Thailand's government has waived visa requirements for tourists from China, starting Monday. The temporary measure is part of a government stimulus package to bolster the economy hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese travelers can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days, visa-free. The waiver will remain in place through the end of February.

Tourists on a flight from Shanghai were welcomed by officials including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with a traditional dance performance at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday.

One of the Chinese visitors said the exemption makes it easier for Chinese people to travel to Thailand.

Chinese tourists have been slow to return to Thailand since the pandemic calmed down. In 2019, about 11 million traveled to the country, but only 2.3 million have come so far this year.

A tour bus company owner in Pathum Thani, a province near Bangkok, said half his company's buses stand idle. The firm has managed to survive by increasing bookings from other countries.

He said he is still waiting after three years for Chinese tourists to return, and he hopes the visa-free policy and tourism campaigns will help boost their numbers.

But Kevalin Wangpichayasuk, an expert from Kasikorn Research Center, said the visa exemption will only have a limited effect.

She said China's high unemployment rate and tour agencies' limited budgets will have a major impact on Chinese people's decision to travel abroad.

Prime Minister Srettha has pledged to help tourism recover. With the industry a big contributor to his country's gross domestic product, Thai people are counting on him.