Bangkok: The government is actively working to elevate Thailand to the status of a world-class gem center, following a remarkable increase in export values during the initial months of the year.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, the deputy government spokeswoman, disclosed that gem and jewelry exports from Thailand have been consistently expanding. In April 2025, the exports of gems and jewelry, excluding gold, reached a value of 714.90 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 23,371 million baht, marking a 39.62% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. This growth represents the sixth consecutive month of positive expansion.
When gold exports are included, the export value climbed to 1,726.67 million US dollars, reflecting a 115.65 percent increase. Overall exports for the first four months of 2025, excluding gold, amounted to 5,801.30 million US dollars, which is a 91.76 percent increase. Including gold, the total export value was 10,362.53 million US dollars, showing an impressive rise of 110.82 percent. This data highlights the Thai gem industry's potential to successfully penetrate international markets.
Key export markets have shown significant growth, with exports to the United States increasing by 24.83 percent, the United Kingdom by 29.37 percent, Japan by 44.37 percent, Germany by 12.03 percent, Italy by 8.11 percent, and the United Arab Emirates by 14.24 percent. However, Switzerland and Belgium experienced slight declines, with exports decreasing by 2.81 percent and 24.09 percent, respectively.
In terms of specific product categories, platinum exports saw an extraordinary expansion of 135,096.38 percent, primarily to India. Additionally, silver jewelry exports increased by 20.19 percent, gold jewelry by 8.16 percent, platinum jewelry by 106.43 percent, cut hard gems by 25.26 percent, cut soft gems by 10.89 percent, and imitation jewelry recorded a marginal increase of 0.02 percent.
Ms. Sasikarn emphasized the government's dedication to enhancing Thailand's competitive industries on a global stage, particularly the gem and jewelry sector, which plays a crucial role in the nation's economy by generating income and employment. She attributed past successes to the implementation of clear policies, comprehensive promotion, and unified efforts. The government is committed to continuing its progress for the comprehensive and sustainable benefit of all citizens.