Thailand slashes sugar in drinks as chains cut sweetness by half

The Thai government has rolled out a new campaign to cut sugar levels in popular drinks. Nine of the country's largest coffee and beverage chains have already agreed to halve the sugar in standard orders. The move targets rising health issues linked to excessive sugar consumption. Sugary drinks like iced coffee, Thai tea, and bubble milk tea are a major source of added sugar in Thai diets. Many adults consume around 21 teaspoons of sugar daily—well above the WHO's recommended limit of six. The campaign follows a 2017 sugar tax, which encouraged manufacturers to reduce sugar content but did not focus on consumer behaviour. The latest policy goes further by pushing for product reformulation and shifting public preferences. Participating chains now serve drinks at 50 per cent sweetness by default, though customers can still adjust levels from 0 per cent to 100 per cent. No specific changes by individual brands have been reported since the campaign began. Reactions have been divided. Some consumers and small vendors support the health push, while others worry about changes to taste. Public health experts believe the initiative could lower overall sugar intake and improve long-term health outcomes. The campaign aims to reduce obesity, diabetes, and other diseases tied to high sugar consumption. With major chains on board, the government hopes to see measurable health benefits over time. Customers retain the option to customise sweetness, balancing choice with public health goals.