IT'S NOT JUST A HOBBY


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Cuba - Afro-Cuban Dances 2012




Afro Cuban Dance:

Afro-Cuban dance culture has spanned across the Caribbean and African regions for centuries. It is a lively, energetic and loud form of dance which really energizes the spirit of both the dancer and the viewer. Due to their lively nature there is often a hesitation amongst non-natives to indulge in this art form. However, with a growing interest in diverse cultures across the world and an influx of Cubans and Africans into the Western world, this dance form has gained more ground and it is actually being taught in some universities and art schools.

People of Caribbean, Africa and or Latino origin are fond of their culture and indulge in these dance techniques. However, the Western world at large feels that these dances may be associated with prayer rituals from the Caribbean and African regions. This is the main reason why they hesitate in indulging in this art form. Furthermore, for people who follow a more orthodox religion it is difficult to explore and express their religious beliefs too freely in public. They prefer to keep the symbolic and religious meanings of their rituals to themselves and do not want to share them with outsiders.

History Of The Development Of Afro-Cuban Dances

When you go back to the roots of this tradition of Afro-Cuban dances you’ll be amazed that the Cubans are truly masters of this craft. They have a deep affection and warmth as persons and love music and dance. Cuba has put in a lot of effort to preserve the African influence on its culture since the Cuban revolution and Afro-Cuban dance is more folkloric than anything else. The reason why there is a strong African cultural influence in Cuba is because during the slavery era over 30 million Africans were forced to live in Cuba and serve as slaves. The majority of them came from Nigeria and were part of the Yoruba tribe which indulged in ancestral worship to ask their deceased generations for guidance and assistance. The main aim of this religious tribe was to gain spiritual strength and follow the wishes of the creator by living in accordance with the rules set out by their Creator. Their belief was that in their rhythmic energy was a reflection of spiritual power and by focusing on a particular rhythm you were able to develop a certain skill that you desire.
These traditions of religious symbolism soon merged with the Spaniards who were basically Catholics and slave drivers. The Spaniards who were devout Catholics used religion as a means to divide and rule Africans and actually offered a course of redemption to those who would like to convert to Christianity. This led to the creation of Cabildos who were converts in slavery. However, this helped the Africans to retain their traditions and follow their age-old customs under the watchful eyes of the Spaniards. Unfortunately those slaves who were sent to different parts of the Caribbean and even the United States were actually unable to hold on to the precise structure of their religious beliefs and symbolism which included prayer, chanting and dances. On Catholic holidays it was well known that a group of Cuban slaves would parade in Cuba and dance, sing and chant to the rhythm of large drums.
Eventually there was a merger of Christian and African beliefs whereby more of the Spanish belief system was incorporated into the African worship system and included special symbolic manifestations which were detected in the new belief system called Santeria. In Cuba they were open and could display the religion to anyone who was part of the Cuban culture. This religion had specific dance steps which can be learned by anyone who is not even part of the religion because the believers of this belief system feel that everyone has a rhythmic soul across the globe. The main aim of folkloric dance is to learn the different and specific steps which are associated with the tribes or belief systems prevalent for tribes of Africans who were forced to migrate to Cuba.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Papua New Guinea - Traditional Clothes 2012



Technical Details:
Issue Date: 05 September 2012
Stamp Size: 28.45mm x 42.58mm
Denomination:  K1.20, K1.20, K6.00 & K8.00; Sheetlet; K16.40; Souvenir Sheet; K10.00
Quantity Printed: 150, 000 Stamps
Sheet Contents: 25 Stamps
Format: Vertical
Perforation: 2mm
Colours: 4 Colour Process
Paper: 102 gsm
Gum: Unwatered mark, PVA Gummed
Printing Technique: Multi Colour Offset Lithography
Designer: Billy John telek, Post PNG Philatelic Production
Printer: Southern Colour Print Ltd, NZ

TRADITIONAL CLOTHES OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
Papua New Guinea is known as the last frontier and is still being discovered. Despite the intrusion of the modern age, its people still practice the ways of their forefathers, in terms of active participation in their tradition and culture.  

