The first seven months of 2008 have seen Thailand’s exports of gem and jewellery touch $4.53 billion, and as per the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association, the country is set to experience an annual increase of 20 percent or $5.92 billion by year end. The ongoing political stress in Thailand did not much influence the 42nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will close on September 15. The organisers at the event had predicted an attendance of 3,149 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors.

Vichai Assarasakorn, president of the association said that the country has bettered its exports to new markets like China, India, the Middle East and Russia by more than a 100 percent.