Thailand Stamps 2014: 100 Years purified Water to Citizen

People used to exploit rainwater or water from natural sources such as brooks, swamps, canals or creeks for their consumption. There were times that water was not clean enough and was  contaminated which caused fatal sickness. His Majesty King Chulalongkorn decreed that provided purified water to Thai citizen by a reservoir's construction with a canal development from Chiang Rak to Sam Sen. Then came a water treatment plant with the infiltration and desinfection for incoming water along with placing water pipes reaching Phra Nakhon district. The total development of water supply system was complete during the reign of Phra Bat Somdet Phra Mongkul Klao Chao Yu Hua and the opening ceremony of "Karn Pra Pa Krung Tep" was held on November 14, 1914.
It has been 100 years that the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has supplied purified water to Thai people.
Thailand Post take this opportunity to issue a commemorative stamp with a graceful image of the Goddess of Earth or wringing the cool water of detachment out of her hair which is a logo of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority along with 100th anniversary of Thailand Waterworks logo. There is an image of the company buildings from the past to which of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority's present office portraying the evolution of Thailand Waterworks.

Date of Issue: 15 August 2014
Denonmination: 3,00 Baht
Quantity: 500,000 pieces
Size: 48 x 30 mm (Horizontal-measured from perforation to perforation)
Printer: Chan Wanich Security Printing Company Limited, Thailand
Printing Process: Lithography
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps per sheet
First Day Cover: 10,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Thaneth Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2014: Thailand -Vatican Inter-Religious Relation

These commemorative postage stamps are to celebrate the 350th anniversary of a council of the church or a Synod of Ayutthaya in 1664 prior to the official nomination of Apostolic Vicar of Sia which marked the beginning of Christianity in Thailand. To pass down the historical record of the initiative introduction of evangelism, the portrait from French artist's imagination which is the image of a priest or Pope Alexander VII appointing 3 missionaries to carry on evangelism in Asia with an appearance of St. Joseph Church known as the first catholic establishment in Siam as a background.

Date of Issue: 15 August 2014 
Denonmination: 5,00 Baht
Quantity: 500,000 pieces
Size: 40,5 x 30 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: Miss Mayuree Narknisom (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2014: The potentially of Digital TV

Each year the commemorative postage stamp of National Communications Day brings the latest invention of communication to the design. The philatelic collection becomes a historic record of the latest trend in communication device during the time.
For the year of 201, "Digital TV" theme is a part of a continued series previously launched on December 11, 2013. The theme focuses on a potential of Digital TV by placing screenshots of all 27 channels (24 commercial and 3 public channels) inside a screen TV on the postage stamp. This screen's ratio is also similar to which of a 16:9 widescreen TV.

Date of Issue: 4 August 2014 
Denonmination: 3,00 Baht
Quantity: 500,000 pieces
Size: 48 x 30 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: 10,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Thaneth Ponchaiwong (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2014: 100th Anniversary of Thais' Airport

Centenary of Don Muang International Airport commemorative Stamps

1. (left) It is a royal portrait of Field Marshal His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, Prince of Phitsanulok who was initially instrumental and supportive to the development of the aviation business in the Kingdom and became appointed as "The Father of the Royal Thai Air Force"


2. (top right) It is an image of Breguet 14 B, served as a mail plane in the early days.
3. (right center) It is an image of Terminal 1 or the passengers' rest area which was built in 1955
4. (right bottom) It is an image of the current scenery of Don Muang International Airport.

More info about Thailand Airports...>

Date of Issue: 1 July 2014     
Denonmination: 3,00 Baht (4 designs)
Quantity: 500,000 pieces per design
Size: 48 x 30 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: 22,00 Baht
Designer: Mr. Udorn Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Thailand Stamps 2014: Amphibians

A Metamorphosis of a tiny living

This philatelic collection shows 4 lifelike pictures of amphibians through the technique of spot-UV printing. They are flat-headed Toad, Phongsaly Tree frog, long-nosed horned frog and Red-eared frog. Amphibians are very any vertebrates inhabiting in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. Mucous glands on their skin help maintain the constant moist and slipperiness in the skin. There is no founding of flakes or hair. Their respiratory system is enabled through gills, lungs, body skin or skin inside their mouth and throat. They lay group of eggs in fresh water to reproduce while larvae or tadpoles are aquatic species and have gills for respiration. At a metamorphosis, a change of body will take place and they will become terrestrial inhabitants. A respiratory system will be possible through lungs and skin. During summer, they'll mostly hibernate to avoid drought and heat.

