Thailand on Monday welcomed the arrival of thousands of Chinese tourists in its capital of Bangkok, the first group following China's optimization of COVID-19 strategy which took effect on Jan. 8.

At the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and other senior officials welcomed 269 tourists from the Chinese city of Xiamen, who were greeted with flowers and gift bags.

The increase in the number of tourists entering Thailand from China and other countries is a good sign for Thailand's tourism sector, generating income and creating jobs for the people which contributes to the country's economic recovery, Anutin said.

A total of 15 flights from China accommodating about 3,465 passengers were expected to arrive in Bangkok on Monday, he said.

The Thai government expects about 300,000 Chinese tourists to visit Thailand in the first three months of this year.

Also on Monday, Anutin said that visitors would not be required to show evidence of vaccination, but travelers from the countries that require RT-PCR testing on their returns would be required to have health insurance coverage, including COVID-19, before entering Thailand.