He said the decline in visitor numbers this year is due to concern over the coronavirus outbreak.
The fair is on from today until February 29 at Impact Muang Thong Thani convention centre.
He said the department made the right decision to go ahead and organise the fair, aiming to turn Thailand into the world’s jewellery hub.
He expects transactions worth Bt2.4 billion at the fair.
The country has targeted gems and jewellery exports growth of one per cent this year (excluding gold) worth Bt500 billion.
There are 972 local and foreign exhibitors at this year’s event.
The event has stepped up measures to deal with the outbreak to ensure visitor safety. For example, thermal scanners and thermal guns are deployed at the entrance. The venue will also frequently spray disinfectant at touch points, while face masks are available for visitors.