Thailand Changes Visa Rules for Tourists

May 12, 2026, 07:06
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

Thailand wants to change the visa rules. Tourists can stay for 30 days instead of 60 days.

Main Body

The government thinks 60 days is too long for a holiday. Some people come to Thailand to work illegally. They start businesses without permission. This is a problem for national security. The government wants to fix this now. They are talking to different offices to make the new rule. They want the rules to be clear and fast. Thailand is also looking at all other visa types. There are too many different visas. The government wants to make fewer types of visas. This makes the work easier for the staff. Minister Sihasak says these rules are for everyone. They are not only for people from China. The goal is to keep the country safe.

Conclusion

Thailand will reduce the visa-free time to 30 days. They want to make the visa system better and safer.

Learning

⚡ The 'Want' Pattern

In this text, we see a very common way to talk about goals: Want + to + Action.

  • Thailand wants to change...
  • The government wants to fix...
  • They want to make...

How to use it: When you have a dream or a plan, use this simple bridge: I want → to → [verb]

Easy Examples:

  • I want to learn English.
  • I want to travel to Thailand.
  • I want to go home.

⚖️ Comparing Numbers (Opposites)

Notice how the text compares two different time lengths:

  • 30 days (Shorter/New rule)
  • 60 days (Longer/Old rule)

When you see "instead of," it means: "Not A, but B."

Example: I will have tea instead of coffee. (No coffee → Yes tea)

Vocabulary Learning

visa (n.)
A document that allows a person to enter a country.
Example:I need a visa to travel to Thailand.
rules (n.)
A set of instructions or laws that people must follow.
Example:The new visa rules say tourists can stay only 30 days.
tourists (n.)
People who travel to another country for pleasure.
Example:Many tourists visit Thailand every year.
stay (v.)
To remain in a place for a period of time.
Example:You can stay in Thailand for 30 days.
days (n.)
Units of time equal to 24 hours.
Example:The visa allows a stay of 30 days.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government decided to change the visa rules.
holiday (n.)
A day of rest or vacation.
Example:People go on holiday to relax.
people (n.)
Human beings in general.
Example:Many people come to Thailand to work.
work (v.)
To do a job or task.
Example:Some people come to Thailand to work.
illegal (adj.)
Not allowed by law.
Example:They work illegally without permission.
businesses (n.)
Companies or shops that sell goods or services.
Example:They start businesses without permission.
permission (n.)
Official approval to do something.
Example:They need permission to open a business.
problem (n.)
An issue or difficulty.
Example:This is a problem for national security.
security (n.)
The state of being safe from danger.
Example:The government wants to protect national security.
fix (v.)
To make something better or correct.
Example:The government wants to fix this now.
talking (v.)
Having a conversation or discussion.
Example:They are talking to different offices.
offices (n.)
Places where people work, especially for the government.
Example:They are talking to different offices.
new (adj.)
Recent or recently made.
Example:They are making a new rule.
clear (adj.)
Easy to understand.
Example:The rules should be clear.
fast (adj.)
Quick or done quickly.
Example:The rules should be fast.
types (n.)
Kinds or categories.
Example:There are many different visa types.
staff (n.)
Employees who work for an organization.
Example:The staff can handle the work easier.
minister (n.)
A senior government official.
Example:Minister Sihasak says the rules are for everyone.
everyone (pron.)
All people.
Example:These rules are for everyone.
China (n.)
A country in Asia.
Example:The rules are not only for people from China.
goal (n.)
A purpose or aim.
Example:The goal is to keep the country safe.
keep (v.)
To maintain or preserve.
Example:The government wants to keep the country safe.
country (n.)
A nation or territory.
Example:Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia.
reduce (v.)
To make something smaller.
Example:Thailand will reduce the visa-free time.
time (n.)
The measured duration of an event.
Example:The visa-free time is now 30 days.
better (adj.)
Improved or higher quality.
Example:They want to make the visa system better.
safer (adj.)
More safe or less dangerous.
Example:The visa system should be safer.
looking (v.)
Examining or considering.
Example:Thailand is looking at all other visa types.
different (adj.)
Not the same.
Example:There are different visa types.
fewer (adj.)
A smaller number of.
Example:They want fewer types of visas.
make (v.)
To create or produce.
Example:They want to make the rules clearer.
easier (adj.)
Less difficult.
Example:The work will be easier for the staff.
visa-free (adj.)
Allowed to enter without a visa.
Example:The visa-free time is now 30 days.
national (adj.)
Related to a country.
Example:National security is important.
system (n.)
A set of connected parts.
Example:The visa system needs improvement.
Thailand (n.)
A country in Southeast Asia.
Example:Thailand changed its visa rules.
safe (adj.)
Not dangerous.
Example:The country is safe for tourists.