0008, 1433, 2655, 2793, 2831, 2939, 3081, 3274, 3421 THAILAND (Bangkok) - The Grand Palace in Bangkok

0008 The Grand Palace in Bangkok

Undoubtedly, Bangkok's history is intimately linked to the Chakri dynasty, which leads Siam (named from 1939, with a brief interruption, Thailand) for more than two centuries. Founder of the dynasty, Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), was the one who moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. Of course, the king had to have a palace and so appeared The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang), whose construction began in 1782, after a plan that closely followed that of the old palace in Ayutthaya.

2655 Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (1)

 

The king, his court and his royal government were based on the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor Vajiralongkorn at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, the palace complex (made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, and gardens) is roughly rectangular. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions being made by successive kings.

2939 Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (2)

It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat buildings are composed of nine major and minor halls, structured in a similar scheme to the Maha Monthien Halls from north to south. The whole of the Chakri Maha Prasat group was the work of King Rama V and foreign architects in the 19th century.

3274 The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (1)

 

The first phase of construction began in 1868, then again in 1876, and the final phase between 1882 and 1887. The throne hall forms the front or the façade of the entire building group. The throne hall is constructed in an eclectic style, a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles. The lower part of the structure is European, while the upper part is in Thai-styled green and orange tiled roofs and gilded spires or prasats.

3081 The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (2)

 

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), formally known as Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram that means "the residence of the Holy Jewel Buddha", is actually a royal chapel, completed in 1784. Wat Phra Kaew has undergone a number of renovations, restoration and additions in its history, particularly during the reign of King Rama III and Rama IV. The architectural style is named as Rattanakosin style (old Bangkok-style). The main temple of the Emerald Buddha is decorated and similar to the temple in ancient capital of Ayutthaya. 

2831 The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (3)

It is surrounded on four sides by a series of walled cloisters, with seven gates. Like the royal temples of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, the complex is separated from the living quarters of the kings. Within these walls are buildings and structures for diverse purposes and of different styles, but most of them adheres strictly to classical Thai architecture. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand.

1433 A kinnara in front of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The main building is the central phra ubosot, which houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha. In the postcard 1433 is a golden statue of a kinnara, a half-bird, half-woman creatures at Southeast Asian Buddhist mythology, one of the many creatures that inhabit the mythical Himavanta. Kinnaris have the head, torso, and arms of a woman and the wings, tail and feet of a swan. She is renowned for her dance, song and poetry, and is a traditional symbol of feminine beauty, grace and accomplishment.

2793 The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
with a Thotsakhirithon guarding an exit

The Gate No. 2 (Na Wua Gate) of the complex is guarded by the statues of two demons (yaksha), Thotsakhirithon and Thotsakhiriwan, which appear in Ramakien (Glory of Rama), Thailand's national epic, derived from the Hindu epic Ramayana. They are the sons of Thotsakan (One with ten necks), a king of demons and their mother is a female elephant, that why they have trunks like an elephant. They are mostly depicted with a characteristic face, having big round bulging eyes and protruding fangs, as well as a green complexion.

3421 The Dusit Maha Prasat throne hall in 1870s

 

The Dusit Maha Prasat throne hall, built by Rama I in 1790, dominates the Maha Prasat group. The throne hall was built on a symmetrical cruciform plan, the roof is topped with a tall gilded spire. The hall is considered an ideal archetype of Thai traditional architecture. Every aspect of the exterior decoration of the throne hall is imbuded with symbolism. The hall is built in the shape of a tall mountain to represent Mount Meru, the mythological centre of the universe. The north face has a porch with a type of throne known as a busabok used by the king when gave public audiences.

About the stamps
On the postcard 0008

The stamps are Polish, because I received this postcard from Poland. All four stamps that form the set, which has been issued on 31.10.2003, picture the same endangered bird, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), spotted in various hypostasis, and have the same face value, 1.20 PLN. Each stamp bears the WWF logo in the bottom left corner.

On the postcard 1433

The first two stamps depict the prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs (Naritsaranuwattiwong; 1863-1947), the patron of Thai arts circles in his capacity as The Great Craftsman of Siam or the Divine Guru of all craft works. Owing to his ingenuity in arts of various fields, UNESCO has passed a resolution proclaiming him as one of the World Eminent Personalities in 1963. The second stamp was issued on November 11, 2013 to commemorate 150th anniversary of his birth, and presents his portrait with the background of his drawing of the Sun God Riding Chariot and the sketch of the Royal Rajadhivas Temple.

The third stamp is part of the series Tourist Spots in Thailand (Seaside 2nd series), about which I wrote here.

The fourth stamp is part of the series Centenary of Don Mueang International Airport, designed by Udorn Niyomthum and issued of July, 1st, 2014 (all stamps have the same face value, 3 THB):

• Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, the father of the Royal Thai Air Force - It's on the postcard 1433
• Breguet 14 B, which served as a mail plane in the early days
• Terminal 1 Building, Don Meuang International Airport, in 1973
• Don Meuang International Airport nowadays

The fifth stamp is part of the series 150th Year Commemoration of Prince Bhanurangsi, designed by Veena Chantanatat, and issued on January 11, 2009 (all stamps have the same face value, 3 THB). Field Marshal Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse, a younger brother of King Chulalongkorn, was the founder of the Postal Service in Thailand, opened to the public on August 4th, 1883.
• Prince Bhanurangsi child
• Prince Bhanurangsi young
• Prince Bhanurangsi matur
• Prince Bhanurangsi elder - It's on the postcard 1433

On the postcard 2655
The first stamp is one of the five of the series issued on June 9, 1996 with the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of King Bhumibol's Accession to Throne as Rama IX (4th Series).

