Thailand moves to cut sugar in popular drinks amid health drive

The Guardian World

by Rebecca Ratcliffe South-east Asia correspondent

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Thailand is taking significant steps to address its growing public health concerns by reducing sugar content in popular beverages. In an effort to combat rising obesity rates and related diseases, the government has collaborated with major beverage chains to halve the default sweetness of drinks on their menus. This initiative reflects a broader push for healthier lifestyles, aligning with global trends toward reducing sugar consumption. However, small street vendors and independent cafes remain outside these regulations, raising questions about the effectiveness of the policy in curbing overall sugar intake. The move has been met with mixed reactions. Major chains like 7-Eleven and Starbucks Thailand have already begun implementing the changes, offering customers less sweetened versions of their signature drinks. For instance, Auntie Nid, a well-known street vendor famous for her iced Thai tea, still serves up her bestseller with three heaped tablespoons of sugar, showcasing how small businesses continue to operate outside these new guidelines. This highlights the challenge of creating a uniform standard across Thailand’s diverse food and beverage landscape. The significance of this policy lies in its potential to set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar public health issues. By targeting major chains, the Thai government has made a visible effort to reduce sugar intake at scale. However, the exclusion of street vendors and independent cafes leaves gaps that may undermine the overall impact of the initiative. As Thailand’s obesity rates continue to rise, particularly among children, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely monitored. This story underscores the complexities of balancing public health goals with economic realities in a globalized food market.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026