Chanthaburi: A hidden gem in Thailand

by Kathleen Pokrud, President of Hong Kong Ladies’ Group in Thailand
Photos by Jenny Chan
Photos of Chanbthaburi Gems Festival by event organizer

Chanthaburi is famous as an important source of gemstones, especially rubies and sapphires. It is located on the east of Thailand. The province is popular with local tourists for its plentiful tropical fruits like durian, often not found in other places. Chanthaburi is blessed with natural landscapes, magnificent waterfall, impressive hills, and beautiful beaches. The central area of the province is crossed over by three bridges that are located in different directions to the north, south, and southeast; totally separated from each other.

Only a short four hours drive from Bangkok, Chanthaburi offers an excellent choice for overseas visitors to spend a short weekend to explore a different aspect of Thai communities around the Kingdom. We took the opportunity to explore the province with a three day, two night trip, and visited International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellery Festival.

International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellrey Festival 2022

In a bid to promote the province to become a “world class city of gems,” the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand or GIT joined forces with Chanthaburi province, Chanthaburi Gem and Jewellery Traders Association Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and many other public and private organisations, in organising the “International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellery Festival 2021-2022” under the concept “Chanthaburi: City of Gems” between February 3rd and 7th, 2022, at the Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellery Center, KP Jewellery Center, and Gems Market on Srichan Road. Boasting an excellent attendance of up to 11,480 persons, including buyers, the general public, and those interested, both Thai and foreign, the festival generated not only immediate sales of 64.83 million Baht, but also revenue for the province from both the gems and jewellery industry and tourism industry.

The International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellery Festival was held for the third time, following a nearly two year hiatus, to further consolidate the country’s position as a global gems and jewellery trading hub — especially Chanthaburi, which is widely recognised as a city of gems, build consumers’ confidence in buying gems and jewellery, and stimulate the country’s economy. The festival serves as a platform for entrepreneurs both in Chanthaburi and from all over eastern Thailand and the country to showcase their highly curated selection of superior quality gem and jewellery products for gem and jewellery aficionados and large buyers, both domestic and international, to purchase.

Furthermore, there was a series of business matching activities organised with support from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB and Department of International Trade Promotion or DITP, Ministry of Commerce, where an extensive portfolio of domestic and international target buyers, most notably representatives from potential foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, was invited to participate in the business negotiations with entrepreneurs, which were held in a hybrid format — both onsite and online. This includes the delegates from the Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce and world prestigious Italian designer Alessio Boschi, the Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Ladies’ Group. As a result, the event generated a total trade value of 248.38 million baht from overseas importers, of which onsite business matching contributed 165 million Baht and online business matching contributed 83.38 million Baht, an increase of 205% when compared to the 2019 edition that had an immediate purchase value of 21.20 million Baht.

Throughout the event, the festival also brought revenue of more than 200 million Baht to the hospitality and tourism industry. The trade value and the number of people interested in attending the event are a testimony not only to the cooperation between the public and private sectors, including Thai gem and jewellery entrepreneurs from all sectors, but also to the strength of the Thai gems and jewellery industry, which is widely recognised around the world.

In this regard, GIT, as the main agency with a mission to promote and support the Thai gems and jewellery industry, has therefore planned to expand the activities and projects to develop the industry continuously and sustainably, in particular the organisation of this edition of the International Chanthaburi Gems and Jewellery Festival, which would lead the Thai gems and jewellery industry, along with its over one million industrial personnel, towards sustainable prosperity.

Chanthaburi Town

The French occupied Chanthaburi during the end of the 19th century. Its location borders Cambodia to the east. The French influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings within Chanthaburi town. Mary Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Chanthaburi is a 100 years old, one of the largest cathedrals in Thailand and the biggest in the province. To this day, the Catholic cathedral caters to a sizeable Christian population, many of whom are ethnic Vietnamese, who migrated to Thailand in the 20th century. It was constructed in Gothic style, with high rooftop and curved arch ceiling in European style. The windows of the building were elaborately decorated by colourful stained glasses. The highlight of the cathedral interior is the statue of the Virgin Mary, which estimated to be covered by 200,000 to 500,000 semi-precious gems.

Chanthaboon waterfront

The Chanthaboon waterfront is an old neighbourhood charm filled with restored houses, alleys and new trendy cafes. Sri Chan road in the town is well known as the Gem Road for trading gems and jewellery. It is one of the big gem markets in Thailand. The area was developed as important trading centre of Chanthaburi. The waterfront settlement runs for a full kilometre, following the path on both side of Chanthaburi River, starting from Tha Luang road to Sukhapiban Road.

Other famous sites

Khitchakut Mountain has a Buddha statue; Wat Thong Tua is a temple where a 100 years old pagoda is situated. This temple is a place reserving antiques and ancient lintels in Thalaboriwat style. Each year between January and March, many Thais go to worship the Buddha’s footprint at the mountain in Khao Khitchakhut National Park. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists to practise meditation. Namtok Philio National Park has a popular waterfall. Trok Nong Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall with the river flowing throughout the year. There is also a campsite for adventurers.

After the visit to Chanthaburi, we agree that the city owns to its famous name as the treasure of the east, with its historical significance as gems trading centre and the plentiful supply of exotic fruits. It is certainly a local destination one should not miss!