What does it take to turn a state trade office into the beating heart of a 4.75-billion-baht industry? At the 74th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, running 8-12 September 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the answer is unfolding in real time. We sat down with DITP’s Office of Commerce and Lifestyle Products Promotion to unpack the strategy behind the fair’s record-breaking momentum, and where they’re placing their bets next.
What does the strong performance of the previous Bangkok Gems tell us about the global gems and jewelry industry?
The previous edition generated approximately THB 4.75 billion in trade value, demonstrating that international buyers remain active despite global economic uncertainty. Gems and jewelry is an industry where trust, product quality, craftsmanship and long-term business relationships are particularly important. Physical trade fairs therefore continue to play an important role alongside digital channels. Bangkok Gems brings together the entire ecosystem — from gemstones and manufacturing to finished jewelry, design and related services — allowing buyers to source products and establish partnerships efficiently in one location. This reinforces Bangkok Gems’ role not only as a trade fair, but as an international business platform connecting the global gems and jewelry community.
What differentiates Bangkok Gems from other major international jewelry fairs?
One of Bangkok Gems’ key strengths is its comprehensive coverage of the gems and jewelry value chain, allowing buyers to source gemstones, finished jewelry, manufacturing services, machinery, packaging and related services in one venue. Thailand also has internationally recognized strengths in colored gemstones and OEM/ODM manufacturing. Thailand is the world’s leading exporter of cut and polished colored gemstones and the second-largest exporter of silver jewelry. Thailand’s manufacturing strength combines craftsmanship, cutting and polishing expertise, product development and flexible OEM/ODM capability. At the same time, we are adding greater value through design and branding, giving international buyers access not only to reliable manufacturing partners but also to a growing range of Thai designers and brands. This combination of sourcing, craftsmanship, manufacturing, design and business partnership is an important competitive strength of Bangkok Gems.
Which product categories do you expect to show strong potential?
Colored gemstones remain one of Thailand’s strongest product categories and an important reason international buyers come to Bangkok Gems. Silver jewelry also offers significant potential. Thailand is currently the world’s second-largest exporter of silver jewelry, supported by strong craftsmanship and manufacturing capability. We also see growing opportunities for products that combine design, craftsmanship and distinctive brand identity, particularly as consumers increasingly seek products that reflect individual style. DITP therefore sees opportunities across different market segments rather than focusing on a single category.
Which emerging markets is DITP targeting beyond Thailand’s traditional markets?
While maintaining our established markets, DITP is placing greater emphasis on market diversification. Markets with further potential include ASEAN, particularly Vietnam, as well as the Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where purchasing power and demand for jewelry provide opportunities across different market segments. DITP will continue to use its overseas network, trade missions, business matching and Bangkok Gems to identify buyer demand and connect suitable Thai exporters with these opportunities.
How is DITP responding to increasing buyer expectations regarding traceability and provenance?
DITP recognizes that transparency, traceability and consumer confidence are becoming increasingly important in international gems and jewelry markets. We encourage businesses to provide buyers with clear and accurate information concerning their products and sourcing, in accordance with applicable requirements in each market. Thailand also has an important institutional strength through the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), which provides internationally recognized testing and certification services. At Bangkok Gems, buyers can also access gem-testing services, helping reinforce confidence and reliability in sourcing from Thailand.
How is DITP helping exporters deal with global economic uncertainty, high input costs and changing trade conditions?
The global business environment remains challenging, but the industry’s export performance demonstrates continued resilience. Exports excluding unwrought gold reached USD 9.03 billion during January–July 2026, increasing 8.46% year on year. DITP’s approach focuses on three areas: market diversification, value creation and market access. First, we help exporters diversify into markets with growth potential. Second, we encourage greater value through design, innovation and branding. Third, we connect Thai companies directly with international buyers through Bangkok Gems, business matching, overseas trade promotion and DITP’s international network. Bangkok Gems is particularly important because it brings buyers from many markets to Thailand, enabling SMEs and emerging brands to access international business opportunities efficiently.
How do you see the role of Bangkok Gems developing over the next ten years?
Supporting Thai exporters will remain an important mission of Bangkok Gems, but the Fair will continue to become more international in its exhibitors, buyers and business partnerships. Our aim is not simply to make the Fair larger, but to strengthen its quality, diversity and international connectivity. International participants gain access to Thailand’s well-established gems and jewelry ecosystem and regional markets, while Thai businesses gain access to new buyers, partners and market knowledge. Our long-term direction is for Bangkok Gems to remain a trusted global business platform based in Thailand, contributing to Thailand’s role as one of the world’s important gems and jewelry trading hubs.
If an international buyer has only one day at the Fair, what should they prioritize?
We would encourage buyers first to explore the product categories most relevant to their sourcing requirements, as Bangkok Gems covers the entire gems and jewelry value chain. They should also visit The Designer Zone, which presents the creativity and growing potential of Thai designers and brands, as well as other special showcases highlighting Thailand’s craftsmanship and industry capabilities. Most importantly, we encourage buyers to use the Fair as an opportunity to meet suppliers directly, explore new partnerships and discover business opportunities that may extend well beyond the event itself.
