THAILAND ~ Phra Prang Wat Arun ~ Bangkok ~

... Lovely view of of the central Prang at Wat Arun... also known as "The Temple of the Dawn"... due to its amazingly beautiful architecture and the most iconic location right on the river is it one of the most visited sites in Thailand... many consider it as the most recognizable and memorable landmark of Bangkok’s skyline...Wat Arun is still an important place of worship for Buddhists... the spire (prang) has an imposing khmer-style... beautifully decorated with thousands small pieces of coloured glass, Chinese porcelain and Benjarong ceramics, placed delicately into intricate patterns... so that they glimmer in the sunshine... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀ Always try to show as little as possible of people's handwriting on my blog... I like yours a lot!✍️... very neat but tiny! 😜

Wat Arun Ratchawararam (locally known as Wat Chaeng) is classified as a first class Royal temple and is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It dates from the Ayutthaya Kingdom period and its present name was given by King Rama IV.

The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun.

The most outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its prominent Central Prang, surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs and 4 mondops (porches). The central prang reaches about 80 meters in height. The major prang and the four satellite prangs were constructed during the second and third reigns (1809-1851).

Stamps:

The Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol
(Issued 25-10-2017)

Dusit Palace
(Issued 05-12-1990)

THAILAND ~ Princess Mother Memorial Park - Bangkok ~

... A nice picture of the much beloved Princess Mother... a place to explore and learn about the Princess Mother and her influence on Thai society... one of the most beautiful and serene parks in Bangkok away from the noise of the city... Exhibition Hall 1 hall displays photographs chronicling her life... despite her duties as a royal family member, the “Royal Grandmother” never forgot the people and worked on countless projects to give back to the public... many foundations aimed at improving the lives of the disadvantaged were established by her... with lovely Royal Family stamp...Thanks a lot Jobbo! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

In 1995, the Princess Mother Srinagarindra passed on and in loving memory of her, King Bhumibol founded the Princess Mother Memorial Park. (known in Thai as Suan Somdet Ya). Opened in 1997, the park serves to allow the general public to get to know the Princess Mother intimately.

The park contains gardens and a reproduction of the royal mother's childhood home, as well as two exhibition halls showing memorabilia of the princess and the royal family and a pavilion with a statue of the princess.

The park is located within the Khlong San district, close to the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Stamps:

The 72nd Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 10-09-1999)

Chatukham Rammathep
(Issued 29-03-2008)

The 120th Anniversary of the Birth of H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of Songkla, 1892-1929
(Issued 01-01-2012)

THAILAND ~ The Temple of the Emerald Buddha - Bangkok ~

...This beautiful temple is considered to be Thailand’s most sacred temple and important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists... the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom and most holy of all temples... a famous landmark of Bangkok... it contains some of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture architecture, painting, and decorative craft... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha  is a temple purpose-built to house a Buddha image carved from a large solid piece of green jadite. Chaophraya Chakri, who went on to become King Rama I, brought the image from Vientiane when he captured the city in 1778. King Rama I built the temple and enshrined the Emerald Buddha there as a symbol of Siam's regained nationhood. The temple does not house any monks. Rather, it is more like the personal chapel of the royal family.

The Temple (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace.The 94.5-hectare grounds encompass more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation.

Stamps:

The 100th Anniversary of Royal Forest Department
(Issued 18-09-1996)

International Correspondence Week
(Issued 09-10-1994)

THAILAND ~ Aerial view - Bangkok ~

... As I posted many postcards showing Thailand's capital and wrote about this colorful, charismatic and chaotic city... here a few "interesting facts"... the full name of the city is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.”... the name is listed in Guinness World Records as the world’s longest place name, at 168 letters😲... meaning “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.”... the world famed energy drink Red Bull was created in Bangkok by Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1976... Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!【ツ】

Photo: Vinid Rungpueng
The city is located in the chao Phraya river delta in central Thailand.The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15th century, when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, under the rule of Ayutthaya.