Date of Issue: 10 July 2014     
Denonmination: 5,00 Baht (4 Design)
Quantity: 400,000 pieces per design
Size: 48 x 30 mm (Horizontal-measured from perforation to perforation)     
Printer: Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand
Printing Process: Lithography (Spot UV applied on the amphibians)
Colour: Multi-colour
Sheet Composition: 10 stamps per sheet
Souvenir Sheet: 35,00 Baht
First Day Cover: 31,00 Baht
Designer: Miss Mayuree Narknisorn (Thailand Post Company Limited)

Bangkok Airports

The main field before the opening of Don Mueang International Airport was the Sa Pathum airfield. Eight years after the first flight of the Wright Brothers with an engined aircraft, a Belgian pilot, Van den Born flew to Thailand, taking Orville Wright to perform the first flight show from 2 – 8 February 1911 at Sa Pathum Horse Racing Course, now known as the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

In 1911, Thailand had sent three army officers to France to train as pilots. On completion of their training in 1911, the pilots were authorized to purchase eight aircraft, four Breguets and fourNieuports, which formed the basis of the Royal Thai Air Force. After the termination of Sa Pathum airfield a search for a new location there was and Don Muang became selected at last. Qwing to its elevated landscape, Don Muang was unlikely to be flooded, not too distant from Phra Nakon and it came with a prospect to be extended to a larger airport. The upland was reshaped to enable aircrafts’ takeoff and landing along with a construction of hangars and airline operation offices, as necessary, was seen. On March 8. 1914, airliner from Sa Pathum airfield landing Don Muang International airport for the first time marked the airports auspicious inauguration.

Don Muang International Airport became a solid foundation of Thai aviation when the Royal Thai Airforce permanently relocated a new base to this area on March 27, 1914.

In September 2006, Don Mueang Airport was closed and replaced by the newly opened Suvarnabhumi Airport, before reopening on 24 March 2007 after renovations. Since the opening of the new airport, it has become a regional commuter flight hub and the de facto low-cost airline hub. In 2015, it became the world's largest low cost carrier airport.

Stamps issued to the 100th anniversary of Thais' airport with the Royal Portrait of Field Mashal His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, Prince of Phitsanulok who was initially instrumental and supportive to the development of the aviation business in the Kingdom of Thailand and became appointed as "The Father of the Royal Thai Air Force".

Thonburi Market Sanam Luang Song

In addition to Bangkok's Chatuchak Market, the Thonburi Market is another notable market in Thailand.  The Tonburi Market is better known as Sanam Luang Song (สนามหลวง 2). This market is located at 195/1 Moo 1 Thawi Watthana Road (formerly called Liab Khlong Thawi Wattana Road), Thawi Watthana Subdistrict, Thawi Watthana District, Bangkok 10170.  The market Sanam Luang Song is with about 43 acres include  a public park the biggest market in Thonburi. Here you will find different kinds of goods, including plants, antiques, second-hand goods, pets, food and drinks, fresh and dry food, fashion clothings, ceramics, amulets, furniture and home accessories etc. Especially plants, it's considered as the largest orchid trade center in Thailand, including ornamental fishes. 

Nearby the market Sanam Luang Song you will find

• Phutthamonthon,  spacious Buddhist park in the Amphoe Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom province, west of Bangkok. The landmark here is the large walking Buddha statue posture.Thawi Wanarom Park, a public park opened in 2005
• Khlong Thawi Watthana: One of the major canal (khlong ลอง) in the Thonburi area of Bangkok.
• Bangkokthonburi University: The private higher education institution.
• Wat Sala Daeng, an old temple built in 1876.
• Utthayan Avenue or better known as Axis Avenue: One road adjacent to Phutthamonthon. It's nearly 4 kilometer (about 2.4 mi) long, and is recognized as the most beautiful road in Thailand.]
• Thawi Watthana Palace: The residence of the present King of Thailand

Alcohol bans on certain days in Thailand

Who travels to Thailand or lives as a foreigner in Thailand, has to respect not only the customs but also the laws strictly. Since 2009, there have been designated ‘National No Alcohol Days’ to include the Buddhist holidays. Under Thai law, alcohol cannot be sold on these days and vendors caught breaking the ban are liable to a prison sentence of up to six months, a 10,000 Baht fine or both. Following Buddhist holidays are to consider:

Makha Bucha (February/March)

Visakha Bucha (May/June)

Asahna Bucha (July/August)

Wan Khao Phansa (July/August)

Awk Phansa (usually in October)

The exact date of these Buddhist holidays varies each year according to the lunar calendar.

