Myanmar/Thailand: For Thai Buyers, Uncut Myanmar Gems Lose Their Shine

Mar 1, 2016 | Chan Mya Htwe, Myanmar Times
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Thailand's demand for uncut Myanmar gems has fallen as jewellers increasingly source from other countries across the globe, experts said last week at a major trade fair in Bangkok. Several years ago, around 30 percent of gems traded in Thailand were from Myanmar, sourced from locations such as the ruby mining town of Mogok, in Mandalay Region. The figure has since fallen to just 5pc, said Somchai Phornchindarak, chair of the Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand.