Chanthaburi: Jatuporn and Suchart led the Ministry of Commerce in a visit to Chanthaburi, joining forces with all sectors to urgently address issues related to longans, border trade, labor, and gems. They are scheduled to meet with the Chinese ambassador.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Minister of Commerce, along with Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce, led a group of executives to Chanthaburi Province for a joint public-private sector meeting to monitor the border trade situation and longan export issues. The meeting took place at the Rama IX International Mangrove Botanical Garden, Nong Bua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province. The meeting addressed proposals from the local private sector, including the Thai-Cambodian border trade situation, the impact on Chanthaburi province’s tourism and trade slowdown due to the conflict between the two countries, labor shortages in longan orchards, and the discovery of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in longans exported to Chin
a exceeding the standard, leading to the return of several containers. This has resulted in the suspension of operations at the importing warehouses and farmers suffering from liquidity problems.
Mr. Chatuporn stated that the Ministry of Commerce recognizes the importance of this issue and is ready to integrate and collaborate with all sectors. Next week, they will hold discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to push for a suitable solution for Thai longan exports. While this will be challenging due to Chinese regulations, the Thai government must expedite negotiations to enable farmers to sell their produce. Meanwhile, measures are being taken to accelerate domestic production under the “Thai Made, Thai Use, Thai Help Thai” policy. This includes accelerating the search for new markets and promoting value-added processing.
Efforts are also being coordinated with tourism and domestic trade agencies to mitigate the impact of international conflicts on Chanthaburi Province. Authorities emphasize that solving t
he problem must be serious, without political divisions, and without allowing civil servants to idle, as the suffering of the people cannot wait.
In addition to visiting the gem trading center at the International Gem Market and meeting with entrepreneurs at the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Promotion Center in Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, the officials also visited the gem cutting workshops by local artisans and the Burapha University Gem Analysis and Research Laboratory.
Mr. Chatuporn stated that Chanthaburi, long regarded as the “Gem Capital of the World,” faces challenges due to a shortage of raw materials, which must be imported from Mozambique and other countries. Meanwhile, key markets like China have slowed down following the COVID-19 crisis, and US tariffs are impacting trade. This has forced the private sector to seek new markets.
Local entrepreneurs have also proposed additional strategies, such as supporting international trade fairs, inviting potential buyers to visit Chanthaburi, and
promoting Chanthaburi’s image through public relations media, such as displaying “Chanthaburi Gems” on a board at the airport to attract tourists and buyers.
“What we need is to drive the ‘Chanthaburi Model’ into concrete action. The province and all sectors must work together to create a roadmap to propel Chanthaburi into a sustainable global gem metropolis,” said Mr. Chatuporn.