Tradeshows

Issue 46

Last year was a good one for Thailand’s tourism sector with 20% growth, this year TAT has a dual strategy to ensure this impressive performance is maintained.

China is now by far the biggest source of visitor arrivals to Thailand. Last year some 7.88 million Chinese visitors came to the kingdom, and this year, according to figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the trend seems set to continue.

“In January 2016, Thailand welcomed 814,593 Chinese visitors – up 45.37% over the same period in 2015,” Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT’s Governor, told Horizon Thailand in an exclusive interview. TAT expects that Chinese visitors will generate 436 billion baht of revenue, a rise of 16% on 2015’s figures.

Supasorn attributes Thailand’s attractiveness to Chinese visitors to a number of factors.

“Thailand has a positive image amongst Chinese travellers as a friendly and hospitable destination, a variety of tourist attractions with value-for-money products and services,” he says, adding that visa on arrival facilities and the “great Chinese cuisine all over Thailand” are other contributing factors.

TAT’s governor is also keen to emphasise the authority’s strong marketing campaign spearheaded by its five Chinese offices in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming and Shanghai. The campaign targets “both first-time and repeat visitors as well as Free Independent Travellers (FITs) and high-end market segments”. This strategy is in line with the government’s policy to focus on stimulating tourist spending rather than simply looking at arrival numbers.

“TAT has also continuously been promoting and marketing Thailand in China, placing emphasis on establishing partnerships between Thai and Chinese tour companies to promote quality tour packages and participating in local and international travel trade events to strengthen the awareness of Thailand as a top tourist destination,” he adds.

For 2016, TAT will also emphasise the country’s healthy wellness and spa sector.

“The art of rejuvenation and healing, from organic spa therapies to traditional Thai massage, is an integral part of Thai culture that has been passed on for centuries,” says Supasorn. “There are also varieties of Thai traditional spas for customers to choose, ranging from the northern Lanna style to the southern Nora.”

Supasorn believes that visitors are drawn by the “good quality service, Thai hospitality, the expertise of therapists together with the reasonable prices”.

Thailand’s now world-famous private hospitals can also act as magnets to draw medical tourists, according to Supasorn.

“Across the country, visitors will find a myriad of choices of wellness offers, ranging from traditional Thai massage shops and day-spa establishments to destination wellness centres and international standard hospitals,” he says.

According to Supasorn, the latest industry hot trend is “anti-ageing” with many specialised centres available around the country. Last year, TAT organised the ‘Thailand Health and Wellness Tourism Showcase 2015; Anti Aging: The Next Big Thing in Health Tourism’.

“The event consisted of a trade conference and business matching meetings between 36 top anti-ageing and aesthetic providers in Thailand, such as, hospitals, anti-ageing clinics, aesthetic clinics, with 50 medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies as well as participants from 18 countries,” he says.

Certainly, judging by its current performance, Thailand’s tourism industry is showing no sign of ageing.

Words by Mark Bibby Jackson

 

Issue 45

 
 

The 57th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair announced Thailand as the golden gateway to ASEAN.

“I believe that the Thai gems and jewelry industry is on course to become a jewelry hub, not just in ASEAN but of the world within the next few years,” Suttipong Damrongsakul, President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) told assembled international media at the 57th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) on February 26.

Thailand’s gems and jewelry industry constitutes an essential part of the country’s export trade. The jewelry industry is ranked third after automobiles and electronics generating 371 billion baht ($10.3 billion). The 15,777 businesses involved in the industry employs 1.3 million people.

“We have come a long way from several decades ago when the industry was formed,” said Somchai Phornchindarak, President of the Thai Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation (GJPCT) of Thailand. “Today, Thai gems and jewelry is accepted everywhere in the world due to its high-quality and skilled craftsmanship.”

 
 

Damrongsakul believes the industry needs to focus more on some certain issues to achieve its target of Thailand becoming a gem and jewelry hub.

“Firstly, we should build up more skilled workers and designers,” he said. “Second, find the way to fix the shortage of upstream materials like rough stones, raw gems, rough diamonds. Third, stimulate marketing support for manufacturers and exporters. Fourth, amend the laws to support the industry. Next, help SMEs to access financial support from the financial institutions in Thailand. And last, we should encourage technology and innovation development in the industry.”

The industry experts took the opportunity of the 57th BGJF to launch the Ruby Symposium 2017, which will be held in the Thai capital in April next year.

“We aim to work with the government to hold the Ruby Symposium in Bangkok in 2017 to focus about commercial issues in the world ruby industry,” said Suttipong Damrongsakul. “Keynote speakers will include shareholders worldwide, with over 400 participants joining the event.”

“The aim of the Ruby Symposium is to address the issues and challenges of the world’s ruby trade and to establish a transparent and trustworthy supply chain on an international level,” added Somchai Phornchindarak.

Suttipong Damrongsakul believes that Thailand’s gems and jewelry can build on its comparative strengths to become a regional powerhouse.

“Thailand is also a good place to do business in the region compared to Singapore, Hong Kong and China,” he said. “Our business operation costs and expenses are much affordable for business people. Thailand could be a centre not only for ASEAN but can be ASEAN+6.”

One change for 2017 is that BGJF will no longer be held in February, but rather in January, in a move aimed at distancing itself from the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show. The September BGJF will also be brought forwards to August.

“This is to ensure that buyers would not need to hurry from our fair to other fairs in the region and that exhibitors will be able to participate at the fair,” said Suttipong Damrongsakul.

The 57th BGJF was held at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from February 24 to 28. Over 30,000 visitors from around the world visited the 2,600 exhibitors at Asia’s second largest gems and jewelry showcase.

Words by Mark Bibby Jackson

 

Issue 43

 
 

Thai jewelry has developed international repute for the quality of its design, cutting and polishing, but the owner of leading exporter Yakhunit believes there is still much room for expansion in the market.

Visitors will discover the intricate detail, innovative techniques and elaborate designs of the Thai gem and jewelry industry at the 57th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF), held at the at Bangkok’s IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center from February 24 to 28, 2016.

 
 

“While Hong Kong is well known as a hub for diamonds, Thailand is recognised for its gemstones,” says Khajohnkiat Suwanichkul, owner of Yakhunit, which exports semi-precious stones with silver and gold design to Australia, the US, the EU and Middle East. “Even if it’s harder now to find precious gemstones in Thailand, our craft cutting of both precious and semi-precious gemstones is well-known all over the world.”

Thailand’s gem and jewelry business is booming. In 2014, exports reached 324.1 billion baht (almost $9 billion), and figures for the first 11 months in 2015 were 16.87% up on the corresponding period the previous year. Gemstones represent 12.33% of the total export value of Thailand's gem and jewelry industry behind gold and semi-finished gold, jewelry and diamonds.

Yakhunit was established in 2000 as a manufacturer of jewelry focused on semi-precious stones from Brazil.

“Latin America is well known for its semi-precious stones, such as amethyst and blue topaz,” Suwanichkul says. “Our selling point is the strength of our design and craftsmanship.”

According to Suwanichkul, Thai craftsmanship is highly regarded on the global jewelry market. “Clients trust Made in Thailand,” he says. However, the jewelry entrepreneur feels there is room for improvement in the industry. “Thailand is renowned as a source for precious stones but where we seem lacking is the variety of jewelry design. If our Thai entrepreneurs strengthen this point, I think our industry will be more attractive,” he says.

The BGJF is one of the main channels for the Thai gems and jewelry industry to gain access to more markets. “If we could have more entrepreneurs from AEC countries at the BGJF, it would make the event even more interesting. Thailand could be the gem and jewelry gateway to ASEAN as well,” he says. “Thai entrepreneurs should have more positive expectations since the introduction of Zero VAT and duty free [for BGJF].”

As for Yakhunit, Suwanichkul says the company is planning to launch its own brand in 2016. “We believe that our Thai jewelry industry still has a long way to go,” he says.

For more information, visit www.yakhunit.com

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi


 

 

Issue 44

The gems and jewellery sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Thailand, especially with the industry welcoming young designers, giving them the freedom to express their design concepts and develop their craftsmanship.

Anek Tantasirin, founder and designer of Arquetype contemporary jewellery and gemstone brand, is living proof that hard work, passion and creativity can pay off. After winning several awards, including the Design Excellence Award 2014 and the Good Design Award, his products have also been displayed at Premiere Classe trade show in Paris.

