Setthathirath (1534-1571) or Xaysettha is considered one of the great leaders in Lao history. Throughout the 1560s until his death, he successfully defended his kingdom of Lan Xang against military campaigns of Burmese conqueror Bayinnaung, who had already subdued Chiang Mai in 1558 and Ayutthaya in 1564. Setthathirath was also a prolific builder and erected many Buddhist monuments including Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang and the That Luang in Viangchan.
The Statue of King Setthathirath is in Vientiane, near of That Luang (which can be seen on the postcard in background), a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa regarded as the national symbol in Laos, erected even by King Setthathirat in 1566, after he relocated the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The statue depicts the King Setthathirath in the seated position, wearing what looks to be chain mail and a regal hat, his sword across his knees. It rests on a 2m high plinth, which has a biographical plaque on its forward face. In turn the plinth is on a dais around which is a small garden.
About the stamps
The first stamp, depicting the flag of Laos, is one of the four of the series The 40th Anniversary of National Day of Laos, designed by Vongsavanh Damlongsouk and issued on December 2, 2015.
The second stamp, depicting That Luang, is part of the series 450th Anniversary of the City of Vientiene, issued on November 15, 2010.
• That Luang in 1889 (1000 LAK)
• That Luang in 1910 (3000 LAK)
• That Luang in 1935 (5000 LAK)
• That Luang in 2010 (6000 LAK) - It's on the postcard 3069
References
King Setthathirath, Vientiane, Laos - Waymarking
Sender: Pumipat
Sent from Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang / Laos), on 24.04.2017
Photo:Apinan Buahapakdee
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