Taiwan has welcomed its first batch of international tour groups after the island fully reopened its borders, ending strict quarantine rules in place since the coronavirus pandemic began.
A group of tourists from Thailand arrived shortly after midnight and were greeted at Taoyuan airport with flower garlands and an exuberant dancing bear mascot.
Valaisurang Bhaedhayajibh, 53, said she was visiting Taiwan the first time in 20 years and was accompanied by her daughter Sisiree. "I heard about the lakes and all the nature, and also shopping.
She's on her school break so I am bringing her over here," she told AFP. "It's very convenient. We didn't have to do anything much, you know, in terms of preparation.