With the introduction of Christianity, we see much of it (tradition and culture) fading away as Christian ethics and values takes over.  

The most notable is the change of traditional clothes to modern clothes. Not only that, religious ethics also demand decent dressing from faithful followers.   

Helplessly, we gradually watch our traditional clothes change hands with the modern clothes. The knowledge of methods as to how they’re made is also disappearing fast.   

As we move into the 21st century, much of today’s generation have a vague or otherwise no knowledge of how their ancestors dress.  

In the quest to continually preserve that tradition, Post PNG through the Philatelic Bureau, continue to assist by featuring some of the many Traditional Clothes of Papua New Guinea on stamps.  

Stamp Set:  
Papua New Guinean Kina 1.20 - A Man from Telefomin in Sandaun Province wearing a Traditional penis gourd.  
Papua New Guinean Kina 1.20 - A lady from Pomio in East New Britain wearing a traditional grass skirt. With the introduction of christianity, most of these dressings have faded away.
Papua New Guinean Kina 6.00 - Papuan ladies from Central province wearing their traditional grass skirts.  
Papua New Guinean Kina 8.00 - A Duna woman and her child wearing their tradional cloths. The woman wears grass skirt made from locally grown reeds. Covering her head and back is a type of traditional rain coat made from pandanus leaves stitched together. 

Souvenir Sheet:  
Papua New Guinean Kina 10.00 - Two Popondetta Widows wearing Traditional Tapa cloth (made of tree bark) during a mourning over a dead relative. 

Souvenir Sheetlet: 
Papua New Guinean Kina 1.20 - Mendi bride dressed in tree bark fibres and painted black before getting married.
Papua New Guinean Kina 1.20 - Tari lady wearing grass skirt and tree bark over her back as a protection from sun and rain. 
Papua New Guinean Kina 6.00 - A typical Trobriand family. The lady wears grass skirt while the man wears a pandanus pants. 
Papua New Guinean Kina 8.00 - Mukawa ladies from Milne Bay Province wearing grass skirts made from pandanus leaves and banana leaves.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Ethiopia - Regional Hair Styles 1975


Issued on 15 December 1975
Regional Hair Styles:
0.05 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Illubabor
0.15 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Arussi
0.20 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Eritrea
0.30 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Bale
0.35 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Kaffa
0.50 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Begemder
0.60 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Shqa

Ethiopia - Regional Hair Styles 1977



Issued on 28 April 1977
Regional Hair Styles:
0.05 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Wollega
0.10 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Gojjam
0.15 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Tigre
0.20 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Harrar
0.25 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Gemu Gofa
0.40 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Sidamo
0.50 Ethiopian Birr - Hair Style from Wollo

Niger - Traditional Cavalry Leader 1977


Monday, October 1, 2012

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2007 (1st Series)




Provincial Emblem Postage Stamps (1st Series)

Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 11 October 2007
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand
Details : The Emblem of Province, The Local Symbol
Province is called "Changwat" in Thai which change from "Muang" since King Rama VI. Thailand is devided into 75 provinces and special governed districts : the capital Bangkok, of which is also at a province level. So some Thai people count Bangkok as a province, making Thailand has 76 provinces.
The seals of the provinces in Thailand are derived from the official seals of the provincial governors during the period of absolute monarchy and the seals on the scouts' standards during the fourteen cycles or the Monthon admistration in the reigns if King Rama VI and King Rama VII. In 1941, the government, under the preniership of Field Marshal of Fine Arts was responsible for designing the seal according to the wishes of each province. Today, when a new province is established, the seal of the new province will be designed and some of former seals may have to be been changed or adjusted as appropriate.
The first stamp series have 20 stamps of first provincial emblem sorted by Thai alphabet of their name are following:
Bangkok Metropolis

