🌳 Good morning — Soiciety is hosting its first in-person meetup! We’re walking through Lumphini and Benchakitti parks on Saturday, May 23, to see the recent upgrades we’ve read about in the news. More details and RSVP here. I’d love to see you there!

That’s the tonnage of trash collected across Bangkok’s key Songkran sites between April 11-15, a 34% jump from last year.

Why it matters: Attendance doubled to 5 million people. This surge was fueled by a large number of residents opting to stay in Bangkok due to rising travel costs.

What’s next: City Hall said it’s extracting lessons to overhaul crowd management and waste separation for 2027.

As Bangkok dries off, City Hall is wrapping up its first attempt to divert plastic water guns from landfill. They’re being chemically recycled into naphtha oil for new plastic products.

Why it matters: Waste management has been an issue for the city, and Songkran significantly exacerbates the strain.

By the numbers: In 2024, the city collected over 51,400 tons across 50 districts during the festival. It jumped to 70,000 tons in 2025. This year’s number for 50 district isn’t available at publication time.

Big picture: This is part of the city’s broader circular economy push. Previously treated as general waste, these water guns are being recovered through partnerships with SCG Chemicals to produce raw material for chairs, storage containers and clothing fibers.

What’s next: Today is the last day to drop off guns at nine collection points across the city, including at Benchakitti Park, Iconsiam, Central World, Central Park and Emsphere.

While commuter boats paused for the holiday, city officials joined Thammasat University law students and residents to paddle the Saen Saep Canal and pull out trash.

Why it matters: Infamous for trash and smelly water, the canal has been the priority for a blueprint to rehabilitate Bangkok’s 1,980 canals, totaling 2,743 kilometers, from open sewers into usable public assets.

By the numbers: About 30 tons of trash are picked up from these canals every day, with Saen Saep alone yielding up to two tons.

Big picture: The kayak team said the holiday cleanup was also a campaign targeting riverside communities to stop waste at the source, noting canal health is a direct result of land-based disposal habits.

The quote: “This day shows that the water quality in Khlong Saen Saep can truly be clear, but still not safe to drink,” said Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon, pointing to the wastewater system that he said was getting more comprehensive.

Former MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon announced his “Bangkok Can Fly” group will contest the Bangkok elections with a flying car and a drinkable canal platform

Big picture: As a Nonthaburi resident, Mongkolkit is ineligible to run for governor. Instead, he will field a gubernatorial candidate and a council slate. He plans to announce the group’s candidates Friday.

Why it matters: The group enters a race led by incumbent Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt, who hasn’t confirmed his reelection. Mongkolkit is positioning his faction as a direct alternative through distinct proposals.

State of play: Key pitches include building a city-owned oil refinery, a flying car base to fix traffic and making the Saen Saep drinkable. He also promised massage subsidies, expanded health/cosmetic welfare for city staff and relaxed uniform rules for students.

Flashback: Mongkolkit is known for his recent election promises for marriage with aliens, up to four spouses, space tourism and a government matchmaking service. His previous party secured a seat in Parliament in the 2026 general election.

A flagship Hawker Center opened at Lumphini Park near Gate 5, providing 130 stalls in a move to clear city footpaths.

Why it matters: It’s a test of whether Bangkok can reclaim its sidewalks for pedestrians without killing the street food culture the city is known for.

Zooming in: The center targets vendors previously selling on the park sidewalks. Stalls cost 60 baht daily in rent and must meet hygiene standards. It’s open 5 a.m. to midnight.

Zooming out: This is part of a broader rollout that includes existing or planned centers under the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway on Ploenchit Road, Sao Ching Cha behind City Hall and the Talat Phlu Junction.

Between the lines: City Hall is getting tougher. Authorities have identified more than 1,000 illegal vendors across 10 major districts for removal. Their goal is to fully clear these high-traffic pedestrian zones by the end of 2026.

The friction: Some vendors are reluctant to move because they said designated centers often lack the organic foot traffic of their old spots. Transitioning from informal spots to a regulated hub also introduces new overheads, including rent and regulations.

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