The history of postage stamps in Thailand really began during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V [1868-1910]) when on August 4, 1883 the country's postal service was established.

The first range of stamps were called the Solot issue, named after the smallest of six stamp denominations, comprising: one solot (1/128^th of a baht); one att (1/64^th of a baht); one sio (1/32^th of a baht); one sik (1/16^th of a baht); one fuang (1/8^th of a baht); and one salung (a quarter of a baht).

The solot featured a portrait of King Chulalongkorn's profile, facing right. According to Metin Leeyakasa, assistant vice-president of the department of philatelic market, the stamp was designed by William Ridgeway, an English craftsman, and was printed at the company of Waterlow & Sons in London, England. While there are only a limited number of solots in existence today, they are more common than letters or postcards marking the first day of Siam's postal service.

During the early years of Siam's post office service, stamps were only used domestically so only numerals, letters, and marks from the Thai alphabet were printed on them. But by 1885, Siam's accession to the Universal Postal Union (UPU) meant that stamps issued in the kingdom had to conform to the UPU's international regulations. The country's name – Siam - had to be featured on stamps in both Thai and English, along with Arabic and Thai numerals.

Monetary units in the kingdom were adjusted in 1897, so stamp denominations had to follow suit, switching to tical and satang. During the reign of King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI [1910-1925]), denominations were changed to baht and satang, which continue to be in use today. During the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII [1925-35]), the country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand in 1939 by Field Marshall Plaek Phibulsonggram, the nationalist prime minister who came to power in 1938.

During the reigns of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII [1935-46]) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX [1946-present]), the country name used on stamps changed on several occasions before the use of 'Thailand postage' was decided upon in 1962. However, in

1995 the decision was made to remove the word 'postage'.

Since major format changes now appear to be a thing of the past, design is now the major factor in determining whether or not a particular issue of stamps becomes collectible or not, according to Metin.

Three distinct themes

Thailand's postage stamps can be categorized within three sub-groups: current definitive stamps, referring to stamps which can be reissued once stocks run out; commemorative stamps, which mark special occasions; and special stamps.

The first group refers to 'regular' issues of stamps, which generally feature a patriotic symbol, such as His Majesty the King or another member of the Royal family, or a national flag or other symbol of reference relating to the kingdom, such as an elephant, for example.

The first commemorative stamps were issued during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). They are available for a limited period of time and mark a particular event. For example, a set of stamps was issued to commemorate the pro-democracy uprising of October 14, 1973.

A special stamp might feature a particular item of national interest, such as a national treasure, an ancient site, or examples of local crafts, plants, or animal species.

Stamps also provide a form of historical evidence. For example, when the Japanese returned the states of Kelantan, Sai Buri, Terengganu, and Perlis back to Thai sovereignty from the British, a Four States stamp set was issued. This set is of particular interest since it uses the 'cent' denomination used previously under British control of what is now known as Malaysia.

During the reign of King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII [1935-46]), stamps were produced at military installations following the onset of World War II (1939). The first set, however, which was produced to celebrate the King's accession to the throne, was printed in England.

A set of stamps was issued in March 2008 featuring various images of Chatukham Rammathep amulets. While these became 'trendy' amulets among Thai people during 2006-2007, the issue of a set of stamps provides another historical clue for those interested in Thai culture.

“We issued this set once it had begun to disappear in the mainstream,” Metin said. “While some people thought we were 'out of date', we actually meant to release this set after the fuss had died down.” Metin said the issue of a special set of stamps can help preserve traditional aspects of national identity. 

   
“They can help preserve things that may slowly be dying out,” he said, citing certain species of rare animals.

Among the 846 sets of stamps issued since the 1880s, many have featured provincial forms of artwork or traditions.

Metin, who has collected stamps for over 20 years, said stamps help portray an image about the country to foreigners.

Until King Prajadhipok (Rama VII [1925-35]) came to the throne, stamps were even considered to be a form of national treasure and had to be kept secure within the Royal treasury. When a set of stamps was issued, it first required Royal approval, which had to be recorded in the Royal Gazette. Stamps featuring members of the Royal family or referring to items belonging to the Royal family require His Majesty's personal approval.

And while it is easy enough to pick up a book and read about Thailand's history, a visit to see the country's various stamp issues on show at Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum can reveal a lot about the country in a more visually-stimulating environment.

The museum opens Wednesday through Sunday during 8.30 am-6.30 pm. For further information, contact Tel: + 66 (0)2 271 2439.

Transport connections:

Train: The easiest way of reaching the Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum is to take the BTS skytrain to Saphan Kwai station. Head for Exit 1 and follow the signs.