- Indra God sumounting the Erawan Elephant
Krabi
- Crossed swords with the Chawa Prap Mountain and the sea in the background
Kanchanaburi
- The Three Chedi Outpost
Kalasin
- The grass, a black pool, the mountains and the clouds
Kampaeng Phet
- The Province's boundary wall decorated with diamond studded Sema slabs
Khon Kaen
- Phra That Kham Kaen (A chedi on a wood Stump)
Chanthaburi
- A rabbit in the moon
Chachoengsao
- The former Ordination Hall of Sothorn Wararam Worawihan Temple
Chonburi
- The Sammuk Moutain by the coast on the Gulf of Thailand (Pattaya is located in this province)
Chai Nat
- The Dhamma Chakra Wheel placed in front of the mountain and borne by the Garuda
Chaiyaphum
- The three pointed pennant of an ancient military troop
Chumphon
- A standing female Deity giving blesings in front of the military base and flanked on both sides by fig trees
Chiang Rai
- A white elephant and the clouds, with the image of a Naga serpent on the border of the seal
Chiangmai
- A white elephant standing in an arched frame
Trang
- A lighthouse, a wharf and waves
Trat
- A light boat, a sailing boat and Koh Chang
Tak
- King Naruesuan the Great astride an elephant, pouring water as a sign of liberation from foreign domination
Nakhon Nayok
- An elephant holding a sheaf of rice, white a haystack in the background
Nakhon Pathom
- Phra Pathom Chedi decorated with the Thai numeral for the number 4 in the Great Crown of Victory
Nakhon Phanom
- Phra That Panom
Quantity of stamps: 1,000,000 pieces per design

Composition: 10 stamps per sheet (different designs) (Salable at a set of 2 sheets)
Printing Process: Lithography Multi-colour

Designer: Mr.Udon Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)
FDC Price: 202 Baht (Salable at a set of 20 covers)

Quantity of FDC: 13,000 covers
Size : 38 mm. diameter

Printer :  Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand

Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chaiyaphum
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chumphon
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chiang Rai
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chiang Mai
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Trang
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Trat
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Tak
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Nakhon Nayok
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Nakhon Pathom
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Nakhon Phanom
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Bangkok
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Krabi
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Kanchanaburi
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Kalasin
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Kamphaeng Phet
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Khon Kaen
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chanthaburi
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chachoengsao
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chon Buri
Provincial Emblem Stamps - Chai Nat

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2008 (2nd Series)



Provincial Emblem Postage Stamps (2nd Series)


Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue:  02 April 2008
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand


Details : The Emblem of Province : The Local Symbol
Province is called "Changwat" in Thai which change from "Muang" since King Rama VI. Thailand is devided into 75 provinces and special governed districts : the capital Bangkok, of which is also at a province level. So some Thai people count Bangkok as a province, making Thailand has 76 provinces.
The seals of the provinces in Thailand are derived from the official seals of the provincial governors during the period of absolute monarchy and the seals on the scouts' standards during the fourteen cycles or the Monthon admistration in the reigns if King Rama VI and King Rama VII. In 1941, the government, under the preniership of Field Marshal of Fine Arts was responsible for designing the seal according to the wishes of each province. Today, when a new province is established, the seal of the new province will be designed and some of former seals may have to be been changed or adjusted as appropriate.
The second series have 10 stamps after last series sorted by Thai alphabet of their name are following:
Nakhon Ratchasma

- the picture of the Statue of Tao Suranaree (or Khun Ying Mo) and the Chumphol Arc, representing the victory of Tao Suranaree who rescued the city from the domination of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane.

