Issue 26

Goldsmiths in Thailand are catching up with new technology and expanding their customer base with the help of the Thai Goldsmith Association.

The large number of skilled goldsmiths and the rise of new innovations within the gold industry were two topics explored at the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair 2015, held in Bangkok in March.

In 2014, exports of gold goods from Thailand were valued at US$1.9 billion, with Hong Kong, the US, and the UAE being principle markets.

The Thai Goldsmith Association (TGA) is tasked with both preserving the traditions and ensuring the future of the industry.

“We have a large number of highly experienced goldsmiths who can pass on their knowledge to other goldsmiths and to later generations,” says Thanakit Phaowingkham, a member of the TGA. “Our association is established to develop the skills potential of goldsmiths and also to promote the export of gold articles to compete in the world market. Some of our activities include training courses held with the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour.”

According to Phaowingkham, the TGA is working hard to keep up with the latest technology. “Now there are many new technologies in the industry used to increase the production quantity and lower costs of manufacture for gold articles,” he says. “We train our members about using these new technologies and equipment to develop their businesses.”

Yongyuth Rattanapanya, director of Brilliance Jewelry, and a fellow member of the TGA says that most members trade both silver and gold. “Different countries have needs for different goods, silver articles are often ordered in large quantities to be sold in department stores in the US, while our partners in the UAE, especially Dubai, would request large pieces of high-end, custom-made gold jewelry,” he says.

According to Rattanapanya, the TGA works with members that lack the necessary skills to export their products. “We train them until they are able to do so,” he says. “If they are already exporting their products, the TGA works with the DITP to bring entrepreneurs overseas to participate in tradeshows and fairs.”

In 2014, the TGA and the DITP brought goldsmiths to overseas events in Singapore and China, states Rattanapanya. The association also has plans to take members to Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, as the opening of the ASEAN Economic Community means more opportunities for Thai businesses to gain access to new markets.

Words by Sirinuch Borsub