🗞️ Good morning! It’s budget season — check out our special issue on key capital projects planned. The city has completed cleaning 3,803 kilometers of pipes to prepare for the rains. Also, keep an eye out for the reopening of the MEA Electricity Museum this month.

🛣️ From the Main Road:

• One big number = 77

• Corruption allegations floated

• Skatepark expansions

• Childcare + 'Mangmoom' cards + declining tourism

• 'Win' cleanup

• 1,100+ against Dutch embassy sale

• Explainer: Why Saen Saeb boat requires transfer

ONE BIG NUMBER
🦠 77

A study by Srinakharinwirot University’s medical school found that 77% of raw vegetables from Bangkok’s inner zones are contaminated. The study was based on 200 samples from Huai Khwang, Khlong Toei, Pathum Wan, Chatuchak and Phra Nakhon.

• The highest contamination levels were in Huai Khwang and Chatuchak, both at 90%. Contaminants were identified as Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and hookworm eggs, among others.

Why it matters: The findings raise concerns about food safety and highlight raw vegetables as a potential source for parasitic infections.

The other side: The Health Department regularly conducts its tests, and said of 28,073 samples last year, 99.82% passed the standard. As of this month, 55.45% of 24,083 food establishments in the city passed their health inspection.

PUBLIC MONEY
1. 💵 Councilor hints at ‘intentional corruption’ in City Hall renovation plan

What happened: Bang Sue Councilor Pattraporn Kengrungruengchai has raised red flags over a 194-million-baht proposal to renovate the Bangkok Metropolitan Council building, a project she said was already rejected last year for being “suspiciously inflated.”

• The four projects include roof repairs, basement floor renovations, AC and elevator upgrades and a new library at the BMC building in Din Daeng.

The details: Pattraporn alleged materials were overpriced by up to five times. She also questioned features like a 20-seat theater inside the proposed library and flagged a meeting room size she claimed was inflated in budget documents from 243 to 2,972 square meters.

Why it matters: The allegations highlight issues of budget transparency and internal oversight at City Hall.

The response: Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt denied any wrongdoing, stating the projects were initiated at the council's request, and the Public Works Department assisted in projecting costs. He said the spending still has to go through standard approval procedures.

• “To accuse us of corruption is truly unacceptable,” Chadchart said. “It's a serious accusation.”

What she proposed: Pattraporn urged the council to slash the renovation budget by 50% and to cut the library and the basement floor renovation entirely, which she said would save about 140 million baht.

Zoom out: This was one of several flashpoints in the first two days of Bangkok’s 2026 budget debate, which saw pushback against a ballooning PR budget, inconsistent figures, delayed infrastructure fixes, welfare demands for city workers, crumbling recreation centers and calls to redirect funds to more urgent needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE
2. 🛹 Skatepark project delayed, but still on the table

What happened: Despite 33 million baht in the 2024 budget for a 4-rai skatepark at Wachirabenchathat Sports Center, no work has been done. Officials said they still plan to build a skatepark, but likely not there.

• The delay is due to issues with the construction plan approval process, said Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon. He also blamed an unspecified “large-scale” project by the central government that might affect the space.

Why it matters: The existing skatepark at Wachirabenchathat Park overlaps with the jogging track, frequently causing accidents, said Phraya Thai Councilor Peerapol Kanokwalai.

What’s next: Sanon confirmed the city will expand skating rinks in several areas, including Rommani Nat Park and Benjakitti Park. Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said the city will meet with relevant agencies to determine if the Chatuchak location is still possible.

JUST THE HEADLINES
3. Catch up quickly

• 🎒 Bangkok is considering two bills to enhance early childhood centers by extending support to children outside of registered communities.

• 💳 The Mass Rapid Transit Authority unveiled “Mangmoom EMV” cards for MRT payments. This new card functions similarly to the existing contactless cards.

• 🏨 About 5% of tourism-related businesses shuttered in the second quarter of 2025. On average, hotels only reached half of their capacity during the period.

TRANSPORTATION
4. 🏍️ ‘Win’ stand cleanup looms

What happened: The city is launching a citywide inspection of motorcycle taxi stations between August and December, aiming to improve service standards, safety and public confidence. Every district must inspect at least 20% of local stations each month.

Why it matters: Motorcycle taxis, known as “wins,” are a key part of Bangkok’s transport system. The crackdown targets unsafe practices like riding on sidewalks or operating without a proper ID.

By the numbers: Bangkok currently has 5,365 registered motorcycle taxi stands and 79,521 licensed drivers. Of those stands, 1,497 are located on sidewalks, 1,186 on private property, 2,107 on roads and 575 in parks or other areas.

What to do next: The city urged residents to report violations via Traffy Fondue by including clear details like license plate, driver's ID or stand number. Drivers can also use the platform to submit suggestions or report job-related issues.

COMMUNITY
5. 🏛️ Petition: Don’t sell the Dutch embassy

What happened: More than 1,100 have petitioned the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs to halt the sale of the Dutch embassy on Witthayu Road to local developers, calling the move “short-sighted to gain temporary profit.”

Why it matters: Petitioners fear a repeat of what happened to the former British embassy. The U.K. sold its property, part of which was redeveloped into Central Embassy, a luxury mall, after a 2006 sale. The remaining buildings were demolished following a full sale in 2018.

• The sale would include the ambassador’s residence, a century-old building recognized with the Architectural Conservation Award by the Association of Siamese Architects in 1987.

By the numbers: The embassy ground is valued at 19-21 billion baht, according to the petition group. It sits in one of Bangkok's most expensive real estate zones.

YOU ASK, I INVESTIGATE
🛥️ Why Saen Saep boat requires a transfer at Pratunam Pier

A reader who lives along the Saen Saep canal asked why they always have to transfer boats at Pratunam Pier during the day, but sometimes, not in the early morning or late evening.

Big picture: The service runs two main lines: from Panfa Leelard to Pratunam and another from Pratunam to Sriboonreung Temple (NIDA area).

• The larger boats used on the NIDA line can’t pass under several low bridges in the old city zone, which is why riders typically have to switch to smaller boats at Pratunam. It has nothing to do with express or non-express service.

Yes, but… During so-called “golden hours” from roughly 5:30-6:30 a.m. and after 6 p.m., some boats run the entire route without requiring a transfer. Operators call these “reua wing yao” (เรือวิ่งยาว), or “long-running boats.”

Why it matters: Confused commuters and tourists regularly miss this nuance and may unnecessarily disembark or head in the wrong direction.

What you can do: Listen closely at the pier. Staff will announce whether the boat is a through service. If you hear “reua wing yao,” you can ride straight without switching at Pratunam.

🗨️ Got a question about how something works in Bangkok? Reply to this email or hit me up at [email protected]. I’ll break it down in a future explainer!

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