The first flights from China have arrived in northern Thailand on Wednesday as the communist state eased Covid-19 travel restrictions after three years.

Some 195 passengers flew into Chiang Mai province aboard Juneyao Air flight HO1325 from Shanghai on January 18.

Eager government chiefs - keep to see the return of the mighty Yuan - pulled out all the stops as they greeted the travellers with a grand welcome of water salutes, souvenirs, and jasmine garlands to mark the occasion.

While families who had been apart rejoiced as they were finally reunited with their loved ones for the coming Chinese New Year on January 22.

Chiang Mai International Airport director Wichit Kaewsaitiam said five routes from China to Chiang Mai had been authorised, including flights from Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, and two from Shanghai.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has predicted some 300,000 tourists to arrive from China in the first quarter.

Before the outbreak, Chiang Mai saw more than three million tourists in 2019, with 60 to 70 percent being Chinese nationals, Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said.

Authorities are requiring all visitors to Thailand to submit proof of at least two Covid-19 jabs.