Thai Government Implements Stricter Visa Rules and Foreign Business Laws

May 13, 2026, 22:17
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Thai government is starting a full review of its visa policies and is increasing legal action against foreigners who run illegal businesses or occupy public land.

Main Body

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow, plans to reduce the visa-free stay for citizens of 93 countries from 60 to 30 days. Additionally, the government is reviewing the requirements for investment, student, and digital nomad permits. Officials emphasized that these changes are necessary because some people have misused the easy entry rules to start unauthorized businesses. At the same time, the government is fighting the use of 'nominees,' which happens when foreigners use Thai citizens to hide their ownership of businesses. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a crackdown in popular tourist areas like Phuket and Koh Phangan. For example, authorities raided 27 companies in Koh Phangan and charged 33 foreigners in Phuket for breaking business laws. These actions aim to protect Thai workers and stop local prices from rising too quickly. Furthermore, the state is focusing on recovering public land. In Phuket, 23 cases were filed regarding the illegal use of protected forests. Security concerns have also increased after a Chinese national was arrested in Pattaya with military weapons, such as landmines and rifles. Consequently, the government believes that stricter border and residency controls are essential for national security.

Conclusion

Thailand is moving toward stricter immigration and business rules to stop illegal foreign activities while trying to keep its tourism industry strong.

Learning

⚡ The 'Action-Result' Connection

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop writing short, separate sentences. Instead, you need to show how one thing leads to another.

Look at this phrase from the text:

"Consequently, the government believes that stricter border and residency controls are essential..."

The Magic Word: Consequently At A2, you probably use 'so' (e.g., "It rained, so I stayed home"). B2 speakers use Consequently to sound more professional and precise. It connects a fact to a logical result.

🛠️ Level Up Your Transitions

Instead of using the same simple words, try these 'Bridge' connectors found in the article:

Instead of... (A2)Use this... (B2)Why?
AndAdditionallyIt adds a new, formal point to the conversation.
AlsoFurthermoreIt builds a stronger argument.
SoConsequentlyIt shows a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

🔍 Precision Vocabulary

Notice how the text doesn't just say "stop" or "fight." It uses Crackdown.

  • A2: "The police are stopping illegal shops."
  • B2: "The government is ordering a crackdown on illegal businesses."

Pro Tip: A "crackdown" is a sudden, strict enforcement of laws. Using specific nouns like this instead of simple verbs is a hallmark of B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

implements (v.)
to put into effect or carry out
Example:The government implements stricter visa rules.
stricter (adj.)
more strict; tighter
Example:The new visa policy is stricter than before.
visa (n.)
a document that allows a person to enter, leave, or stay in a country
Example:She applied for a tourist visa.
rules (n.)
a set of instructions or regulations
Example:The company has rules for workplace safety.
foreign (adj.)
coming from another country
Example:Foreign investors are attracted to the market.
business (n.)
an organization or enterprise that sells goods or services
Example:He started a small business in the city.
laws (n.)
statements of rules made by a government
Example:New environmental laws were passed.
review (v.)
to examine or assess something again
Example:The committee will review the policy.
increasing (v.)
to become larger or greater
Example:The city is increasing its security measures.
illegal (adj.)
not allowed by law
Example:Illegal businesses are being shut down.
public (adj.)
available to everyone
Example:Public parks are free to use.
land (n.)
the surface of the earth
Example:They bought land for a new factory.
nominees (n.)
people chosen to represent someone else
Example:Nominees were selected for the award.
crackdown (n.)
a strong action to stop or control something
Example:The government launched a crackdown on corruption.
unauthorized (adj.)
not officially allowed
Example:Unauthorized entry is prohibited.
protect (v.)
to keep safe from harm
Example:The guard protects the building.
stop (v.)
to cease or prevent
Example:They stopped the sale of the product.
recover (v.)
to get back or regain
Example:The economy is recovering after the recession.
security (n.)
the state of being safe
Example:Airport security checks passengers.
border (n.)
the line that separates two countries
Example:The border between the two nations is heavily guarded.
residency (n.)
the state of living in a particular place
Example:His residency in the city is temporary.
essential (adj.)
very important or necessary
Example:Water is essential for life.
immigration (n.)
the process of moving into a country
Example:Immigration policies are being revised.
activities (n.)
things that are done
Example:Outdoor activities include hiking and kayaking.
tourism (n.)
the business of traveling for pleasure
Example:Tourism brings money to the local economy.