The first seven months of 2008 have seen Thailand’s exports of gem and jewellery touch $4.53 billion, and as per the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association, the country is set to experience an annual increase of 20 percent or $5.92 billion by year end. The ongoing political stress in Thailand did not much influence the 42nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will close on September 15. The organisers at the event had predicted an attendance of 3,149 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors. %% Vichai Assarasakorn, president of the association said that the country has bettered its exports to new markets like China, India, the Middle East and Russia by more than a 100 percent.