Editor’s Note
This article outlines the strategic discussions from a key industry meeting in Chanthaburi, highlighting collaborative efforts to shape the future of Thailand’s gem and jewelry sector.
Sumalee, Director of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), recently disclosed the key outcomes of the second meeting in 2024 of the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Subcommittee, held in collaboration with the Chanthaburi Provincial Commercial Office. The meeting attracted active participation from relevant private sector entities and agencies to jointly discuss future development strategies for Chanthaburi’s gem and jewelry industry.
Director Sumalee stated that the Thai government plans to develop Chanthaburi into a World Gemstone Trade Center. This initiative aims to provide small entrepreneurs with access to gemstone raw materials, thereby enhancing product quality and boosting exports. To achieve this goal, the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Promotion Center will organize a Gemstone Flea Market between July and August 2024, offering a platform for exchange and trade for domestic and international gemstone merchants.
To realize this vision, GIT will actively promote the establishment of the World Gemstone Trade Center and help develop entrepreneurs’ potential. The institute will formulate gemstone standards, covering raw gems, rough stones, and cut gems, to gain international recognition. A Standards Inspection Committee has already been established, chaired by the Chanthaburi Provincial Commercial Office, with GIT, the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association, and various related departments participating in planning and operations. It is expected that the relevant standards and measures will be officially implemented soon, setting standards for the development of Chanthaburi’s gemstone market.
In developing entrepreneurial potential and formulating various standards, GIT will act as an advisor and mentor, providing participants across sectors with knowledge and capability support in theory, technology, and craftsmanship. This will help improve the quality of various gemstones and ensure good governance and sustainability in business operations through the Thai primary standard, the GIT Standard. Furthermore, GIT will support educational institutions and private-sector jewelry and precious metal gemstone testing laboratories in Chanthaburi to use the GIT Standard to establish and enhance quality standards for product analysis, providing consumers with reliable quality inspection reports.