Nakhon Si Thammarat
- the picture of the Boromthat Chedi with radiance surounded by the Twelve Zodiac Signs, which was originally the emblem of an ancient city under the domination of Nakhon Srithammarat.
Nakhon Sawan
- the image of the "Wiman" which is believed to be the residence of angels and those endowed with merit. The Wiman correspondes to the meaning of the name of the city, the City of Heaven's Residents.
Nonthaburi
- the image of an exquisitely designed water carrier, which is derived from the city's famous art of pottery, which is the main occupation of the residents.
Narathiwat
- the picture of a sailing boat with fully unfurled sail bearing a picture of the "Phra Sri Nararath Rajkirini" White Elephant in full regalia. This elephant is one of the white elephants that is under the protection of His Majesty the King.
Nan
- the image of the Auspharat Cow, which appeared in a dream of the city founder, and Phra That Chae Haeng -- a revered place of worship for te townpeople.
Buri Ram
- the picture of the Prasat Phanomrung Sanctury, an important place of worship, and dancing angels who give blessing to the townpeople.
Pathum Thani
- an image of a lotus, which suggests the meaning of the name of the city, and a spray of rice, which symbolizes fertility and abundance.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
- the image of the Kuha Sawan Pavillion in the Phraya Maha Nakhon Cave, which Koh Lak and Koh Raed - two important islands of the city in the background.
Prachin Buri
- an image of the Phra Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to have been taken from the Bodhi Tree under which the Lord Buddha was seated when he reached the Enlightenment in the City of Buddha Kaya


Quantity of stamps: 900,000 pieces per design
Composition: 10 stamps per sheet (different designs)

Printing Process: Lithography Multi-colour
Designer: Mr.Udon Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)
FDC Price: 102 Baht (Salable at a set of 10 covers)
Quantity of FDC: 13,000 covers

Size : 38 mm. Diameter
Printer :  Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2008 (3th Series)



Provincial Emblem (3rd Series) Postage Stamps

Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 10 October 2008
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand
Province is called "Changwat" in Thai which change from "Muang" since King Rama VI. Thailand is devided into 75 provinces and special governed districts : the capital Bangkok, of which is also at a province level. So some Thai people count Bangkok as a province, making Thailand has 76 provinces.
The seals of the provinces in Thailand are derived from the official seals of the provincial governors during the period of absolute monarchy and the seals on the scouts' standards during the fourteen cycles or the Monthon admistration in the reigns if King Rama VI and King Rama VII. In 1941, the government, under the preniership of Field Marshal of Fine Arts was responsible for designing the seal according to the wishes of each province. Today, when a new province is established, the seal of the new province will be designed and some of former seals may have to be been changed or adjusted as appropriate.
The first stamp series have 20 stamps of first provincial emblem sorted by Thai alphabet of their name are following:
Pattani

- The Phaya Pattani cannon--the weapon that protected the City of Pattani from invaders.
Pha Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
- A clockwise design Conch placed on a gold tray housed in a Prasat building, located under a Cordia Dichotoma tree. This was the place where King Uthong performed the ceremony for the establistment Ayutthaya as the capital city.
Phang-nga
- A mine dredger, which is a symbol of the main occupation of the natives of Phang-nga, the Tapu Mount and the elephant-like lofty mountain, which are the important tourist attractions of the province.
Phatthalung
- The Pass through the Mountains, which stands tall and can be seen in all directions from afar, suggests the settlement of Phatthalung natives and the fact that that they do not have to move around any longer.
Phayao
- The Phra Chao Tonluang Buddha Image in Wat Sri Komkum is the centre of unity for the natives of Phayao. The back of the Buddha Image depicts the prosperity of the seven districts of the province through its flamboyant gold designs.
Phichit
- The Sra Luang Pond, which bears the former name of the province, and a Bodhi tree in Wat Bodhi Pratub Chang.
Pitsanulok
- The Phra Buddha Jinaraj Image, erected by the royal command of Phra Maha Dhammaraja 1st (King Lithai) in 1362, is one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand.
Phetchaburi
- The Khao Wang rice fields and palmyra trees are symbols of the province.
Petchabun
- A diamond set as a ring, hovering upside down in the sky over the mountains and a tobacco plantation--all of which have been placed in a falmboyant designed circle.
Phrae
- A standing horse with the Pra That Chor Hae, an old place of homage in the province of Phrae, in the background.
Quantity of stamps: 900,000 Stamps

