Thailand Changes Visa and Business Rules

May 13, 2026, 22:17
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Thai government is changing its visa rules. They want to stop foreigners from starting illegal businesses and taking public land.

Main Body

The government wants to change visa rules for 93 countries. Now, people can stay for 60 days without a visa. The government wants this to be 30 days. They want to stop people from using the wrong visas. Police are looking for illegal businesses in Phuket and Koh Phangan. Some foreigners use Thai people to own companies. This is against the law. Police arrested many people and closed some companies. The government is also taking back public land. Some foreigners lived in protected forests. Also, police found dangerous guns and bombs with a man in Pattaya. This makes the government want more security. Tourism is very important for Thailand. It brings a lot of money. Some people worry that new rules will make tourists go to Malaysia or Vietnam instead. The government wants a balance between money and safety.

Conclusion

Thailand is making stricter rules for foreigners. They want to stop crime but keep their tourism business.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The 'Want' Pattern

In this text, the word want appears many times. For an A2 learner, this is the best way to talk about goals or needs.

How it works: Subject + want + to + action

Examples from the text:

  • They want to stop foreigners...
  • The government wants to change visa rules...
  • They want to stop people...

Simple Rule: If the person is one (He/She/The Government) β†’ use wants If the people are many (They/We) β†’ use want

πŸ›  Vocabulary Bridge

Notice how these words describe 'Good' vs 'Bad' things in the story:

❌ Bad / Problemβœ… Good / Goal
IllegalSafety
CrimeMoney
WrongBalance
DangerousTourism

Quick Tip: Use 'Instead' when you have two choices. Example: Go to Malaysia instead of Thailand.

Vocabulary Learning

government
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
visa
a permit that lets you enter a country
Example:I need a visa to travel to Thailand.
rule
a rule is a rule that people must follow
Example:The rule says you must pay taxes.
country
a place with its own government
Example:Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia.
day
24 hours of time
Example:We stayed for three days.
illegal
not allowed by law
Example:The illegal business was closed by the police.
business
a company that sells goods or services
Example:She runs a small business in her town.
police
people who enforce laws
Example:The police stopped the traffic at the intersection.
company
a business that employs people
Example:The company hired new staff last week.
law
a rule made by the government
Example:The law protects citizens from harm.
arrest
to take someone into custody
Example:The police made an arrest at the market.
land
ground or territory
Example:The government took back the public land.
forest
an area with many trees
Example:Some foreigners lived in protected forests.
gun
a weapon that shoots bullets
Example:He carried a gun while hiking.
bomb
an explosive device that can break things
Example:They found a bomb in the abandoned building.
security
protection from danger
Example:Security is important in busy cities.
tourism
travel for pleasure or business
Example:Tourism brings a lot of money to Thailand.
money
coins and bills used for buying things
Example:I need money to buy a ticket.
worry
to feel anxious about something
Example:I worry about the weather during the trip.
balance
an equal amount or fairness
Example:We need a balance between work and play.
crime
an illegal act that breaks the law
Example:Crime rates have increased in the city.
strict
very firm or harsh in rules
Example:The rules are strict for safety.