Don’t miss the full story, whose reporting from Jintamas Saksornchai at The Associated Press is the basis of this artificial intelligence-assisted article.
Thailand has launched a government initiative requiring nine major coffee chains to cut default sugar content in beverages by half to combat excessive sugar consumption that far exceeds World Health Organization recommendations.
Some key facts:
• Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons.
• Starting Wednesday, nine major coffee chains pledged to reduce default sugar content in some drinks by half.
• About 45% of Thais aged 15 and older are obese, according to 2025 data.
• Approximately 10% of Thailand’s population has diabetes.
• A 22-ounce iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar.
• A 10-ounce serving of bubble milk tea can contain as much as 12 teaspoons of sugar.
• Each brand can apply the initiative as they see fit, which may create implementation challenges.
• The sugar reduction applies only to certain menu items, not all beverages.
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