: The collapse is causing chaos for thousands who rely on the area daily. If that’s you, here’s what you need to know.

For commuters: The closure is creating traffic jams on all surrounding roads. Multiple bus routes are now on detours.

For patients: The hospital has resumed its full services, but urged non-emergency patients to postpone their appointments.

Big picture: The collapse is linked to the ongoing construction of the Purple Line’s southern extension. The sinkhole opened up above the site where the future Vajira Hospital Station is being built.

Go deeper: City councilors from multiple districts reported similar road subsidence problems (smaller scale) in their areas, raising city-wide concerns about construction oversight.

What’s next: The priority is to fill the sinkhole with concrete to prevent it from widening, especially with more rain in the forecast. Bangkok said it has scanned the construction tunnel along Samsen Road and found no damage.

What to watch: Keep an eye out for the investigation, who will be held accountable and, in the long term, whether there will be any policy to address construction oversight.