“Arquetype consists of a wide selection of gemstones sourced from all over the world and can be worn by both sexes,” Tantasirin says. “I believe success comes when you are able to create an emotional connection between customers and the brand, and also to deliver a meaningful customer experience. Therefore, my designs are inspired by nature, art and surroundings.”
The talent of the young Thai designer is appreciated by both local and international buyers. Arquetype is sold at major Thai department stores, such as Emporium and Siam Paragon, and overseas to clients in Russia, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and France. “Recently we have agreed to trade with Dubai buyers too,” Tantasirin says.

Although his collections are varied to satisfy the different needs of the market, with pieces made from sterling silver, and natural and semi-precious gemstones, the majority of the resources used are from Thailand, except for some of the gemstones.

Tantasirin also places a high value on customer loyalty. “We offer high quality products, excellent designs and exceptional services so we also adjust styles to suit customers’ needs,” he says.

He believes that Thailand’s gem and jewellery sector has evolved into a regional manufacturing hub, with the innovation and creativity of its young designers as major factors contributing to its growth.

“Apart from offering stunning craftsmanship, Thai manufacturers focus on producing and delivering high quality products and services, which are the strengths of this industry,” he says. “Thai designers now enjoy opportunities to try out new ideas and create something from their experiences, which make each designer’s work unique and help create brand identity.”

Unsurprisingly the in-demand designer sees a bright future for Arquetype.

“For 2016, we plan to work together with related agencies to promote the products and to understand customer requirements,” he says. “Our future plans include attending more national and international exhibitions to show product developments and innovations to potential customers.”

For more information, visit www.arquetypeofficial.com
Words by Manisa Maini

 


 

 

Issue 42

One of the most prestigious gem and jewelry fairs in the world opens in Bangkok.

February will see Bangkok sparkle into life as the biannual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) returns to the Thai capital. The second largest jewelry fair in Asia – and the fifth in the world – organisers are confident the event will help propel the country into becoming the spring board to the Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) nations.

Held at Bangkok’s IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center – the largest column-free, ground-level exhibition facility in Asia – from February 24 to 28, the 57th BGJF is expected to attract tens of thousands of buyers from over 130 countries, from the US to the EU and from Russia to the Middle East, as well as 30,000 local visitors. Last September, over 1,500 exhibitors with over 3,000 booths attended the 56th BGJF, generating gross export revenue in excess of US$12.8 billion.

Somchai Phornchindarak has no doubt as to what makes BGJF stand out from the crowd. “We are different from other fairs because our products are really varied, our designs are excellent and we are number one in the world,” says the Chairman of the Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand.

Suttipong Damrongsakul, President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), believes that BGJF57 will showcase Thailand’s expertise and talent. “We would like to encourage new innovation from exhibitors, as we want to present to foreign buyers the potential of Thai gems and jewelry companies,” he says.

Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Trade and Promotion (DITP) sees a glittering future for the sector. “The government is confident of the potential of Thai businesses in the gem and jewelry industry. Various measures and incentives have been introduced to facilitate trading.”

But the 57th BGJF will be much more than a glittering showcase of some of the world’s finest diamonds and coloured stones, it is very much a place of work. “The objective of the fair is for foreign buyers to come and place orders, which is why the fair is held twice a year,” says Phornchindarak.

To encourage further trade, the government has lifted the 20% tax on imported gems and jewelry sold at the 57th BGJF. Foreign exhibitors can import and sell gems and jewelry from other countries duty-free, and local exhibitors can make their prices more competitive. Ultimately it will be the buyer who wins out the most.

The move is part of the Thai government’s ongoing support of the industry, according to Phornchindarak. “The government has been with us every step of the way, helping to promote exports as well as developing overseas markets via trade fairs, road shows and exceptional exhibitions,” he says. “All these changes predict a gleaming future for everyone.”

Another government concession is the Zero VAT privilege, where buyers of rough gems and raw materials are exempted from paying the 7% tax.

Aside from the tax cuts, the main feature of the 57th BGJF will be a series of design pavilions including the Department of International Trade Promotion’s Thai Design Pavilion and one organized by Gemsfield UK to showcase some of the finest jewelry from around the world.

To make doing business even easier, this year BGJF will also have its own mobile application, which will enable buyers to connect with sellers, as well as providing a floor plan of all exhibitions. There will also be various seminars, contests, trend updates and special offers.

Phornchindarak believes that the 57th BGJF underlines the industry’s bright future, not that he is one to rest on his laurels. “We need to push Thailand to become the gem and jewelry hub in ASEAN,” he says.

For more information, visit: www.bangkokgemsfair.com

By Mark Bibby Jackson

 

 

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