Plan set for jewellery hub in Chanthaburi

Deputy Commerce Minister Weerasak Wangsuppakijkosol on Wednesday (August 28) unveiled a plan to turn Chanthaburi province into the centre of the jewellery industry, saying it would help drive the local economy and tourism in the eastern region.

To kick start the move, a jewellery exhibition will be held from December 4-8. Titled “Power of Gemstones and Jewellery”, the event is expected to draw 500 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors with Bt27 million worth of gemstone transactions. 

Weerasak said the gem industry would drive the local economy and tourism in the eastern region, in line with progress of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project which covers all four eastern provinces, including Chanthaburi.

Director of the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT), Duangkamol Jiambutr, said Chanthaburi had been a key source of high-quality gemstones for more than a century. However, a gradual depletion of gemstones in the province has led to the need for imports that are processsed by Thai cutting experts.

She said more than 80 per cent of gemstones or gem-related products in the world were cut or made in Thailand, especially in Chanthaburi.

Five other events have also been planned, including "Gems Treasure 2018-2019", featuring gem jewellery products made in 14 other provinces.

Chanthaburi deputy governor, Pongpat Wongtrakool, said that prices of hotel rooms would be lowered during the five-day event, while green tour packages offering homestay service and traditional food would be available to participants and visitors.