Thailands Stamps 2014: The Chinese New Year (Phra Sangkajai)

The Chinese New Year stamp 2014 features a picture of Phra Sangkajai, or the cloth sack monk (the name come from the bag that he is conventionally depicted as carrying). He is the Buddhist deity known to both Thais and Chinese living in Thailand. Mostly found in Chinese temples, the monk image is depicted with a bulging belly and smiling face. It is believed that he will bring in luck, abundance and happiness to those who pay homage to him.
According to Chinese belief, Phra Sangkajai is Phra Bhodisat who will be enlightened and become Phra Sri Ariya Mettrai in the future. He is the different one from Phra Maha Kajjayana, one of the Lord Buddha's disiples who had similar appearance. But Phra Maha Kajjayana has curling hair line all over the head, his face is calm, not smiling. He wears robe in Theravada style with both hands holding his belly or an alm.

Date of Issue: 24 January 2014
Denonmination: 5,00 Baht
Quantity: 900,000 pieces
Size: 51 x 36 mm (Horizontal-measured from perforation to perforation)
Printer: Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps per sheet
First Day Cover: 13,00 Baht
Designer: Mrs. Veena Chantanatat (Thailand Post Company Limited)