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