Stamp:

Italy-Thailand Joint Issue
Issued 21-04-2004)

Rice Cultivation1999 Rice Cultivation
(Issued 25-02-1999)

THAILAND ~ King Bhumibol Adulyadej ~

... Lovely view of the past... postcard from a poster for sale in the 1950's... with matching King's stamps... Thailand Post has organized a stamp exhibition “Stamps of the Fatherly King” in dedication to His Majesty the late King... they have issued 79 sets of postage stamps related to the monarch, in 353 different designs, and sold more than two billion individual stamps... that was from the first collection in 1947 to the time of his death last October...  Thanks to Jobbo I was lucky to receive many of them on postcards!!【ツ】

King Bhumibol Adulyadej  (5 December 1927 – 13 October 2016)

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned King of Thailand on May 5, 1950 in Bangkok. Their majesties came out on the balcony and delivered an address to the people at the Royal Palace.

King Bhumibol’s First Pronouncement at his coronation on 5 May 1950: “I shall reign by dharma for the benefit and happiness of all Siamese people”.

Stamps:

The 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Accession to Throne as Rama IX
(09-06-1996)

2X Definitive Stamps of H.M. Rama IX

THAILAND ~ Hua Lampong Railway station - Bangkok ~

... Nice view nr2 coming from postcard friend Jobbo... an impressive Hanger like building with over 14 platforms and 26 ticket boots to cope with the demand from the thousands of passengers that depart from here everyday... located in the city centre... Thanks Jobbo!!【ツ】(don't mind it at all being "bombarded" with great postcards ʘ͜͡ʘ  )

Bangkok Railway Station unofficially known as Hua Lamphong Station, is the main railway station in Bangkok and is operated by the State Railway of Thailand.

The station was opened on June 25, 1916 after six years' construction and is built in an Italian Neo-Renaissance-style, with decorated wooden roofs and stained glass windows.The architecture is attributed to Turin-born Mario Tamagno, who with countryman Annibale Rigotti (1870–1968) was also responsible for the design of several other early 20th century public buildings in Bangkok.

Stamp:

The 48th Anniversary of ASEAN - Joint Community
(Issued 08-08-2015)

THAILAND ~ Temple of the Emerald Buddha ~

... Great picture nr2 framed in a lovely "golden border"... this beautiful temple is considered to be the most holy of all temples in Thailand... a famous landmark of Bangkok ... it contains some of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture architecture, painting, and decorative craft... with matching temple stamp... Thanks Jobbo!【ツ】(not only the sellers were lucky you bought stamps of them, me too(◕‿-) )

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace.The 94.5-hectare grounds encompass more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation.

The site houses the sacred Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha) statue, which was carved from a single block of jade. Raised high up on a giant platform, the much-revered Emerald Buddha statue sits in a classic meditation pose and dates back to the 15th century. According to legend, the statue originated in India, where it was prophesied that it would bring prosperity to any country in which it resides.

Stamps:

Thai Temples
(Issued 17-06-2002)

Rattanakosin Period Tea Sets
(Issued 07-10-2000)

THAILAND ~ The Grand Palace - Bangkok ~

... Wonderful view of an important and the most sacred place for Thai people... a popular tourist attraction... the Thai Grand Palace contains some of the finest Thai architecture, Buddhist sculpture, decorative crafts and paintings... dear Jobbo thanks a lot for so many great postcards from all your travels... I really enjoyed them all☺... take good care of your self and hopefully till later!! (>‿♥)

 Built in 1782, the palace was commissioned by then-king Rama I, who founded Thailand's Chakri Dynasty. The Grand Palace complex is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and  is surrounded by walls more than a mile long and has an enclosed complex with an area of 218,400 square meters.

It’s divided into four main courts, separated by numerous walls and gates: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court, but also the entire administrative seat of government. Within the crenelated walls were the country's war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace full time around the turn of the twentieth century, but the complex remains the seat of power and spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom.

