It’s official, 2021 Thai stamps are my new favourite. I know, I keep shifting my love around, but it’s easy to fall hard with so many tempting designs and topics. The most exciting thing about this project is discovering stamps I can gush unapologetically over.
Thai designers have a distinct style that I chewed over for a day or two. I had a challenging time pinning down what was so attractive about them. As I drafted this article, I finally put together what it was. Thai stamps utilize a colour sensibility I’ve not encountered. The pinks, yellows, greens, and purples are strong, vibrant colours but never seem to tip over into flamboyant or shocking. They remind me of natural paint colours, rich in tone and pigment.
Although released in 2020, the Nov Thai Sweets stamps, issued for the New Year, kick off my 2021 Thai stamp celebration. It’s an appropriate starting point. I love exploring food of all types. Toronto is blessed with excellent restaurants, including Thai, but what a trip it would be to go to Thailand and explore their cuisine! Well, and the Sam Sen Nai Philatelic Museum. I suspect I could while away a few days there.
The colours and topic made this one of the most appealing series from last year. Designer Ms. Mayuree Naknisorn of the Thailand Post Co., Ltd, will create 2021’s 84th Anniversary of Nawamin Tharappit Building series. The New Year’s Thai Sweets stamps would look amazing as wall art. That’s what makes an exceptional design – it looks good in large formats and tiny stamps. It takes an extraordinary eye to pull this off.
As usual, I’m still searching for information on designers, but it takes a tremendous amount of time going through Thai websites. I can usually muddle through with European language sites with a certain amount of ease, despite being tragically monolingual. But the Thai language bears no similarities to English so I can’t pick out key words to speed up my research. Regardless, this is a fun series to explore.
Each stamp listed below will include the Thai post’s cataloguing numbers under the title. Stamp issues have been announced up to May of this year. Special hats off to the Thai postal services for their excellent news magazine.
Topics for 2021
- National Children’s day
- Lunar New Year
- Special anniversaries
- Thai heritage & architecture
- social issues
- numerous postal cancels to hunt down
April’s Thai Heritage Day series is of special note. Both the topic and the design standout with their combination of black and gold colours & rich historical illustrations.
Note: Special thanks to @musicalstamps for the link that provided me with so much information. Welcome – Musical Stamps (themusicstamps.com)
2021 Thai stamps – Jan
Lunar New Year – Year of the Ox
Thai Post catalogue # 1205
‘The Ox catches the fish. Money will be plentiful’.
Seventh stamp in current series “Royal Illustrations”
1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, 20 First Day (FD) post marks from different cities
Artwork by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Designer: Mr. Udon Niyomtham (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: Jan 4, 2021
National Children’s Day 2021
#1206
Schools must be free from violence
Recent shocking online videos have shown students assaulted by teachers at school. The public have turned sharp attention to acknowledge the problem. This year’s Children’s Day stamp highlights this issue, drawing positivity from a viral video that showed different ways of greeting when entering class; from “Wai” (Thai traditional greeting), hugs, handshakes to high-fives. An excellent way to create a fun learning environment to start the day.
Stamp Catalogue 2021 https://www.thailandpost.co.th/
4 stamps, 4 sheets of 10, FDC, FD post mark
- Hug
- Handshake
- High Five
- Wai
Designer: Mr. Thanes Polchaiwong (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: Jan 9, 2021
150th Anniversary of The Establishment of Wat Ratchabith sathit Mahasimaram
#1207
The Last Royal Temple
50th anniversary of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan, a first-class Royal Temple built on 22 January 1869, in the reign of H.M. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The temple’s name translates to, ‘A temple a King has built’, which was the last Royal Temple constructed in his reign along ancient traditions.
Stamp Catalogue 2021 https://www.thailandpost.co.th/
5 stamps, 5 sheets of 10, FDC, 5 maxicards, FD post mark
- Phra Phuttha Angkiros adorns the ancient insignia of Nopparat Rajawaraporn.
