I am with Andy Turk on a super fun ( and profitable! ) gem buying tour.
Right now we are in Chanthaburi- one of the largest wholesale gem markets in the world.
Chanthaburi Gem Market
Chanthaburi Gem Market has a rich and early history that dates back several centuries. Small-scale gemstone mining and trading in Eastern Thailand, including Chanthaburi, were described as early as the 15th century. These Sapphire fields extend across the border into Cambodia and are largely unexploited today.
The region’s fertile lands and agricultural activities often led to the accidental discovery of sapphires and other gemstones while villagers were planting their crops.
Stories of newly arrived farmers finding plentiful corundum on the surface as large as hen’s eggs abound.
It is worth noting that Chanthaburi has a long history of receiving settlers from various backgrounds, including Khmer settlers in the 13th century and later migrants from China and other regions. This multicultural heritage has contributed to the unique identity of Chanthaburi as a city known for its cultural diversity.
Chinese settlement
Chanthaburi, Thailand, has a rich history of Chinese settlement and immigration. Over the years, several migrations of Chinese immigrants, particularly from Vietnam, have contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of Chanthaburi. The Chinese settlers, along with the original Chong settlers, have played a significant role in shaping the history and development of the region.
Chinese immigrants have been present in Chanthaburi for many centuries. In 1408, a Chinese immigrant invented a method for cutting and polishing gemstones, which eventually led to the city’s association with the gem trade. The Chinese community has made notable contributions to the gemstone industry and has established itself as a prominent part of Chanthaburi’s identity.
Chinese settlers in Chanthaburi have also brought their traditions, religion, and culinary practices to the region. They have influenced the local cuisine, architecture, and cultural traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s heritage. Many Chinese temples and shrines can be found throughout Chanthaburi, serving as important cultural and religious landmarks.
Chinese settlers have actively participated in trade and commerce, contributing to the local economy. They have been involved in various industries, including agriculture, gem trading, and small businesses. Chinese-owned businesses and shops can be found in Chanthaburi, adding vibrancy to the city’s commercial scene.
Chanthaburi, Thailand, has a history of receiving waves of settlers from various backgrounds, and among them were Burmese settlers who played a significant role in the region’s development. Thousands of Burmese Shan people, who are ethnically related to the Thais, migrated to Chanthaburi, Trat, and Pailin Cambodia. These Burmese Shan settlers were instrumental in the development of the mining industry in the region.
The Burmese
The Burmese Shan settlers brought with them their expertise in mining and played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the gemstone mining industry in Chanthaburi. They actively participated in mining activities and contributed to the exploration and extraction of precious gemstones, including sapphires and rubies.
Their presence in Chanthaburi had a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of the region. The Burmese Shan settlers brought their traditions, customs, and language, enriching the diversity and vibrancy of the local community. Their influence can still be seen today in the local culture, cuisine, and architecture.
The Vietnamese
Chanthaburi, Thailand, has been home to a significant population of ethnic Vietnamese settlers.
Vietnamese migration to Chanthaburi occurred in three distinct waves. The first wave took place in the 19th century when Vietnamese Catholics migrated to escape anti-Catholic persecutions in Cochin China. The second wave occurred in the 1920s to 1940s as Vietnamese individuals fled French Indochina. The third wave happened after the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975. These three waves of migration contributed to the Vietnamese presence in Chanthaburi.
Vietnamese settlers in Chanthaburi have made notable contributions to the local community and culture. They have played a part in shaping the region’s history and development. Their influence can be seen in various aspects, including architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions. The Vietnamese migrants have added to the diversity and multicultural fabric of Chanthaburi.
The Vietnamese community in Chanthaburi has established their own distinct neighborhoods and cultural institutions. They have preserved their traditions and have been able to maintain their cultural identity while integrating into the broader society. The Catholic Church in Chanthaburi has a significant presence and is closely associated with the Vietnamese community.
The Vietnamese have also made contributions to the local economy. Many Vietnamese individuals in Chanthaburi are involved in various industries, including agriculture, trade, and small businesses. They have brought their entrepreneurial spirit and skills to the region, contributing to its economic growth.
Chanthaburi’s prominence in sapphire mining grew significantly in the mid-1970s when traders from the region ventured to Australia in search of sapphires. During their explorations, they discovered a method of heating geuda sapphire from Sri Lanka. This breakthrough in heat treatment techniques further established Chanthaburi as a global hub for rubies and sapphires.
By the late 1990s, most of the Thai and Cambodian mines had been exhausted, reflecting the intensive mining activities that took place in the region. However, in the early 2000s, there was a revival of small-scale mining in Chanthaburi province, breathing new life into the local gemstone industry. Chanthaburi’s sapphire deposits are highly valued and associated with the province’s unique geological formations.
The Chanthaburi-Trat gem field, often referred to as the “Hill of Gems,” has played a significant role in the region’s mining history. This gem field, which was first reported in 1850, has been a renowned source of sapphires and other precious stones. Mechanized gem mining in Chanthaburi started as early as the 1890s, further highlighting the long-standing mining tradition in the area.
Modern Sapphire mining in Chanthaburi, Thailand has a fascinating history that spans several decades. The region has been renowned for its gemstone trade, particularly in rubies and sapphires. Traders from Chanthaburi have historically ventured to Australia in search of sapphires, and in the mid-1970s, they made a significant discovery. They developed a method of heating geuda sapphire from Sri Lanka, which further solidified Chanthaburi’s position as a global center for rubies and sapphires. By the late 1990s, most of the mines in Thailand and Cambodia had been depleted.
The mining activities in Chanthaburi and the neighboring Trat provinces often originated as a byproduct of agricultural activities. Villagers stumbled upon sapphires and rubies while planting crops, leading to the development of mining operations in the area. Over the past half-century, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces have become famous for their sapphire mines, contributing significantly to the gemstone industry.
The Chanthaburi-Trat gem field, known as the “Hill of Gems,” has been a notable location for gem mining since 1850. This gem field has played a crucial role in the region’s history and has been a significant source of sapphires and other precious stones. Gem mining in the Chanthaburi-Trat area was first reported at Khao Ploi Waen, also known as Pagoda Hill or the Hill of Gems.
In recent years, there has been a small-scale mining revival in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province. The early 2000s witnessed a resurgence of mining activities in the region. Chanthaburi’s sapphire deposits are associated with the province’s geological formations, and this revival has brought renewed attention to the area’s gemstone resources.
To this day, Chanthaburi remains a prominent hub for the gemstone trade, with a reputation for producing high-quality sapphires. The region’s sapphire deposits are highly regarded, attracting gemstone enthusiasts and traders from around the world. Chanthaburi’s unique geological characteristics and rich mining history have contributed to its status as a gem capital in Thailand.
Read all about Chanthaburi and what goes on there