A startling case recently surfaced online, detailing how an individual developed an astonishing 35 kidney stones after regular consumption of Coca-Cola, igniting widespread discussions about the potential health hazards of excessive soft drink intake. This rare and severe outcome has prompted Thai health professionals and the public alike to reconsider the safety of popular sugary drinks, and to explore the broader implications for kidney health in Thailand—a country where soda and sweetened beverage consumption remains high.
The case, which quickly went viral on social media and was reported by M9 News, describes an adult in India—a region with soft drink consumption habits paralleling those of Thailand—who was found to have developed 35 kidney stones, with his doctors attributing the stones to his long-term daily habit of drinking Coca-Cola. The incident has been cited as a cautionary tale, sparking renewed public awareness campaigns around the dangers of soft drinks and sugar-laden beverages. This news matters profoundly to Thai readers, as the popularity of fizzy drinks and sweetened teas poses a similar risk to public health domestically.
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys, often caused by a combination of dehydration, excessive sugar and salt intake, and consumption of certain compounds such as phosphoric acid—an ingredient commonly found in colas and other soft drinks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has been rising, and Southeast Asia is no exception (WHO). Research published in the medical journal Frontiers in Nutrition adds that frequent consumption of sugary sodas is associated with an elevated risk of developing kidney stones and other chronic diseases (Frontiers in Nutrition). Such findings are particularly relevant in Thailand, where market data from Euromonitor shows a steady annual increase in soft drink sales, reaching nearly 2.7 billion liters in 2023 (Bangkok Post).
Thai medical professionals warn that the risk is not isolated. A leading urologist from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital explained, “Sugary drinks, especially colas, are acidic and high in fructose. Over time, these substances can alter urine composition and promote the crystallization of minerals, leading to kidney stones and potential kidney damage.” This view is echoed in regional guidelines from the Thai Urological Association, which consistently advise patients to limit or eliminate soft drink consumption, particularly among those with a personal or family history of urolithiasis.
Evidence suggests that the phosphoric acid and high fructose content common in sodas disturb the body’s mineral balance. A 2013 study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology observed that those who drank more than one sugar-sweetened soda daily faced a 23% higher risk of developing kidney stones, compared to those who consumed soda less frequently or not at all (CJASN). Furthermore, caffeine, another staple ingredient in most colas, can contribute to dehydration—a known risk factor for stone formation (Mayo Clinic). These mechanisms are of heightened concern in Thailand’s tropical climate, where maintaining adequate hydration is a constant challenge, especially for those who regularly consume caffeinated drinks instead of water.
The story of the Indian patient has reignited Thai social media users’ memories of similar incidents, including a 2018 viral post from a Bangkok-based nephrologist, documenting the substantial increase in kidney stone cases among young Thais. According to the Department of Medical Services, Thailand has witnessed a steady rise in urolithiasis diagnoses, with an estimated 7% of the population affected at some point in their lives (DMSThai). Young urban Thais are particularly at risk due to changing dietary patterns, including the consumption of sugary, convenience beverages instead of traditional unsweetened drinks such as cha dam yen (iced black tea) or nam bai bua bok (pennywort juice).
While dramatic cases like the Indian patient with 35 kidney stones are rare, they serve as a potent illustration of the cumulative health risks associated with excessive soft drink consumption. Thai nutrition experts point out that even moderate intake—one or two soft drinks per day—adds up over time. A nutritionist from Mahidol University’s Institute of Nutrition noted, “The dangers of soft drinks extend beyond kidney stones. Regularly consuming sugary sodas increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome—ailments already prevalent in Thailand.”
Medical authorities have long advocated for government action, and several Thai hospitals have launched health education campaigns targeting teens and young adults. The Ministry of Public Health is currently exploring the possibility of raising excise taxes on sugary drinks, modeling successful policies from countries like Mexico and the United Kingdom (Thai PBS World). Meanwhile, municipal schools in Bangkok have begun removing carbonated drinks from canteens, encouraging water and unsweetened herbal options.
For Thai society, these developments carry cultural significance. Soft drinks, once a luxury consumed only at special events, have, since the economic boom of the 1980s, become deeply entrenched in everyday life, from streetside vendors in Isan to convenience stores in Bangkok. The tradition of serving sodas at family gatherings persists. Yet, the dramatic cautionary tale from India signals an urgent need for change in local attitudes and consumption patterns.
Looking ahead, experts forecast that rates of kidney stone disease and related metabolic disorders will continue to climb unless public health interventions succeed. Novel research from Chulalongkorn University and international collaborators is now reviewing how policy changes, such as mandatory clear labeling and stricter advertising regulations, could help curb the epidemic (Bangkok Post). Further, a new wave of consumer advocates is using social media to promote “water first” campaigns, sharing personal stories of cutting out soft drinks and reporting improvements in kidney health and overall well-being.
For Thai readers, the best course of action is both simple and powerful: prioritize hydration through water and unsweetened beverages, limit or avoid soft drinks, and maintain regular medical checkups—especially for anyone with a family history of kidney stones or diabetes. Parents are encouraged to model healthy beverage choices, while schools and communities can amplify educational efforts about the risks of excessive sugar and soft drink consumption.
As this extraordinary case reminds us, the dangers of soft drinks are not just theoretical. Kidney stone formation is preventable, and even small lifestyle changes can have a meaningful long-term impact on health. Thais are urged to seize this moment to reassess their beverage habits, support public health reforms, and invest in a healthier future for themselves and their families.
Sources:
M9 News on shocking side effects of soft drinks
WHO urges taxation to combat sugary drinks
Frontiers in Nutrition: Soft drinks and kidney stone risk
CJASN: sugar-sweetened beverages and nephrolithiasis
Mayo Clinic: Causes of kidney stones
Bangkok Post: Sugar-free cola market in Thailand
Thai PBS World: Thailand poised to impose excise tax on sugary beverages
Department of Medical Services Thailand: Kidney stone rates
Bangkok Post: Plans to limit sugary drink advertisements