The author reminisces about their childhood hobby of stamp collecting, recalling how their parents encouraged them to pursue this activity. However, as time passed and their interests evolved, their passion for stamp collecting waned. Now, they regret the loss of their stamp collection, which they can no longer find.

However, some childhood memories remain. I remember when my father gave me stamps to collect. There were many types of stamps, including those with the portrait of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, commemorative stamps of important events, and stamps promoting interesting things, such as pictures of vegetables, fruits, and rare wildlife. When I think back, I remember the joy of my childhood when I enjoyed being in the world of stamps with their beautiful and diverse designs.

The latest news is that Thailand Post has organized an activity inviting the public to join in commemorating the great kindness of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej through the exhibition "Father's Stamps 2493 for the Benefit of the Siamese People." The exhibition tells the story through the stamps of the 9th reign, which are recorded in 79 sets and 353 types of postal stamps throughout the 70-year reign. I was immediately interested when these two joys came together. How could I miss it? One way is to join in commemorating His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the king who has been in the hearts of the people like me since I can remember, through the world of stamps, which is the most interesting thing. Because throughout the 70 years of his reign, there have been many important events and stories, and these events have all been printed as stamps. And the other way is that I will be able to travel back in time to the world of happiness when I was young, which has been lost over time. Without delay, I found a free day to go see it as soon as possible. It's not that I'm afraid of forgetting, but I'm afraid of missing out.

The event is held here at the Central Post Office in Bang Rak.

This is the Japanese flag, so we must be in the right place.

Theme of the event

The exhibition "Stamps of the Father 2493 for the Benefit of the Siamese People" is a collection of stories about His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej through stamps throughout his 70-year reign. I find this presentation very interesting because it is different from other exhibitions, making it easier for visitors to remember and understand the stories about him. The exhibition is divided into zones, each with a different theme. Visitors can watch videos, animations, and stamps to learn more about the king's life and work. There are five main zones in the exhibition. Let's go see the exhibition together!

Zone 1: "May 5, 2493: The Beginning of Happiness for the Thai People"

The exhibition's introduction begins with the coronation ceremony of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his first royal decree, "We shall reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people," on May 5, 1950. This decree is seen as a promise to the Thai people, which he kept throughout his life. The exhibition features rare stamps depicting significant historical events for the Thai people, displayed in a room befitting the King's legacy.

Zone 2: "Two Kings, Two Reigns"

This gallery showcases the love story of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, from their royal wedding ceremony to their everyday lives. Through a collection of stamps and videos, we witness their unwavering companionship in every setting, every situation, and every location. Each image radiates the profound love they shared, solidifying their status as a truly harmonious couple.

Zone 3: "4 Regions, Royal Visit to the People"

This zone showcases the King and Queen's first nationwide tour, where they witnessed the lives and struggles of their people. This experience inspired their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens across the country, alleviating poverty and hardship, and empowering them towards self-sufficiency. A highlight of this zone is a photo opportunity with a historical image of the King and Queen aboard the royal train. Additionally, photographs of their visits to various regions and commemorative stamps issued in their honor are displayed.

Zone 4: "9 Actions for the People"

Upon entering this zone, visitors are presented with graphic images interspersed with stamps depicting royal projects bestowed upon the Thai people, particularly the nine significant projects that serve as a testament to the King's "righteous reign" and dedication to providing "benefit" and "happiness" to the "people of Siam." These exhibits collectively showcase the King's tireless efforts for his subjects. The stamps displayed in this zone commemorate various projects, including the visually stunning rainmaking project stamps created using special techniques. Additionally, stamps commemorating the "Weighing the Taro" and "Chaipattana Turbine" projects are also featured.

Zone 5: "3 Teachings of the King's Philosophy"

This zone adheres to the teachings of His Majesty that we are all familiar with, namely "Understanding, Reaching, and Developing." This principle guides us in our daily lives and work, allowing us to continue His Majesty's "Following in the Footsteps of the Father" initiative. This exhibition hall displays stamps related to the work of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, aligning with the "Teachings of the King's Philosophy."

The penultimate room, "A Legacy from the Father," showcases commemorative stamps featuring portraits of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen on various occasions, such as birthdays and significant anniversaries. These stamps also highlight His Majesty's diverse talents and accomplishments. Each set is a valuable collector's item, making for a truly enjoyable viewing experience.

The final room features a large-scale image created from postage stamps bearing the royal portraits of Their Majesties, offering visitors a unique opportunity to capture a selfie as a souvenir.

Before leaving the exhibition, visitors are given a postcard featuring the royal portrait that appears on the stamp as a souvenir. There are five different designs available, and if you visit more than once, you can inform the staff which designs you have already received to avoid duplicates. The staff will also ask if you have visited before.

This exhibition is a true joy to behold, leaving visitors with a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open to the public from today until October 31, 2017. It is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Central Post Office in Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Thank you for visiting.

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