Despite the deadly virus outbreak, Thailand plans to hold the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair later this month as scheduled.
Somdet Susomboon, the International Trade Promotion Department's director-general, said the fair will go ahead as planned and the department has already prepared preventive measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Organised on a biannual basis by the department in February and September, the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is one of the industry's top trade gatherings.
Key players in the global gems and jewellery business attend the fair to source, trade and network, he said.
The 65th edition of the fair to be held from Feb 25-29 will feature extensive collections of raw gems such as coloured stones, diamonds, pearls, amber and semi-precious stones as well as precious metals sourced from Thailand and a global supply chain.
Jewellery from local manufacturers and overseas will also be featured.
The event features 900 companies in 2,200 booths from selected domestic and international exhibitors.
Mr Somdet said participants, potential buyers and importers have all confirmed they will participate in the event.
The department has teamed up with the Disease Control Department under the Public Health Ministry and Impact Exhibition Management Co to introduce preventive measures against the spread of the virus.
Among the measures, the fair will provide hand sanitisers at the entrances, toilets and meeting rooms; install thermal-scanners and use infrared thermometers to identify suspected cases; set up a coronavirus screening medical unit; increase frequencies of sanitising the fairground with disinfectant; provide masks and special waste bins, and set up coronavirus precautions signs.
He said local gems and jewellery remain in demand because of their good craftsmanship, design quality and comprehensive production process from upstream to downstream.
Gem and jewellery exports rank third in the country's total export value, trailing automotive and parts, and computers and parts.
The industry employs more than 700,000 staff.
Last year, Thailand's gems and jewellery exports including gold topped US$15.7 billion (489 billion baht), up 30.3% from the previous year.