Holiday destination Thailand is grasping for a share of the mighty Yuan by granting visa-exempt entry for Chinese nationals, pictured today at the county's royal palace.

New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a business favourite due to his close links with conglomerates, said the measures would be rolled out from September 25 to February 29, the nation's peak holiday season. The laws also include Kazakhstan.

It comes amid economic problems in the Communist state, which has led to a slower-than-expected recovery in its outbound tourism.

In the first six months, around 1.6 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand - short of targets to hit five million by the end of the year. Chinese holidaymakers are also being lured to more tourist-friendly destinations in the region such as Cambodia, which has a more diverse history.

The tourism industry is a major contributor to the Thai economy. In 2019, it directly contributed 11.5 per cent of the country's GDP.

Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol said the visa-waiver policy would boost revenue in the travel industry but acknowledged it also carries the risks.

Chinese gangs have been blamed for crime and corruption in the capital Bangkok, where they often operate with impunity alongside corrupt police officers.