Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports on Friday said in its press briefing that it is eyeing for a travel bubble with China as a New Year's gift to the Thai tourism industry badly crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry said it is planning to welcome Chinese tourists as the first group of foreigners entering into Thailand without a mandatory quarantine during the Lunar New year.

"Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be discussing with Chinese state agencies to discuss the travel bubble plan," said Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, tourism and sports minister. "Hopefully, our Chinese counterparts will help facilitate the travel bubble plan."

The minister said he is confident in the COVID-19 situation in China.

The minister also said that the first group of Chinese travelers who have previously entered Thailand tested negative for COVID-19 after their 14-day quarantine.

"And so now the Chinese tourists can go wherever they like in Thailand," said Phiphat.