Sheet Composition: 10 stamps per sheet
Printing Process: Lithography Multi-colour

Designer: Mr.Udon Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)
FDC Price: 100 Baht (Saleable at a set of 10 covers)

Quantity of FDC: 12,000 covers
Size : 38 mm. Diameter
Printer : Joh. Enschedé Stamps Security Printers B.V., Haarlem Netherlands

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2009 (4th Series)




Provincial Emblem (4th Series) Postage Stamps


Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 09 September 2009
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand


Design1: Phuket - A depiction of the Two Heroines Monument. This monument was buit to commemorate the heroic acts of two brave women, Thao Thepkasatree aand Thao Srisunthorn, who protected the town of Thalang from a Burmese attack.
Design2: Maha Sarakham - A depiction of a large tree against a rice field, signifying the Province's peace and prosperity generated by its fertile agricultural lands.
Design3: Mukdaharn - A depiction of Prasarts (celestial abode) with the middle Prasart housing the Mukdaharn gem on a pedestal tray resting on a piece of devine cloth.
Design4: Mae Hong Son - A depiction of an elephant in an expanse of water denoting the training of wild elephants for military and other works.
Design5: Yasothon - A depiction of two lions facing a Chedi in the middle with a lotus flower below. The lions symbolize the founding of the city of Yasothon in the two original settlements of Baan Singh Tha Derm and Baan Singh Khok. The Chedi in the emblem represents Pra That Phra Anond Chedi, a stupa most revered by the people of Yasothon while the lotus flower is the symbol of Ubon Ratchathani, the province that Yasothorn was a part of prior to 15 March 1972.
Design6: Yala - A depiction of a tin mine, denoting the rich tin ore resources in the Province. In the past, tin mining was Yala residents main occupation.
Design7: Roi Et - A depiction of Bueng Phlan Chai, a clean freshwater lake in the central area of the city of Roi Et, signifying the local residents kind, generous and peace-loving nature as well as the Province's abundant food supplies. The City Pillar Shrine is revered by and Roi Et residents and is their focal point. The Maha Chedi Chaimongkala symbolizes a prosperous Buddhist town. Number 101 denotes an ancient and great city of Saketnakorn. Roi Et is the only province in Thailand whose name can be written as a number.
Design8: Ranong - A depiction of a Prasart (celestial abode) situated on a hill top with a Thai number 5 resting on a pedestal tray. King Rama V was the first Thai monarch to visit Ranong and stayed in a residence on top of Niweskhiri Hill. The Thai Number 5 symbolizes King Rama V while the Prasart represents the Rattanarangsan Palace, the hill in this depiction is the Niweskhiri Hill and the pedestal tray represents the people of Ranong.
Design9: Rayong - A depiction of Samed Island showing a coconut tree and the pavillion of King Rama V. Samed Island is a major landmark of Rayong Province, located off the coast of Pae Sub Sub-district in Muang District. The coconut tree denotes the abundance of coconut trees on the Island. King Rama V's Pavillion. King Rama V had a pavllion build as a private residence for his visits to Samed Island.
Design10: Ratchaburi - A depiction of Phra Sang Khan Chaisri, a royal sword, on a stair and a pair of royal slippers on a gold pedestal tray in circle with Kranok design. These royal paraphernalia signify the Thai kingship.


Quantity of stamps : 500,000 pieces per design
Composition : 10 stamps per sheet
Printing Process: Lithography Multi-colour
Designer: Udorn Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)

FDC Price : 102 Baht (Salable at a set of 10 covers)
Quantity of FDC : 12,000 covers
Size : 38 m.m. Diameter
Printer :  Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2010 (5th Series)



Provincial Emblem Postage Stamps (5th Series)


Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 23 July 2010
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand

Lop Buri Province: The image of the God Narai seated on a dais, located in front of the Phra Prang Samyod--an important religious sanctury and one of the main cultural features of the Province.