Her Royal Highness Princess Valaya Alongkorn

H.R.H Valaya Alongkorn, Princess of Phetchaburi (* 16 April 1884, +15 February 1938), was a princess of Siam (later Thailand), and a member of the Chakri dynasty. She was the 43rd daughter of King Chulalongkorn and Savang Vadhana. Her older brother Vajirunhis was the first Crown Prince of Siam. She was also the elder sister of Mahidol Adulyadej, the Prince of Songkla, and the full aunt of kings Ananda Mahidol and Bhumibol Adulyadej.

H.R.H. Princess Valaya Alongkorn put a lot of importance on the education of Thai women. She was the patron of Rajini School, established the other all-girls school, Rajini Bon School and donated around 64 hectare of land to the Ministry of Education to H.R establish Petchburiwittayalongkorn Teacher Training school. Later, His Majesty the King granted royal permission to title the college as "Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage" and to use the royal emblem which depicts the privy seal of the ninth reign as a logo of the university. 


Also read in Thailand stamps 2016 for the 84th Anniversary of Petchburiwittayalongkorn Teachers' Training School (Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage)...>

Overview Public Holidays in Thailand for 2018

January

January 1-2 (Monday & Tuesday) – New Year holidays

March

March 1 (Thursday) – Makha Bucha Day

April

April 6 (Friday) – Chakri Day

April 13-15 (Friday-Sunday) – Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival

April 12 (Thursday) – substitution holiday for Songkran

April 16 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Songkran

May

May 1 (Tuesday) – Labour Day

May 29 (Tuesday) – Visakha Bucha Day

July

July 27 (Friday) – Asahna Bucha Day

July 28 (Saturday) – birthday of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)

July 30 (Monday) – substitution holiday for birthday of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn

August

August 12 (Sunday) – H.M. Queen’s Birthday (Mother’s Day).

August 13 (Monday) – Substitution holiday for H.M. Queen’s birthday

  

October

October 13 (Saturday) – Commemorating the passing of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX)

October 15 (Monday) – substitution holiday to commemorate the passing of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej

October 23 (Tuesday) – Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day)

December

December 5 (Tuesday) – King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day (Father’s Day and National Day).

December 10 (Monday) – Constitution Day

December 31 (Monday) – New Year’s Eve

Overview Public Holidays in Thailand for 2019

January

January 1 (Tuesday) – New Year holiday

Januray 2 (Wednesday) – New Year holiday (not yet confirmed)

February

February 19 (Tuesday) – Makha Bucha Day

April

April 6 (Saturday) – Chakri Day

April 8 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Chakri Day

April 13-15 (Saturday-Monday) – Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival

April 12 (Friday) – substitution holiday for Songkran (not confirmed)

April 16 (Tuesday) – substitution holiday for Songkran

May

May 1 (Wednesday) – Labour Day

May 18 (Saturday) – Visakha Bucha Day

May 20 (Monday) – substitution holiday for Visakha Bucha Day

July

July 16 (Tuesday) – Asahna Bucha Day

 July 28 (Sunday) – birthday of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)

 July 29 (Monday) – substitution holiday for birthday of H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn

August

August 12 (Monday) – H.M. Queen’s Birthday (Mother’s Day).

October

October 13 (Sunday) – HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day

October 14 (Monday) – substitution holiday for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day

October 23 (Wednesday) – Chulalongkorn Day (Rama V Day)

  

December

December 5 (Thursday) – King Bhumibol Birthday Commemoration Day (Father’s Day and National Day).

December 10 (Tuesday) – Constitution Day

December 31 (Tuesday) – New Year’s Eve

Events and Festivals in Thailand

In Thailand you find many events and festival with diverse and mixed ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Some cultural events are celebrated all over Thailand, some others are just smaller unique local festivities of some provinces. The most known festivals in Thailand are Loy Krathong and Songkran, which is also the Thai New Year where thousands of tourists come to join in the fun.
Thai festivals are usually related to religions such as the Candle Festival on Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent Day), the Tak Bat Thewo Festival on Awk Phansa Day (end of Buddhist Lent Day), the Flower Alms Offering Festival, the Kathina or Annual Buddhist Robe Offering Ceremony, and the Buddhist Forest Robe Offering Ceremony.

