Bangkok (People’s Daily) - First tour groups from China since the pandemic arrived in Thailand on Monday morning, at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.

Chinese tour groups were welcomed by Thai and Chinese officials. (Phoyto by Zhao Yichun/ People's Daily)

A welcoming ceremony was held and attended by Thai and Chinese officials at the airport to greet the first two groups of about 20 tourists each from Guangzhou at the Don Mueang International Airport.

First tour groups from China since the pandemic arrived in Thailand. (Photo by Zhao Yichun/ People's Daily)

The arrival of the group tours came as China allowed the resumption of outbound group travel to 20 countries including Thailand, starting 6 February, 2023.

Chinese tour groups received garlands at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. (Photo by Li Yuanxin/ People's Daily)

Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Thailand is honored to be among the 20 countries chosen to once again welcome tour groups from China. We are extremely pleased to receive these first groups today and look forward to the many more to come.”

Passengers on Spring Airlines Flight received handbooks for a safe, healthy and civilized trip to Thailand. (Photo by Li Baijia/ People's Daily)

Yang Xin, charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy expressed good wishes to the Chinese tourists, then introduced and handed out handbooks for a safe, healthy and civilized trip to Thailand made by Chinese Embassy.

Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomed first tour groups from China at the airport. (Photo by Jing Chaoping/ People's Daily)

From January 1st to February 2nd in 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 99,429 Chinese travelers. Yuthasak said the TAT has set a target of receiving at least 5 million Chinese tourists this year.