Lampang Province: The image of a white rooster standing at the front portal of the Phra That Lampang Luang.

Lamphun Province: The Phra That Hari Phoonchai, one of the most revered places of worship in Lamphun Province.

Loei Province: The Sri Song Rak Chedi, located in the front of Phu Kradueng Mountain. The Chedi is flanked by decorative cloud-design motifs. Phu Kradueng is a well-known national Park of the Province.

Si Sa Ket Province: The Prang Koo and Lumduan Flowers (Melodorum fruticosum), which are regarded as the provincial symbol flower.

Sakon Nakhon Province: The Phra That Cheng Chum with Nong Harn Lake and Don Swan Islet in the background. The Phra That Cheng Chum is an important place of worship in the Province. Nong Harn Lake is a natural source of water and Don Swan is an islet in the middle of the lake.

Songkhla Province: A conch placed on an elevated tray.

Satun Province: The Sea God, Phra Samut Deva, seated on a rock platform in the middle of the sea, with the sunset in the background.

Samut Prakan Province: The Phra Samut Chedi, an important place of worship in the Province.

Samut Songkhram Province: A large drum or a klong in Thai, hovering over the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. This is the source of the Province's original name--Mae Klong.

Quantity of stamps : 300,000 pieces per design (200,000 pieces for mixed sheets and 100,000 pieces for seperated sheets)
Composition : 10 stamps per sheet (Mixed and Seperated)
Printing Process: Lithography with special technique (gold metalic hot foil stamp)
Designer: Udorn Niyomthum (Thailand Post Company Limited)
FDC Price : 102 Baht (Salable at a set of 10 covers)
Quantity of FDC : 12,000 covers
Size : 34 mm. Diameter
Printer: Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2011 (6th Series)



Provincial Emblem Postage Stamps (6th Series)


Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 20 July 2011
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand


This issue is the 6th releasing time of a Provincial Emblem set, but it is the sheet number seven, because the first issue has released 2 sheets (20 Provinces). And in the next time issue, it is the final sheet, completely of the Provincial Emblem set, because Thailand has now 77 provinces.
This issue has the emblem of 10 provinces are following:
1. Samut Sakhon: The emblem depicts a Chinese junk at sea, sailing againt a background of factories and a smoking chimney signifying the Province's prosperity form past to present. Samut Sakhon's provincial emblem was first introduced in 1940 at the time when Luang Wisetpakdi (Chuen Wisetpakdi) was the governer.
2. Sa Kaeo: The emblem is a depiction of a pond with lotus flowers against a background of the rising sun. At the center of the emblem is a picture of the Province's major archaeological site of Prasart Khao Noi (in pink color) while in the foreground is the picture of a standing Buddha image on a large lotus flower. This Buddha image is especially built for Sa Kaeo Province to become the focal point of its resident's faith and unity. The emblem signifies Sa Kaeo's tranquility and abundant water supply.
3. Saraburi: The emblem is a depiction of a Mandop (a square hall with pyramidal roof) in Tambon Khun Khlon of Phra Bhuddabart District built over the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha. which is highly revered by the Thai people.
4. Sing Buri: The emblem depicts the sculptures of 11 Thai heroes of the old days of Bang Ra Chan Village against a background of a red, round shield with white, blue and red circles on the rim. Underneath the sculpture are the words Sing Buri Province written along the curve of the shield.
5. Sukhothai: The emblem is depiction of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, a king of Phra Ruang Dynasty, sitting on the stone Manangkhasila bench. The King was famous for his golden reign which brought peace and prosperity to the ancient Thai kingdom, Sukhothai Period.
6. Suphan Buri: The emblem is a depiction of King Naresuan the Great who, in 1592, fought against the Crown Prince of Burma on elephant backs and won the fight. This battle freed Thailand from Burma's rule and brought great fame to King Naresuan. It is believed that this famous combat on elephant backs took place in Don Chedi District of Suphan Buri Province.
7. Surat Thani: The emblem is a depiction of the Great Stupa of Chaiya which is believed to house some of Buddha's relics. It is one of the most important Buddist memorials in Thailand.
8. Surin: The emblem is a depiction of the Hindu God Indra sitting crossed-legged in a lotus style on a bench, which has a figurine head of Erawan Elephant on the bench's center. Indra is holding a short trident in his right hand and mahout's hook in his left hand. A picture of Prasart Sikoraphum (previously known a Prasart Ra-ngaeng) is depicted in the background and a Garuda flag appears in the foreground
9. Nong Khai: The emblem is a depiction of a pond, a cluster of bamboo plants and lotus flowers. The history behind this depiction dates back to the time when King Rama III ordered Phraya Rajasupawadi to lead a Siamese army to reclaim the city of Srisatanakanahoot from the enemy. After the task was accomplished Phraya Rajasupawadi let Thao Suwor select a location to establish a new town in the area. Thao Suwor chose an area around a large pond called Nong Khai in Ban Phai District where bamboos were found in abundance.
10. Nong Bua Lam Phu: The emblem is a depiction of King Naresuan the Great standing with a sword in his left hand and infront of a pavillion located on the edge of a lotus pond.


