Thailand Changes Rules for Foreigners

May 11, 2026, 14:54
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Thai government is changing the rules for visas and foreign businesses.

Main Body

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wants to check all visas. This includes student and tourist visas. The government may stop the 60-day free visa. They want better visitors, not just more visitors. The government is also looking at foreign businesses. Some foreigners use Thai people to own companies. This is not allowed. The Prime Minister will visit Koh Phangan to check these businesses. Many businesses in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have foreign owners. The government says this is a problem for the local economy. They will check other tourist areas too.

Conclusion

Thailand now has stricter rules for people and businesses from other countries.

Learning

💡 The 'Action' Secret

Look at these words from the text:

  • Changing
  • Looking at

When we put is/are before a word ending in -ing, it means it is happening right now.

Examples from the story: → The government is changing the rules. (Happening now) → The government is looking at businesses. (Happening now)

🛠️ Building Sentences

To talk about your life at an A2 level, use this simple map: Person + is/are + Action-ing

  • I am learning English.
  • You are reading a lesson.
  • Thailand is updating its laws.

⚠️ Quick Tip

Don't just say "The government change." Say: "The government is changing."

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
the people who run a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
rules (n.)
the rules are the rules that people must follow
Example:The new rules are stricter.
visa (n.)
a paper that lets you enter a country
Example:She has a tourist visa.
foreign (adj.)
from another country
Example:Foreign businesses are not allowed to use Thai people.
business (n.)
a company that sells goods or services
Example:Foreign businesses need to follow the rules.
student (n.)
a person who studies in school
Example:The student visa is for studying.
tourist (n.)
a person who travels for pleasure
Example:Tourist visas are for traveling.
free (adj.)
without paying money
Example:The 60-day visa is free.
visitor (n.)
a person who visits a place
Example:Better visitors are needed.
company (n.)
a group of people who work together
Example:The company was owned by foreigners.
allowed (adj.)
permitted to do something
Example:It is not allowed to use Thai people to own companies.
visit (v.)
to go to a place
Example:The Prime Minister will visit Koh Phangan.
area (n.)
a place or region
Example:They will check other tourist areas.
economy (n.)
the way a country makes and spends money
Example:The local economy is affected.
stricter (adj.)
more strict
Example:The rules are now stricter.