Stamps:

The 72nd Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 21-10-1999)

 The 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Accession to Throne as Rama IX
(Issued 09-06-1996)

THAILAND ~ Surin Elephant Village ~

... Tranquil and peaceful view of the gentle jungle giants...one of the most magnificent creatures on this earth... Friends of the Asian Elephant  helps to rehabilitate and care for elephants that were once used in entertainment venues and for elephant rides throughout Thailand, often relocating them to Surin province where they can live in more natural surroundings...   if you love elephants ♥... Don't Ever Ride Them!!
Thanks a lot Jobbo and done (>‿◠)✌!!

Photo: Ⓒ Roengrit Kongmuang

Located in the far northwestern corner of Surin province, the tiny village of Baan Ta Klang was historically home to a small ethnic group known as the Kui, who were employed by Ayutthaya kings thanks to their skills at capturing and taming wild elephants.

In 2006, a project was launched in Surin to encourage mahouts roaming around Thailand to bring their elephants back home to Surin where they would be given assistance at the Study Center. It is claimed that already they are the biggest elephant village in the world.

Stamps:

The Indian Elephant
(Issued 05-11-1991)

National Stamp ExhibitionTraditional Houses
(Issued 02-08-1997)

THAILAND ~ Giant Guardians - Bangkok ~

... Beautiful postcard with statues of curious monster-like creatures... there are twelve giants (Yaksha) guarding in pairs the entrances to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)... each giant is unique and has its own name... the Yaksha represents Thai culture in the hearts of Thai people... with matchingシ and more great stamps... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!【ツ】

Photo: Jatupon Rutnin Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple  in Thailand.

The entrance is guarded by a pair of yakshis (mythical giants – 5 metres (16 ft) high statues). In Thailand, a yak is a giant demon (ogre, colossus or monster) from the Ramakian (the Thai version of the Hindu Ramayana epic mythology) and the entire compound wall of the complex is painted with Thai murals depicting scenes from this epic story of Ramayana.

Since the 14th century Yakshis have been placed outside temple doors to guard against evil forces entering into the temple or temple grounds. They are depicted with a characteristic face, having big round bulging eyes and protruding fangs. They are dressed in full body armor wearing a dragon helmet, with both hands upon a large spiraled club.
Stamps:



Demon Statues
(Issued 13-06-2001)

Red Cross 2003
(Issued 28-03-2003)

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Prince Wan Waithayakon, 1891-1976
(Issued 25-08-1992)

National Stamp Exhibition - Mailboxes
(Issued 04-08-1998)

THAILAND ~King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) ~

...Lovely vintage portrait of a former King of Thailand... with ofcourse matching stamps...Thanks a lot Jobbo...it's always quite a challenge to find information about all the stamps on the postcard! (>‿♥)

Prajadhipok (8 November 1893 – 30 May 1941), also Rama VII, was the seventh monarch of Siam of the House of Chakri.

 He was the last absolute monarch and the first constitutional monarch of the country. His reign was a turbulent time for Siam due to political and social changes during the Revolution of 1932.

 He is to date the only Siamese monarch of the Chakri Dynasty to abdicate.

Stamps:
King Rama IX Definitive Stamp (10th Series)

King Prajadhipok
(Issued 30-05-2003)

The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of King Prajadhipok
(Issued 08-11-1993)


 
The 200th Anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty of Bangkok
(Issued 04-04-1982)

THAILAND ~ King Bhumibol Adulyadej ~

... Lovely vintage postcard showing a parade scene of HM The King on the Royal Golden Chair Stage Progress... unfortunately I couldn't find more information about it... as usual with great matching royal stamps...I think Thailand must be the country with the most stamps depicting their royal family... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!【ツ】

One of the many quotes by HM the King: "We need to inspire and give each other confidence so that the work we do will be fruitful for the well-being of the people and the stability and security of the country."

