Footage shows tourists returning to bars today as travel restrictions eased in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ministers have dropped the requirement to take a PCR test and quarantine for a night upon arrival in the country. Instead, visitors will just need to apply for a 'Thailand Pass' before departure by submitting their vaccine certificate and travel insurance.

Officials hope that the country's economy will be boosted by holidaymakers - especially from neighbouring China which brings in the most revenue.

However, economists have warned that it could still be several years before the country’s tourism industry returns to pre-pandemic levels. 

Two years ago tourism made up an estimated 21 per cent of Thailand’s GDP, generating 1.8 trillion baht in revenue. However, the country's National Economic and Social Development Council predicted that it could be another five years before similar numbers are seen.

Analysts said that between now and 2026, around seven million workers will continue to be affected by the economic harm from the Covid-19 pandemic.