Bangkok's "Chatuchak Weekend Market"

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must for a visit. It is the leading shopping center of Bangkok as it is the center of all types of products. The transportation is convenient because there are sky train stations around the market. There are more than 8,000 stalls in 27 zones. There are eight main product group, which are vegetables and fruits, cloths, pets, plants, cooked food, ready-to eat food, fresh food, and miscellaneous.
At the Chatuchak Weekend Market you will find the best of all kinds of fashion, from street wear, second hand, furniture, vintage, collection, rare stuffs from all over the world, Thai designers’ clothes, to Thai handicrafts and also pets, such as dogs, cats, reptiles, fishes and birds. Discover the best of gifts, souvenirs, home decorations, handmade stuffs, ancient artifacts, carved wood, and sculptures.
You can also experience the best of Thai food and dessert that offer unique flavors like Thai style papaya salad, papaya salad with salted crab, and boat noodles. Taste the seasonal fruits like coconut, mango, durian, and mango steen which is the queen of Thai fruits. As for dessert, you can have coconut ice cream, Thai traditional sweets, and water chestnut in coconut milk, all at a very affordable price

What is "Ramakien"?

The Ramakien (literally "Glory of Rama") is Thailand's national epic, derived from the Hindu Epic Ramayana, an ancient literature. It is the main story of Khon performance, while Indonesia has adopted it for the shadow puppet show the "Wayang purwa". It is the oldest national identity of Indonesia. While the main story is identical to that of the Ramayana, many other aspects were transposed into a Thai context, such as the clothes, weapons, topography, and elements of nature, which are described as being Thai in style. Although Thailand is considered a Theravad Buddhist society, the Hindu mythology latent in the Ramakien serves to provide Thai legends with a creation myth, as well as representations of various spirits which complement beliefs derived from Thai anisimism. A painted representation of the Ramakien can be seen at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Also many of the statues there depict characters from it.

Read more about the Ramayana Epic in "The Shared Literary Heritage of the two Nationals"...>

Chachoengsao Province Miracle 1 - Route 1: Wat U-Bhai Batikaram (Sum Pokong)

Chachoengsao Province

Miracle 1 - Route 1

Wat U-Bhai Batikaram (Sum Pokong)

Pay respect to “Luangpor To” or Pra Trai Ratana Nayok or in Chinese “Chao Po Sum Pokong” which have only three images in Thailand.

Contact:

Near Ban Mai 100-year Market, Supakit Road, Na Mueang, Chachoengsao

Phone: 0-3851-1198, 08-5560-0141

Chachoengsao Province Miracle 1 - Route 1: Wat Pituladirat Rangsarit (Wat Mueang)

Chachoengsao Province

Miracle 1 - Route 1

Wat Pituladirat Rangsarit (Wat Mueang)

Built in King Rama III period called Wat Mueang Temple with walls and stupa chedi similar to Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok. The name was later changed by King Rama V as dedicating to His Uncle who help built the temple.

  

Contact:

Close to city Pillar Shrine,Tambol Na Mueang, Chachoengsao

Phone: 0-3851-5142

Chachoengsao Province Miracle 1 - Route 1: Wat Chinese Pracha Samosorn Temple (Leng Hock Yee)

Chachoengsao Province 

Miracle 1 - Route 1

Wat Chinese Pracha Samosorn Temple (Leng Hock Yee)

Wat Chinese Pracha Samosorn Temple on Supakit Road is a Chinese temple and was built in 1906 during King Rama V period with 100 years old tree-root statue of Chao Mae Guan-Im inside.

Contact:

Supakit Road, Tambol Na Mueang, Chachoengsao

Phone: 08-7931-5864

Chachoengsao Province Miracle 1 - Route 1: Riew Yiang Tai Temple (Wiharn Sian Pad-Riew)

Chachoengsao Province 
Miracle 1 - Route 1

Riew Yiang Tai Temple (Wiharn Sian Pad-Riew)

Riew Yiang Tai Temple or Wiharn Sian Pad-Riew is a newest Temple in town, was built in 2001 to commemorate the King’s 84th Anniversary by Sawang Satha Dhamasathan Foundation as a beautiful Chinese-style temple. This temple has Holy Buddha images and Chinese holy statues to pay respect.

Contact:

Location near Ban Mai Market Place, Mueang, Chachoengsao

Phone: 0-3851-1571

THAILAND's SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

What is Songkran?

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival since the former time. It is a celebration that embraces goodwill, love, compassion, and thankfulness, using water as the means of expression.

The word Songkrann derives from Sanskrit meaning to move or step forward. The first day of Songkran takes place when the sun moves from Pisces into Aries, which marks the New Year’s Day according to the Brahmin solar system.

