Facing the eastern wall of the Grand Palace is the yellow-and-white former palace building now occupied by the Ministry of Defense. On the front lawn of the ministry is a sort of open-air museum displaying cannons down through the ages. The oldest, named Akanirut, was made in Spain in 1624 and was used to defend the old capital of Ayutthaya. The largest is called the Phaya Tani cannon because of its size. As many a guidebook once pointed out, most of these 40 cannons were aimed at the Grand Palace. However, a few years ago the cannons were re-arranged so they didn't point at the palace.
This huge building construction was started in 1882 and completed in 1884 on the land of three former palaces in the first reign (1782-1809). It was used as a barracks and storehouse at first, becoming the head office of Ministry of Defence later. The Roman pediment and six columns supporting the front balcony are outstanding, being decorated in the ancient style symbolising power. To lure tourists inside, two musical fountains have been built at the ministry’s entrance.
About the stamps
The first stamp is part of a series of nine, issued in 1999 to commemorate the HM the King's 6th Cycle (72nd) Birthday Anniversary. Firm believers in astrology and the 12 zodiac signs, Thais consider anniversaries in multiples of 12 particularly 60, 72 extremely auspicious.
The last stamp was issued on October 2012 to commemerate H.R.H. Prince Nares Varariddhi (1855-1925), known also as Phra-ong-chao Krisdapinihan, the 17th child or the 8th son of His Majesty King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chao Chom Manda Klin. The Prince had served several important government positions under the reign of King Rama V and King Rama VI.
References
Ministry of Defense Building - Bangkok For Visitors
Thai Army Does Some Chest Puffing With Defense Ministry Tours - Indonesia Realtime
Ministry of Defence - Villa Cha-cha
Sender: Pumipat
Sent from Bangkok (Bangkok / Thailand), on 02.06.2015
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