 Stamps:

The 72nd Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 10-09-1999)

The 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Accession to Throne as Rama IX
(Issued 09-06-1996)

H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 10-10-2010)

THAILAND ~ Hotel Siam Inter Continental ~

Hello Everyone!!... 2017 started not so good for me due to personal issues... but I'm back and hope everything will be better from now on... so with a bit of delay this will be the beginning of blog year nr 9 ㋡... have a lot of updating to do with fantastic postcards from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Japan and many more...
So I hope to see you all here sometime (or more) in 2017.
Groetjes, Gerda!! ( ♥‿♥)

...My first postcard is coming from Jobbo... a nice view from the past of once the most iconic and glorious hotel set in the heart  of Bangkok... belonging to the Royal Family... sadly replaced by a shopping mall... Thanks a lot Jobbo!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

From backside postcard:
POOLSIDE: Connected to the famous Inter-Continental Parkland, the poolside promises a lot of lovely sights on top of being that ideal spot for a swim,sunbath, snack or drink.

Built on 26 acres of Sra Paduma Palace gardens in the 1960's, the Siam Intercontinental Hotel was a well-know Thai landmark. It won an award from the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment for its environmental protection work in 1999.

However, when the hotel's 30-year lease expired, it was torn down to make way for another shopping center. The 26-acre garden was reduced to a few acres.

Stamp:

 New Year 2017 - Canna Plant
(Isssued 15-11-2016)

THAILAND ~ A row of Budha Images in Wat Yai Chai Mongkol ~

...This nice postcard  from Glenn is coming from "The Land of Budhism"... beautiful Thai culture... it  all looks very impressive...Thanks once more Glenn!! (✿ ♥‿♥)➜ Gem's World Postcards

 Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is  a restored Buddhist temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom period (1350-1767)  located in southeast Ayutthaya. It has been the pride of Siamese people since the 13th C.

Stamps:

WIPO Award for Creative Excellence
(Issued 03-05-2016)

 H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn
(Issued 01-12-2012)

H.R.H.Princess Bajrakitiyabha
(Issued 07-12-2012)

THAILAND ~ Wat Saket - Bangkok ~

...Beautiful view of one of the symbols of the city and popular tourist attraction.... the Golden Mount looks its best at night when it glows gold against the dark sky... with a great variety of lovely stamps used... Thanks a lot Jobbo, nice to hear from you!!  (✿ ♥‿♥)

Photo: Sukit Tejavanija
Wat Saket is historic temple built during the reign of King Rama I. It is best known for The Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong in Thai), a man-made hill with a golden chedi on the hilltop, which was completed during the reign of King Rama V after decades of construction. The golden chedi is where the sacred Buddha's relics are enshrined.

Bangkok was originally moated and walled with forts at intervals along it (built in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I).  It was broken by 16 gates and 14 forts (Phra Sumain, Yukornton, Mahaprab, Mahakan, Mootaluog, Seurtayan, Mahachai, charkphet, Phisua, Mahaluok, Mahayak, Phrachun, Phra-Ar-thit, and Isintorn).

Only 2 forts are still remaining along the former wall : Fort Mahakan and Fort Phrasumain.

Stamps:
Red Cross
(Issued 30-03-1999)

Chinese Stamp Exhibition - Bangkok
(Issued 04-08-1998)

The 2nd International Asian Hornbill Workshop
(Issued 12-04-1996)

Paintings - Queen Sirikit
(Issued 12-08-2013)

THAILAND ~ In remembrance HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (1927-2016) ~

                         ~~♥♥♥"TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE" ♥♥♥~~   Thomas Campbell

King Bhumibol was born in Cambridge in the US state of Massachusetts on 5 December 1927.

His Majesty became King of the Kingdom on Thailand on 9 June 1946. The Coronation Ceremony came later in 1950, after His Majesty has finalized his education in Switzerland.

He had reigned without interruption for over 70 years (longest reigning monarch)  after acceding to the throne following the death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol.

Through the illustrious decades of his rule, HM the King has been the very embodiment of his Oath of Accession that, “We will reign with Righteousness for the Benefit and Happiness of the Siamese People.”

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of the Chakri dynasty, of Thailand has died at the age of 88.