Songkran Festival

The festival of Songkran fall on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April every year. The first day is known as Maha Songkran or the grand Songkran. The Thai government has declared Songkran festival as extended public holidays to enable the people to return to their hometown for family reunions,merit-making and renuiting with others in their community.

The 13th of April is also declared the Day of the Senior or Elderly by the government. The occasion marks the appreciation for the senior population for their years of contribution to the family and country. The 14th of April is designated as Family Day to celebrate family love and togetherness.

The importance of Songkran Festival

• Songkran is regarded as one of the most important traditions in Thailand because it encompasses the three major values in the Thai way of live which are:
• Value of family: Songkran is the time when family members come together to show appreciation, loveand respect as well as making merit and paying homage to their ancestors.
• Value of society: Through active participation and interaction with each other, Songkran brings the people in the community together to enhance goodwill and unity in the society.
• Value of religion: Making merit by offering food to monks. going to the temples and attending Buddhist sermons are auspicious activities done during Songkran.

Also read about the Legend of the Seven Songkran Goddesses...>

What to do during Songkran Festival

To celebrate Songkran, there are many activities throughout Thailand which vary according to regional tradition. Some of the activities iclude:

• Cleaning of houses and public plac as temples, schools, offices to welcome the New Year with cleanliness and fresh start.
• Merit making by offering alms to monks in dedication to the late ancestors, going to the temples to listen to Buddhist preaching.
• Releasing birds and fish back to their natural habitat is a common practice during Songkran. This act of giving freedom is a form of merit making.
• Sprinkling water onto Buddha images and monks is an auspicious act to receive blessings for the New Year.
• Building sand pagodas on temple ground. Bringing sand into the temple's premise is considered a merit because the sand can be used or reused for construction or restoration of the temple.
• Pouring water onto the elderly members of thefamily and/or the society to show respect and gratefulness and to askfor their blessing.
• Folk performances and traditional games are organised for enjoyment as well as to preserve the Songkran tradition.
• Throwing water at each otherin a friendly manner by using clean or scented water, exchanging New Year's greetings during water play, and in case of doubt, ask permission before throwing water at someone because he or she may not wish to get wet.

            

What NOT to do during Songkran

As water throwing has become popular during Songkran, it is recommended that the following practice is avoided:

• The use of dirty water, ice, mixture of dangerous items such as paint, dye and plant seeds, etc. may cause injuries to other people's eyes or other parts of their body.
• Throwing water at people who are riding on moving vehicles such as motorcycles, cars etc. may cause serious accidents.
• Using modified gadgets like PVC pump tube which produces high water pressure could cause serious injuries to others. Lewd acts such as applying powder paste on others' face, especially females, inappropriate physical contacts and touching are unacceptable.
• Too much alcohol consumption, especially in public places could cause annoyance and unrests. Moderate drinking with friends and families in one's own privacy is preferred.
• Driving after drinking can cause fatal road accidents every year.
• Building sand pagodas on temple ground. Bringing sand into the temple's premise is considered a merit because the sand can be used or reused for construction or restoration of the temple.
• Pouring water onto the elderly members of thefamily and/or the society to show respect and gratefulness and to askfor their blessing.
• Folk performances and traditional games are organised for enjoyment as well as to preserve the Songkran tradition.

CHACHOENGSAO MIRACEL 1 Route 1 & 2

Sacred Buddha Marvel

Chachoengsao Province: Many sacred places from the long history in town for people to pay respect to “9 Most Holy Buddha images and 8 Holy gods” at the most important and center of town people for good luck and happy life.

There two routes to pay respect to 9 Holy temples.

First route: 
Wat Sothorn Wararam Temple Worawiharn (Wat Phor Sorthon)
Wat Pituladirat Rangsarit Temple (Wat Mueang)
Wat U-Bhai Batikaram Temple (Sum Pokong)
Wat Chin Pracha Samosorn Temple (Leng Hok Yee)
Riew Yiang Tai Temple (Wiharn Sian Pad-Riew)
Wat Hua Suan Temple
WatPho Bangkla Temple
Wat Paknam Jolo Temple
Wat Samed Nua Temple (Rasadon Yindee)
Wat Saman Ratanaram Temple

Second route: 
WatNam Daeng Temple
Wat Nakhon Nueng Khet Temple(Wat Ton Tal)
Phrong Arkad Temple
Wat Weera Choli Dhamaram Temple
Wat Khlong Chao Temple
Wat Udom Mongkol Temple
Wat Sampaluan Nok Temple
Wat Kon Kaen Temple
Wat Chom Bho-Dhayaram Temple