A Disappearing Treasure Beneath the River

Tucked away in Thailand’s Trat Province, near the Cambodian border, lies one of the most legendary places in the world of gemstones: Bo Rai. Though often called a “mine,” Bo Rai is not a mine in the traditional sense. It is, in fact, a river – and for decades, its waters revealed some of Thailand’s most beautiful rubies.

What makes Bo Rai extraordinary is not only the gemstones it has given up, but also the way they were found. Divers would plunge into the flowing waters, feeling their way through gravel and sand to discover hidden treasures. No machines, no drills – just human hands, patience, and a measure of luck. Surrounding the river, quiet mountains rise like guardians, their slopes concealing the secrets of sapphire deposits.

These very mountains mark a natural border. Beyond them lies Cambodia, and for years the relationship between the two nations over this region has been complicated, sometimes tense. Today, the area is heavily militarized. Gemstone mining is strictly prohibited, and soldiers patrol the landscape to ensure that no mining can take place. This reality makes the rubies that were already recovered from Bo Rai even more valuable – because there may never be more.

Over time, the supply of rubies from Bo Rai dwindled. What was once a rich source of blood-red beauty has become a quiet reminder of nature’s limits – and its power to enchant. Owning a ruby from Bo Rai is not simply about possessing a gemstone; it is about holding a piece of history. With every passing year, these stones grow more precious, not only in rarity but in meaning.

Our Connection to Bo Rai

For us at Siam Gems Club, Bo Rai is more than a name in gemstone history – it is a source of inspiration. Known for producing rubies with an unmistakable glow, Bo Rai embodies Thailand’s rich gem legacy.

We are proud to work with stones from this origin, enhancing them through traditional cutting in Chanthaburi, where generations of artisans preserve the art of gemcraft. In every Bo Rai ruby, we see not only the beauty of a gem but the story of a place, a river, and a tradition that may never return.

✨ A disappearing treasure, a lasting legacy.

Discover our Ruby collection with several gems from Bo Rai