Thai hotels braced for the return of Chinese tourists after China scrapped its quarantine restrictions.

The president of the Northern Thai Hotel Association Phunut Thanalaopanich reported that accommodation owners in Chiang Mai province alone are already 90 per cent full, with 40,000 rooms booked.

While 70 per cent of the bookings are from local tourists, president Phunut said they are preparing for the influx of visitors from China after it recently eased travel policies.

He said: ‘The night with the highest bookings is New Year's Eve. Officials believe that it is likely that the rooms will soon be fully booked.

'Throughout this New Year's season, Chiang Mai is expected to have money flowing in from tourism again.'

In the recent two to three months, Chiang Mai received a steady income from tourists despite Covid-19.

President Phunut added: ‘The cooler weather also attracted more tourists to the northern region during New Year.'

After the holidays, the group believes the hotels will remain at 80 per cent full capacity until February.

Direct international flights from various airlines to Chiang Mai have been opened in succession, increasing foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, China prepares to open the country for Chinese people to travel abroad starting January 8 as Peking rulers ease Covid-19 restrictions.