Quantity of stamps: 300,000 pieces (200,000 pieces for different-design sheets; 100,000 pieces for same-design sheets)
Composition: 10 stamps per sheet

Printing Process: Lithography with special technique (Gold metalic hot foil stamp)
Designer: Udon Niyonthum (Thailand Post Co., Ltd.)
FDC Price: 102 Baht (Salable at a set of 10 covers)
Quantity of FDC: 1X,000 covers each
Size : 38 mm. Diameter
Printer :  Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand

Thailand - Provincial Emblem 2012 (7th Series)



Provincial Emblem Postage Stamps (7th Series)


Country / Post: Thailand
Date of Issue: 28 June 2012
Primary theme: National symbols (Coats of Arms)
Subject: Provincial Emblem Stamps
Width: 45.5 mm
Height: 45.5 mm
Denomination: 3.00 THB
Number in set: 10
Layout/Format: Miniature Sheet of 10 of 10 Designs
Perforations
: 13 by 13
Stamp issuing authority: The Communications Authority of Thailand


For several years, the Local Identity set or Provincial Emblem postage stamps come to an end at the 7th series on this year. It was started the series since the year 2007 for the 1st series. Next, on the year 2008, it was released the 2nd and the 3rd series. Unless the 1st series that was issued with 20 Emblems in the same time but, for the next series only released with 10 Emblems each time. So, for the first 2 years have been released for 40 Emblems. Then, from the year 2009 - 2011 was released 10 Emblems each year for the 4th series, the 5th series and the 6th series respectively.

Finally, in this year 2012, it's time to the last series or 7th series. It will be additional released about 10 Emblems. Actually, the Provincial Emblem remains only 7 Emblems because Thailand has 77 Provinces. But for postage stamps, to make it easy for printing or other reasons, it has been added for 3 stamps that are not the Provincial Emblems. They are the National Identities such as "Chang Thai" or Thai Elephant, "Ratchaphruek" the National Flower, and "Sala Thai" or Thai Pavilion. As you have seen, these national identities were used for the background of each series sheetlet. The National Flag was used for the 1st series, the National Flower was used for the 2nd and 3rd series, the Thai Elephant was used for the 4th and the 5th series, and the Thai Pavilion was used for the 6th and the 7th series. At completed set, you will have 8 sheetlets or 80 stamps.

The last 7 Provincial Emblems are:
Ang Thong Province:
Udon Thani Province:
Uthai Thani Province:
Uttaradit Province:
Ubon Ratchathani Province:
Amnat Charoen Province:
Buengkan Province:

Size : 38 mm. (Diameter)
Printer : Thai British Security Printing Public Company Limited, Thailand