- Inside the temple where The Ankiros Buddha is enshrined
- Phra Ubosot, Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimaram
- Phra Maha Chedi, Wat Ratchabith sathit Mahasimaram
- Phra Ariyawongsayan Patriarch Sopha sangchanpanakorn
Designer: Mr. Udon Niyomtham (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: Jan 22, 2021
2021 Thai stamps – Feb
Love is the Universal Language
#1208
Sign language seems to be the simplest action in overcoming language barriers. Above all, it allows us to communicate to people with visual and hearing impairments. This stamp collection gathers 4 sign languages that is popular and relevant in modern culture today.
Stamp Catalogue 2021 https://www.thailandpost.co.th/
4 stamps, FDC, FD post marks, 16 stamp sheets
4 symbols of love:
- mini hearts
- my heart for you
- holding hands
- I love you
Designer: Ms. Euamporn Supharoekchai (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: Feb. 8, 2021
March
Sala Thai
11 general usage stamps, sheets
Release date: March 27, 221
2021 Thai stamps – April
Thai Heritage Day 2021
#2010
Thai Massage: From the Nation’s Pride to World Recognition
Since 2019, Thai massage has been recognised by UNESCO to be an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is Thailand’s second award following Khon’s recognition in 2018.
Stamp Catalogue 2021 https://www.thailandpost.co.th/
4 stamps, FDC, maxi card, sheet of 10, FD post mark
Featuring hermits in different yogi positions. The drawings from an 1838 book showing 80 Hermit yogi poses, during the reign of King Rama Ill.
Designer: Ms. Uamporn Suparuekchai (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: April 2, 2021
New building dedication – opening of Siriraj Hospital
#1211
TBA
In regards to the Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building Opening Ceremony stamps to be issued on 26 April, it is NOT the 84th anniversary of the building as you indicate in your title and previous commentary on the designer. This is a NEW building opening tomorrow at Sirioj Hospital in Bangkok. It was named following Thai naming conventions to commemorate auspicious birth anniversaries of members of the Royal Family. The cornerstone of the building was laid to commemorate the 84th birthday of the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej (you probably call him King Rama IX).
Many thanks to Mark (see comments) for the corrected information.
Stamps will feature hospital patrons tba
5 stamps, souvenir sheet
Designer: Ms. Mayuree Naknisorn (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: 26 April 2021 This has been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic
2021 Thai stamps – May
Buddhist Day (Visakha Bucha Day)
#1212
Photo: Flowers in Buddha History (Bua Chik Ket Kumbok)
4 stamps, souvenir sheet, FDC, cancel, sheets of 10
Designer: Udorn Niyomthum (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release Date: May 19, 2021
July
69TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF KING RAMA 10
2 stamps, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel
Designer: Mayuree Naknisorn (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Draft images: may change
Release date: July 28, 2021
The Glorification of the Supreme Patriarchs of Thailand in the Reign of His Majesty King Rama 10
2 stamps, 2 sheets of 10, FDC, 20 special cancels
His Holiness Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Kromma Luang Jinavajiralongkorn and His Holiness Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Kromma Luang Vajirananasamvara
Designer: Thanes Polchaiwong (Thai Post Co., Ltd.)
Release date: July 28, 2021
September
Buddhist and Christian Fellowship
2 stamps, FDC, cancel
- 1984 King Shinwara meets with Pope John Paul II at Wat Ratchapitsathit Mahasamaram
- 2019 King Ariya Wongsakat meets with Pope Francis at Wat Ratchapitsathit Mahasamaram
Designer: mr. udon niyomtham of the Thai Postal Co.
Release date: Sept. 21, 2021
October
Beautiful crabs of Thailand
4 stamps, FDC, cancel, souvenir sheet
lithography – multicolor
- Thung wa limestone hill crab
- satun limestone hill crab
- pink claw crab
- pak bara giant military crab
Release date: Oct. 9, 2021
World Postal Day 2021
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheet of 10
Designer: Udon Niyomtham / นายอุดร นิยมธรรม
Release date: Oct. 9, 2021
Commemoration of Queen Sirikit’s Birthday
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheet of 10
Designer: Eumporn Suparukchai / นางสาวเอื้อมพร ศุภฤกษ์ชัย
Release date: Oct. 22, 2021
November
90th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Thailand – Switzerland
2 stamps, sheet of 10, FDC, cancel
Designer: ว่าที่ ร้อยโท ปฏิพล ซอกิ่ง |lieutenant patipol seoking (thailand post co., ltd.)