The second stamp was issued on March 3, 2004 to mark the Centenary of the Siam Society.

The last stamp was issued on December 5, 2009 to mark the 82nd Anniversary of the Birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

On the postcard 2793

The first stamp is part of the series issued on April 4, 1982 to mark The 200th Anniversary of the Chakri Dynasty of Bangkok:
• King Buddha Yod-Fa (Rama I) (1 THB)
• King Buddha Lert La Naphalai (Rama II) (2 THB) - It's on the postcard 3415
• King Nang Klao (Rama III) (3 THB)
• King Mongkut (Rama IV) (4 THB)
• King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) (5 THB)
• King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) (6 THB) - It's on the postcard 3128
• King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) (7 THB)
• King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) (8 THB) - It's on the postcard 2930
• King Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama IX) (9 THB) - It's on the postcard 2793

The second stamp was issued on July 2, 1988 with the occasion of The 42nd Anniversary of Accession to Throne of King Rama IX - 1st series (The Longest Reign Celebrations Commemorative Stamp).

The third stamp is part of the series The 60th Anniversary of the Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, issued on December 5, 1987.

The last stamp is part of the series issued on July 2, 1988 with the occasion of The 42nd Anniversary of Accession to Throne of King Rama IX - 3rd series (The Longest Reign Celebrations Commemorative Stamp).

On the postcard 2831
The first stamp, depicting Rama IX, is part of a definitive set, about which I wrote here.

The last two stamps, depicting also Rama IX, is part of the 8th definitive series, designed by Pravat Pipitpiyapakorn and issued between 1988 and 1993:
1988.07.02 - blue (1 THB) - It's on the postcard 2831
1988.07.02 - red (2 THB) - It's on the postcard 2831
1988.12.05 - brown/multicoloured (3 THB)
1988.12.05 - multicoloured/black (10 THB)
1988.12.05 - brownish violet/blackish green (50 THB)
1988.12.05 - reddish orange/multicoloured (100 THB)
1989.07.01 - dark violet/orange brown (5 THB) 
1989.07.01 - multicoloured/brownish violet (6 THB)
1989.07.01 - reddish brown/dark olive (8 THB) - It's on the postcard 3359 
1989.07.01 - blackish blue/multicoloured (9 THB)
1989.12.05 - multicoloured (4 THB)
1989.12.05 - orange brown/blackish brown (7 THB)
1989.12.05 - orange/dark olive (20 THB)
1990.01.09 - multicoloured (25 THB)
1992.08.12 - brown (25 THB) - It's on the postcard 3181
1993.07.28 - multicoloured (50 THB)
1993.10.01 - minisheet (25 THB) 

On the postcard 2939

The first stamp is King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 86th Birthday Anniversary Commemorative Stamp, issued on December 5, 2013. King Bhumibol is the first monarch of the world to receive "The Humanitarian Soil Scientist" Award from the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) through his performance of activities promoting and supporting continuous soil management.

The second stamp is part of the series issued on October 20, 1999 to mark the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary (3rd Series).

On the postcard 3081
The first stamp is part of the series Bridges, issued on July 1, 2004. All four stamps have the same face value (5 THB).
• Rama VI Bridge
• Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge
• Rama IX Bridge
• Rama VIII Bridge - It's on the postcard 3081

The last stamp is one of the seven of the series issued on December 5, 1997, to mark the King's 70th Birthday Anniversary.

On the postcard 3274
The first stamp is part of the series The Centenial Anniversary of The Royal Forest Department Celebrations Commemorative Stamps, issued on September 18, 1996. King Rama V had the Department of Forestry established on 18 September 1896 and affiliated it under the Ministry of the Interior, Mr. H.A. Slade was Thailand's first director.
• The Tropical Rain Forest (3 THB)
• The Hill Evergreen Forest (6 THB) - It's on the postcard 3274
• The Swamp Forest (7 THB)
• The Mangrove Forest (9 THB)

The second stamp, depicting King Rama IX, is one of the thirteen of the series The Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Commemorative Stamps, issued on October 25, 2017 (3 designs of 3 THB and 10 designs of 9 THB).

On the postcard 3421
The stamp is part of a large definitive series depicting Rama X (Maha Vajiralongkorn, king of Thailand since 2016), about which I wrote here.

References
Grand Palace - Wikipedia
Wat Phra Kaew - Wikipedia

Sender 0008: Halina Szymik (postcrossing)
Sent from Rybnik (Silesia / Poland), on 29.09.2011
Photo: Steve Vidler / Mauritius Images
Sender 1433, 2655, 2793, 2831, 2939, 3081, 3274, 3421: Pumipat
1433: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 28.11.2014
Photo: Jatuporn Rutnin
2655: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 14.07.2016
2793: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 22.09.2016
2831: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 10.10.2016
Photo: Pinit Srimuangkao
2939: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 22.01.2017
3081: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 23.05.2017
Photo: Jatuporn Rutnin
3274: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 02.2018
Photo: Apinan Buahapakdee
3421: Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 01.2020