Sugar Intake in Thailand: Understanding the New Policy and Its Impact on Your Health

From iced Thai tea on a hot afternoon to a cup of sweetened coffee before work, sugar has become a regular part of daily life in Thailand. While these drinks are enjoyable and culturally familiar, they are also contributing to a growing public health concern-excessive sugar consumption. In recent years, Thailand has seen rising rates of diet-related health conditions, prompting government action to reduce sugar intake at a population level. Understanding these changes can help individuals make more informed and healthier choices.

The Rise of Sugar: A Brief Historical Perspective

Sugar was once a luxury, but consumption has increased rapidly due to modern food systems and lifestyle changes. The growth of processed foods and ready-to-drink beverages has made sugar widely accessible, with many products containing added sweeteners to enhance taste and shelf life. At the same time, urbanisation and convenience-driven habits have increased reliance on these products. Research shows that added sugars have become pervasive in the global food supply, particularly in beverages, driven by both industry expansion and changing consumer behaviour (Popkin, B.M. and Hawkes, C., 2016).

Sugar Consumption in Thailand: How Much Is Too Much?

Current data suggests that Thai people consume significantly more sugar than recommended. On average, daily sugar intake is estimated at around 20- 21 teaspoons per person, far exceeding global health guidelines (The Guardian, 2026).

The World Health Organization recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total daily energy intake, ideally below 5% (approximately 25 grams or 6 teaspoons) for additional health benefits (WHO, 2015).

This gap highlights a key issue: many individuals are unknowingly consuming excess sugar, often through everyday food and beverages.

Major Sources of Sugar in Daily Life

Unlike common assumptions, sugar intake in Thailand is not primarily driven by desserts, but by sweetened beverages. These include:

• Thai iced tea

• Bubble milk tea

• Sweetened iced coffee

• Ready-to-drink beverages

According to recent reports, a single serving of these drinks can contain more sugar than the recommended daily limit (The Guardian, 2026).

Health Implications of Excess Sugar Intake

Excessive sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Obesity

• Cardiovascular diseases

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming too many added sugars can contribute to weight gain, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and heart disease. Long-term excessive intake may also lead to gradual metabolic changes that develop over time without immediate symptoms (CDC, 2024).

Thailand’s Sugar Policy & Public Health Strategy

Thailand is taking action to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. One key measure is the introduction of a sugar tax on beverages, where drinks with higher sugar content are taxed more. This encourages companies to produce drinks with less sugar. At the same time, the government has introduced a new standard for sweetness. Drinks labeled as “normal” now contain about 50% less sugar than before, making it easier for people to consume less sugar without changing their habits too much (Thailand Public Relations Department, 2026).

This approach focuses on small, practical changes- helping people reduce sugar intake gradually rather than forcing strict restrictions. In the long run, it aims to lower the risk of health problems such as Type 2 Diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Does the Policy Work?

Evidence suggests Thailand’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax is effective. Research shows a decline in sugary drink consumption after implementation, while many manufacturers have reduced sugar content to avoid higher tax rates (Phulkerd, S. et al, 2020). However, the policy has limitations, as freshly prepared drinks from street vendors remain largely unregulated and continue to contribute to high sugar intake (The Guardian, 2026). Overall, the policy is working, but requires additional measures- such as public awareness and broader regulation- to maximise its impact.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Sugar Intake

Reducing sugar intake does not require complete elimination. Instead, gradual and sustainable changes are more effective:

• Request lower sweetness levels 

• Choose beverages with 50% or no added sugar

• Limit frequency of sugary drink consumption

• Replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened alternatives

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Thailand’s sugar policy represents an important step toward addressing diet-related health issues. By combining regulation, industry reform, and public awareness, the country is creating an environment that supports healthier choices.

For individuals, this shift offers an opportunity to become more mindful of daily habits- especially those that may seem small but have long-term effects.

Conclusion

Sugar remains an integral part of Thailand’s food culture, particularly through beverages. However, current consumption levels exceed recommended limits and pose potential health risks. With new policies in place and increasing awareness, reducing sugar intake is becoming more achievable. Ultimately, improving health does not require eliminating sweetness, but rather finding a sustainable balance in everyday choices.

References

Popkin, B.M. and Hawkes, C. (2016) Sweetening of the global diet, particularly beverages: Patterns, trends, and policy responses, The Lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4733620/ (Accessed: 03 April 2026).

Thailand moves to cut sugar in popular drinks amid health drive (2026) The Guardian. Available at:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/22/thailand-moves-to-cut-sugar-in-popular-drinks-amid-health-drive (Accessed: 02 April 2026). 

Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549028 (Accessed: 02 April 2026). 

Get the facts: Added sugars (2024) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/data-research/added-sugars.html (Accessed: 02 April 2026). 

Thailand’s department of health redefines ‘normal sweetness’ standard to 50 percent (2026) Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department. Available at: https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/52/iid/475725 (Accessed: 02 April 2026). 

Phulkerd, S. et al. (2020) Changes in population-level consumption of taxed and non-taxed sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) after implementation of SSB excise tax in Thailand: A prospective cohort study, MDPI. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/11/3294 (Accessed: 03 April 2026).