Release date: November 11, 2021
70 years Thai-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations
2 stamps, sheet of 10, FDC, cancel
Designer: Masood Ur Rehman (Pakistan Postal Service)
Release date: November 15, 2021
New Year’s Food – promoting Thai desserts
4 stamps, sheet of 16, FDC,cancel
- ส้มฉุน pungent orange Thaifoodmaster – Pungent Orange
- ไอศครีม ice cream
- ลอดช่อง through the channel (Lod chong) Through the channel. Traditional Thai desserts teach every step of the way. Lod Chong concentrated coconut milk | happytaste – YouTube
-
น้ำแข็งใส shaved ice (Namkhaeng sai) Impressive Nam Kang Sai at Udom Suk (Thai Shaved Ice น้ำแข็งใส) (eatingthaifood.com)
Designer: Ms. Mayuree Naknisorn / นางสาวมยุรี นาคนิศร
Release date: November 15, 2021
December
Earth Day
1 stamp, FDC, cancel, sheet of 10
Designer: Thanet Polshaiwong / นายธเนศ พลไชยวงศ์
Release date: December 5, 2021
National Day 2021
1 stamp, sheet of 10, FDC, cancel
National Day of Thailand (2021) (edarabia.com)
Designer: Thanet Polshaiwong / นายธเนศ พลไชยวงศ์
Release date: December 5, 2021
Bang Sue Central Station
4 stamps, FDC, cancels, 4 sheets of 10
Designer: Thanet Polshaiwong / นายธเนศ พลไชยวงศ์
Release date: December 23, 2021
The Opening Ceremony of “Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building”, Siriraj Hospital Commemorative Stamps
- His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, including Syamindra building
- His Royal Highness Prince Siriraj Kakutabhundu, including the medium-sized wooden hospital
- His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, including Administration building
- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, including Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary building
- His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, including Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary building
Release date: December 23, 2021
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In regards to the Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building Opening Ceremony stamps to be issued on 26 April, it is NOT the 84th anniversary of the building as you indicate in your title and previous commentary on the designer. This is a NEW building opening tomorrow at Sirioj Hospital in Bangkok. It was named following Thai naming conventions to commemorate auspicious birth anniversaries of members of the Royal Family. The cornerstone of the building was laid to commemorate the 84th birthday of the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej (you probably call him King Rama IX). To give another example of such a name, I live next to a park whose name roughly translates to HM Queen Sirikit 79th Anniversary Greenery Park, meaning the trees on the land were dedicated to celebrate the Queen Mother’s 79th birthday. The park itself certainly isn’t 79 years old. It’s also not that green, but such is the Thai way.
Great information!. Thank you for taking the time type in the details. Sometimes the translations I end up with are a bit baffling and I’m afraid I wing it a bit. I’ll correct the information in the article.
Cheers
catpaw
No problem. I have lived in Thailand for the past 15+ years (and am just a five-minute walk from the Phuket Philatelic Museum where I buy all the new issues). Machine-based translators do very poorly translating Thai to English — not only is the script very different but there is no real grammar and there are category words that have no translatable meaning but will tell someone fluent in the language what “type” of word something is (much like our adjectives). Thai keeps the long words while English translations often break down names (such as the hospital building) into separate “words”. There is no official transliteration into English from Thai as there is in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. I generally trust the English translations on the back of the FDC’s — those in the quarterly stamp bulletin sometimes leave a lot to be desired….
The Opening Ceremony of Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building, Siriraj Hospital commemorative stamps are now postponed indefinitely as the hospital is under lockdown.
LOL, I feel like I now have an inside source re: Thailand issues! Many thanks for the info.