Tourism is bouncing back close to pre-Covid 19 levels, with at least 10 million international tourist arrivals targeted this year, said a government spokesman.

Five million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand since the beginning of the year. So far this month, one million foreign visitors came to the kingdom.

Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said the government has set the target of welcoming at least 10 million foreign tourist arrivals this year.

Mr Anucha added that tourism has gained momentum since health restrictions were dropped from the entry rules earlier this year.

Phuket has seen up to 84% of its domestic passenger traffic at its airport restored to the pre-Covid level.

Also, about 40% of its international arrivals have returned. Most came from the Middle East and India.

Visitors from China, who traditionally made up the biggest inbound tourist segment, are expected to make a comeback in January next year while the number of flights from Russia is likely to rise from next month, according to Phuket's deputy governor.