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That’s the forecasted low temperature in Celsius for Bangkok, as a cold snap is expected to hit the city late this week, according to the Thai Meteorological Department.

Why it matters: The weather agency reported a high-pressure cold air mass from China is moving south, set to cause temperatures to drop steadily through mid-week.

By the numbers: The 14-day forecast shows the sharpest drop beginning Wednesday, with the lowest temperatures hitting 19°C Friday and Saturday. This is a major dip from the city’s current lows of around 24°C.

A government proposal for a 50-baht flat-rate expressway toll is facing pushback from critics, who say it comes with a hidden price: extending a concession for Bangkok Expressway and Metro PCL by more than two decades.

Why it matters: While the idea promises cheaper commutes, civil society groups argue it locks the public into an expensive, long-term deal that could stall investment in mass transit.

Driving the news: The Transport Ministry wants to cap tolls at 50 baht across the expressway network starting in 2026. In return, BEM would fund and build a 20-kilometer, double-decker expressway from Ngam Wong Wan to Rama 9, valued at 35 billion baht.

Yes, but… Opponents say this deal could shape daily life in ways most drivers don’t see yet. The deal includes an adjusted revenue-sharing agreement to ensure BEM’s share remains the same, with the state-run Expressway Authority of Thailand taking the hit.

The other side: Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said a lower toll would increase the number of drivers, balancing out concerns about revenue. He also noted that the deal has been “worthwhile and transparent.”

What’s next: After meeting with the expressway authority union, the transport minister has ordered related agencies to study the union’s concerns before proceeding.

The Thai Immigration Bureau is cracking down on foreigners using visa-exempt entries for “visa runs,” the agency said last week.

Why it matters: While the stricter enforcement is aimed at tackling cybercrime, it could impact long-term residents who use this method to extend their stay without a proper visa.

The details: Immigration will tighten checks on travelers making more than two visa-exempt “in-and-out” trips without returning to their home countries. This includes scrutiny on entries through high-risk borders, visa extension requests from frequent runners and known overstayers.

While Bangkok woke up to flash floods last week, city officials insisted a 2011-style deluge is off the table. But experts warn the real threat could be less than two weeks away.

Why it matters: The city is facing a complex threat from northern runoff, high tides, local rain and poor drainage. While the capital remains mostly dry, its surrounding provinces are already drowning — in part, to protect it.

The official line: Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said Bangkok is safe. He pointed out that the Chao Phraya dam’s discharge is still well below the level seen in 2011. The floods in Pathumwan Thursday morning, he insisted, were just heavy rain, not the river.

The 15-day warning: Critics call last week’s flash floods a “management failure,” warning the country’s four major dams are at capacity. They must release a massive volume that will hit Bangkok in 15 days (they said this last week), colliding with the next high tide.

The buffer zone: The quiet part is that Bangkok is being protected by sacrificing its neighbors. Satellite images and news reports show flooding in Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.

What to watch: The key metric is the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge rate. GISTDA warned if that number climbs from its current 2,900 cubic meters per second toward 3,000, the impact will spread significantly.

Thailand’s supermarket chains, Lotus’s and Big C, are in the midst of massive rebranding and renovation campaigns, moving away from just being big-box stores to becoming local lifestyle destinations.

Why it matters: These chains are racing to become neighborhood hubs. Expect more community spaces, better food options and attractions all competing for your loyalty.

CP Axtra, which runs Lotus’s, is pivoting toward a “happy mall” concept with its “oasis” model. The model aims to blend a local community feel with modern urban style, focusing on community markets, wellness shops and trendy restaurants.

Big C is also making changes to its key Bangkok locations. The Chaengwattana branch is being demolished to pave the way for a new concept called “The Big C The Color” and will be part of a large-scale mixed-use project expected to be completed in 2026.

If your throat felt scratchy last week, you weren’t imagining it. Bangkok’s PM 2.5 smog season is kicking off, with pollution levels reaching “orange” status in several areas.

Why it matters: The “orange” alert, which hit 10 districts last Thursday, signaled the air quality is starting to affect your health. This alert is triggered when the 24-hour average for PM 2.5 exceeds Thailand’s safety standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter.

How to check: You can monitor air quality in real time on several official and third-party platforms.

What’s next: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is developing a new nationwide alert system to get warnings out faster. The system will send text alerts directly to all phones in an affected area.

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