Located in eastern Thailand, Chanthaburi, whose name in Thai means "City of the Moon," boasts a history spanning over a century in gemstone products and jewelry craftsmanship. Recognized as a crucial center for gemstone trade and processing in Southeast Asia and globally, it's hailed as the "City of Gems" by the global jewelry industry. Every year, thousands of jewelers and enthusiasts flock here from around the world for trade.
On December 7, the International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewelry Festival 2023 was held at the local Jewelry Exhibition Center, gathering approximately 300 exhibitors and jewelers from around the world. Sumed Prasongpongchai, Director of the Thailand National Jewelry Institute, told GDToday that "Chanthaburi's gem trade dates back centuries. Despite the gradual depletion of local mines, with the well-established supporting services and a mature market here, Chanthaburi remains a vital hub for global gem processing and trade. Thailand is the world's third-largest exporter of colored gemstones, and many high-end jewelry brands source their materials from Chanthaburi."
"Chanthaburi's colored gemstones, especially rubies, with their extensive history and mature market, attract numerous Chinese buyers as well as worldwide buyers," said jeweler Wu Zepei from Guangzhou on the site.
Chanthaburi is not only glowing due to the gemstone trade but also shines with countless family heritages among the jewelers. Former President of the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Trader Association, Adisak Thawornviriyanan said, "Eighty years ago, my parents moved from Shantou, Guangdong, to Thailand's Chumphon. I was born in Chumphon and later relocated with my parents to Chanthaburi to engage in the gemstone business. I've been in this business since I was 15. And now, at 65, I’ve been in this business for 51 years."
Adisak emphasized that the growth in Chinese customers reflects not only numerical changes but also the city's diversification. Some customers travel from cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai for purchases, and some companies even dispatch representatives directly to Thailand's factories, contributing to the diverse atmosphere and vibrancy of Chanthaburi's jewelry industry.
Zhao Zhendong, Chairman of Thailand's Huatai Group from Shenzhen, Guangdong, explained, "In the past, Chinese jewelers faced challenges in purchasing and receiving goods in Thailand. However, since 2018, thanks to local government support and continuous assistance from jewelry associations, Chinese jewelers have been presented with more opportunities for development here."
The influx of Chinese jewelers has also propelled the local gemstone industry's growth. Kitti Kantaravichaivat, Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi, stated that Chinese buyers now consist of 80% of the local market share. "The Chanthaburi government supports Chinese businessmen and institutions to visit Chanthaburi for a better mutual understanding of both sides. Simultaneously, Chinese tourists are more than welcomed to experience the unique gemstone tourism routes available here."
Reporter: He Yixin, Eastbrook
Editor: James, Will, Nan