Thanks Jobbo! ♥

Stamp:

The 72nd Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 10-09-1999)

The 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Accession to Throne as Rama IX
(Issued 09-06-1996)

THAILAND ~ Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn - Wat Pho - Bangkok ~

...More of Thailand's amazing architecture...one of the many beautiful temples in the country...with matching Wat Pho stamp...Thanks a lot Jobbo!! ♥‿♥ (I'm fine, thanks...I hope you are okay with all what's happening in your country ☹)

What Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is home to more Buddha images than any other Bangkok temple and has the largest Buddha in Thailand.

Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn refers to the group of four large pagodas surrounded by a large white wall with Thai and Chinese style sheltered gates decorated with glazed tiles and Chinese rock guardians.

The four pagodas represent King Rama I, II, III and IV. King Rama IV or King Mongkut ordered all four pagodas to be enclosed so as to leave no space for more pagodas.

Each of these pagodas is 42 meters high with notched rim structures with a tall spire and covered in colorful mosaics.


Photo: Apinan Buahapakdee

Stamps:

King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX)
(Issued 10-10-2010)

Thai Temples - Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalarm
(Issued 17-05-2002)

THAILAND ~ Bangkok - Chao Phraya River ~

...Lovely view from the past... a lot has changed since then...as usual I was expecting a matching stamp and I was not disappointed... it has a great bridge stamp too...Thanks a lot Jobboヽ(ヅ)ノ

Bird's eye view of the Memorial Bridge and towns on both sides of Chao Phraya River, Greater Bangkok Metropolitan.
The bridge was opened on 6 April 1932, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty. In English the bridge is commonly known as Memorial Bridge, however in Thai it is most commonly known as Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge, after King Rama I,  the first king of the Chakri Dynasty.

 Construction of the bridge was started on 3 December 1929 by Dorman Long, Middlesbrough, England. The bridge used to have a moving mechanism, which is now disused.

Stamps:

Bridges
(Issued 01-07-2004)

The 70th Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 05-12-1997)

THAILAND ~ Wat Benchamabophit Temple ~

...Must say a very pretty looking bulding...once more a magnificent example of the Bangkok architectural style...and because it is just off the tourist trail this place is more peacefull and less crowded as so many others...Thaaaaaanks Jobbo especially for finding almost every time matching stamps!! ㋡

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok also known as the marble temple.

Construction of the temple began in 1899 on orders of the King Rama V.,  his ashes are buried beneath the main Buddha statue. The temple is made of carrara marble imported from Italy.

The entrance consists of four lovely marble pillars, and the temple's large courtyard is made of shiny white marble. On either side of the entrance is a large stone lion, guarding the temple. In the gallery surrounding the ordination hall are 52 Buddha statues.

Stamps:
The 150th Anniversary of Birth of Prince Narisaranuvattiwongse (Issued 11-11-2013)
Thai Temples
(Issued 17-06-2002)
The 44th Anniversary of the Death of Prince Narisranuvattivongs
(Issued 28-04-1991)

THAILAND ~Royal Family ~

...Nice postcard showing the Royal Family... for many Thais the king is the most beloved person of the kingdom...there is a lot of  respect to the Royal family that have helped and rule the kingdom for hundreds of years...with matching stamps all issued at one of the Kings Anniversaries...Thanks Jobbo!!ツ

Protector of Buddhist faith in Thailand, this royal family has witnessed nine kings, ever from its inception. This family is considered as a strong pillar for the prosperity of Thailand.

Born on the 5th of December in the year 1927, King Rama IX of Thailand has reigned since the 9th of June in 1946. His titular name, Rama IX, stems from the fact that he is the ninth king of the dynasty of Chakri. He is the longest serving among all the current heads of states in the world, the longest reigning monarch in Thailand's history, and also the 10th longest reigning monarch of all time in the world.

Stamps:

The 72nd Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 10-09-1999)
The 42nd Anniversary of the Regency of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 02-07-1988)
The 60th Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
(Issued 05-12-1987)