Thailand Post has launched a limited-edition stamp collection to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China, showcasing a shared legacy of culture, diplomacy, and friendship.
According to Khaosod English, the commemorative series titled “50 Years of Thai–Chinese Diplomatic Relations” was released nationwide on Monday, featuring ten original watercolor designs by celebrated Thai artist Suppachai “Louis” Vongnoppadondacha, widely known as Louis Sketcher.
Louis, a Bangkok-based urban sketcher, is known for his vivid, on-location watercolor artworks that capture the soul of Thai architecture, heritage, and everyday street life. With a background in traditional Thai architecture, his style blends technical precision with emotional storytelling. His past works have chronicled historic shophouses, Chinese shrines, and temples—making him an ideal choice for this cultural project.
Honoring 50 Years of Diplomacy Thai Chinese Stamp Series Released
The stamp series features visual elements that highlight the deep historical and artistic ties between the two countries. Each 5-baht stamp includes motifs such as the 50th-anniversary logo, a sculpture from Bangkok’s Wat Pho, Chinese New Year lion dancers, the Wehat Chamrun Throne Hall, and Chinese-Portuguese architecture in Phuket. Only 100,000 pieces of each design have been printed, making this a highly collectible release.
A complete 10-stamp sheet and first-day cover are available for 78 baht at post offices nationwide.
The release coincides with the golden jubilee of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations, first formalized on July 1, 1975. On that historic day, then-Prime Minister M.R. Kukrit Pramoj signed a joint communiqué with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing—followed by an unexpected, hour-long audience with Chairman Mao Zedong. That meeting, initially planned for just 15 minutes, helped cement a diplomatic relationship that has since expanded into trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Mao’s advice to the Thai delegation focused on pragmatic approaches to governance: avoid violent suppression, address poverty, and focus on feeding the people. His comments were remembered as sincere and strategic, and they resonated with Thailand’s own path of development.
Today, Thailand and China enjoy strong ties across multiple sectors, and this stamp collection stands not only as a cultural tribute but also as a reminder of the people and moments that shaped five decades of cooperation.
