Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Plans to Shorten Visa-Free Stay and Review Regulations
Introduction
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow has announced plans to reduce the visa-free stay for foreign tourists from 60 to 30 days and start a general review of the country's visa system.
Main Body
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the current 60-day limit, which can be extended by another 30 days, is too long for most tourists. Officials argue that this long period allows some people to enter the country for reasons other than tourism, which could threaten national security. Furthermore, residents in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have reported an increase in illegal foreign-owned businesses using Thai nominees, which they believe was caused by the easier entry rules introduced in July 2024. This plan to shorten the visa-free period was first suggested during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's first term, but it was paused due to elections. Now, the Ministry is moving forward quickly, and the Cabinet Secretariat is consulting with different agencies. Minister Sihasak emphasized that there will be little disagreement because the relevant departments are already part of the visa committee. Additionally, the government is reviewing all visa types to reduce the number of specialized categories. While these categories were created to attract experts and promote culture, the Ministry suggests that many are no longer necessary. Consequently, they plan to combine these categories to make administration more efficient. Minister Sihasak also clarified that these changes were not caused by incidents involving Chinese citizens; instead, he asserted that the policy applies to all nationalities to improve security and ensure people follow visa rules.
Conclusion
The Thai government is focusing on reducing the tourist visa-free period to 30 days and updating the visa structure to improve national security and legal consistency.
Learning
⚡ The 'Logical Glue' Strategy
At the A2 level, you usually write simple sentences: "The visa is long. Some people work illegally."
To reach B2, you must stop using simple dots and start using Connectors (Logical Glue) to show the relationship between your ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.
🔗 The 'Cause & Effect' Bridge
Look at how the text connects a problem to a result:
*"...illegal foreign-owned businesses... which they believe was caused by the easier entry rules..."
B2 Upgrade: Instead of saying "This happened because...", try these phrases to sound more professional:
- ...was caused by... (Passive voice = High level)
- Consequently, (Start a sentence with this to show a result)
- Due to... (Use this to introduce the reason)
🔄 The 'Contrast' Shift
B2 speakers don't just use "but." They use words that signal a change in direction.
*"While these categories were created to attract experts... the Ministry suggests that many are no longer necessary."
The Logic:
While [Fact A], [Opposite Fact B]
This structure tells the reader: "I am acknowledging the old reason, but I am telling you the new reality."
🛠 Practical Vocabulary Shift
Swap your 'Basic' words for 'B2' precise words found in the text:
| A2 Word (Basic) | B2 Word (Precise) | Why it's better |
|---|---|---|
| Fix/Change | Review | Implies a formal study before changing. |
| Help | Promote | Used for growth or culture. |
| Part of | Relevant | Shows the specific connection to the topic. |
| Make better | Efficient | Describes how it is better (faster/easier). |