Collectable Stamps From Thailand

Thailand — formerly known as Siam — has a relatively short postal history, one that reflects the predominance of the royal family in Thai life and culture. Its first definitive stamps, known as the Solot series, was issued in 1883. These stamps, which lacked both the name of the country and an internationally recognizable valuation, did not comply with Universal Postal Union guidelines, and the series was replaced in 1887. As a result, Solot series stamps are among the rarer Thailand collectors’ stamps, and the only to be denominated in the old currency.

Who Was Prince Bhanurangsi?

Even a brief overview of Thailand’s collectors’ stamps and postal history should mention Prince Bhanurangsi, a figure whose influence on the country’s philately cannot be overstated. Prior to their adoption nationwide, the first adhesive stamps in the country were printed by Prince Bhanurangsi. They were used for distributing the daily newspaper he published. These issues, known as Palace Locals, were printed in a variety of colors and designs and canceled by hand using black ink.

Today, Palace Locals are some of the most highly sought-after Thailand collectors’ stamps, in part because of their important place in the country’s philatelic history. Mint examples rarely come on the market, and those that do routinely fetch prices in the thousands of dollars.

After the Solot Series

The Solot series was replaced by a new issue that met Universal Postal Union requirements. Known as the King Chulalongkorn second series, these stamps featured the monarch in profile and were available in various colors and denominations. Stamps in Thailand continued to use variations on a similar design for some time, and it was not until well into the 20^th century that the first pictorials were issued. The country has also released a number of commemorative issues over the years, often marking important events and other milestones.

The current market for rare Thai stamps is expected to keep growing in the years to come, making them a good investment for any value-minded collector. Today, many rare Thailand stamps can still be had for a reasonable sum. Like a lot of Asian markets, however, Thailand’s relatively stable economy and increasing economic mobility have led to an interest in its philatelic history both at home and abroad, a factor that could potentially drive up prices in the near future.

Buying Thailand Stamps From Apfelbaum, Inc.

Apfelbaum, Inc’s online store and Buy-It-Now sales are a convenient way to shop Thai collectors’ stamps for sale.