☀️ It’s the first day of summer! Here’s how Bhumjaithai stunned rivals in the general election. Disputes spark election nullification fears. A Malaysian defamation suit against an Australian journalist in a Bangkok court was dropped.

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The Public Health Ministry redefined “normal sweet” as 50% less sugar, in a partnership with nine major beverage chains, including well-known spots like Cafe Amazon, Inthanin and 7-Eleven’s All Cafe.

Why it matters: The average Thai person consumes 21 teaspoons of sugar daily — 3.5 times the World Health Organization's guideline. This intake is driving diseases that account for 75% of deaths nationwide, Thai PBS reported.

Yes, but… This isn’t a ban. You’re still free to ask for more sugar. The policy only changes the default setting to retrain the public’s palate gradually.

Bangkok’s 1.6-kilometer elevated walkway connecting Lumphini and Benjakitti parks is undergoing an upgrade and is slated for completion by mid-2026.

Why it matters: The 20-year-old structure has been known for its steep stairs, patchy lighting and deteriorating path.

Big picture: The city is transforming it into an accessible “urban forest.” The revamp focuses on five key areas:

What’s next: A trial section has been open since late November for an early preview.

Officials are reviewing the 60-day visa exemption scheme for 93 countries following reports of foreigners using the perk to work illegally and facilitate cross-border crimes.

Why it matters: Immigration scrutiny is likely to tighten. A newly appointed visa policy committee has been tasked with closing these loopholes. The MFA said the majority of tourists only stay for 15-30 days.

Meanwhile, the government also eyes a revamp for the long-term resident and the retirement visas. The latter may include changes to the financial or insurance requirements to offer more flexibility, according to officials.

Bottom line: All of these remain under review. No official change was implemented.

Bangkok is taking its trash sorting initiative vertical, launching a pilot program for condominiums in Khlong Toei and Watthana this month.

Why it matters: After rolling out the campaign for detached houses, the city’s chief sustainability advisor said there needs to be a mechanism to ensure these high-rise buildings actually sort their trash to qualify for a cheaper collection rate.

By the numbers: Of Bangkok’s 3,700 condos, 1,659 have registered for the fee discount since the city tripled the collection rate to 60 baht.

Big picture: Bangkok is partnering with the Danish EPA, the Embassy of Denmark and the Thailand Environment Institute to design a model specifically for vertical living. Ten pilot condos are currently testing the system.

What’s next: If you live in a condo, expect your juristic office to introduce new bins and guidelines soon. The success of these pilot buildings will shape the waste management rules for condos across the city.

City officials confirmed the planned Taling Chan station can’t be moved closer to the Red Line. Instead, they proposed a 1.1-kilometer air-conditioned skywalk.

Why it matters: The original plan to extend the Green Line from Bang Wa to Taling Chan left a roughly 12-minute outdoor walk between the Green and Red lines, a major connectivity gap critics flagged.

Big picture: During the second public hearing for the plan this month, consultants said an underground water tunnel and bridge foundations on Ratchaphruek Road make shifting the station impossible.

The fix: Instead, the city proposed a skywalk equipped with moving walkways in both directions to speed up the walk and air conditioning to protect commuters from the heat.

By the numbers: Total investment for the 7.5-kilometer extension that would add six stations jumped to 52 billion baht from the initial 34 billion estimate. Officials estimate 73,000 daily passengers for the extension.

What’s next: The project is in the environmental assessment phase. Officials are eying a five-year construction, starting in 2029.

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