Thailand - Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam: The Masterpiece of Krung Rattanakosin

"Wat Arun Ratchawararam or Wat[1] Arun, traditionally known as Wat Jaeng, is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is an ancient temple that has been utilised since the Ayutthaya period (in the 18th century). Until the Thonburi period (in the 19th century), after reclaiming Siam’s sovereignty from Burma, King Taksin the Great graciously moved the capital city from Ayutthaya to Thonburi and built a new royal palace with the boundary stretched to Khlong[2] Wat Jaeng. This implicitly made Wat Jaeng or Wat Arun the royal temple situated within the royal palace area. For this reason, monks were not allowed to reside in this temple. This was the same arrangement as Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the Ayutthaya period. "

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Sunset at the Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn along the Menam Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Nice Year of Horse stamp used. Thanks to Pimpa of Thailand. A great addition to my Year of Horse collection.

Thailand - Songkhla and its Associated Lagoon Settlements

Phang Yang, Pha Kho and Si Yang ancient towns

Sathing Phra ancient town

Fortified Settlement of Singora at Khao Daeng and Laem Son

Songkhla Old Town at Bo Yang

Over thousands of years, several settlements have emerged, evolved, and developed around Songkhla Lake, a coastal lagoon in southern Thailand. It is a natural brackish water lagoon with a complex cultural and ecological system, and the only one in the country. Although labelled a lake, it defies conventional definitions due to its geomorphological character. Situated on the Malay Peninsula in the South of Thailand, this coastal lagoon is known for its distinctive physical appearance that consists of three connecting water bodies stretching from North to South. The southern-most reaches of the lagoon is Thalesap Songkhla, where the lagoon meets the open sea. To the north, the protected wetland of Thale Noi is connected with the upper part of Songkhla Lagoon. The lagoon is flanked by Sankala Khiri and Bantud Mountain Ranges on the west, where there are rich mineral resources including tin and manganese. To the east, the Sathing Phra Peninsula extends 75 kilometres along the coast, a testament to the lagoon's captivating allure. According to geomorphological studies, the peninsula was originally a collection of islands or sand accretions; later fused by the gradual accumulation of sediments. The lagoon’s water is a blend of fresh mountain streams from the west, and the ebb and flow of salty tides from the sea, a delicate balance that has been harnessed over time for more efficient transportation and irrigation systems, still evident today. The fertile natural surroundings of Songkhla Lake fostered the growth of numerous settlements that have thrived in harmony with the lagoon's ecosystem. Over time, these settlements have evolved into unique towns and cities, a testament to the dynamic interplay between humans and the natural environment – the Songkhla lagoon itself. This proposed property, Songkhla and its associated lagoon settlements, consists of four components: 1) Phang Yang, Pha Kho and Si Yang ancient towns including their associated archaeological sites; 2) Sathing Phra ancient town; 3) Fortified settlements of Singora at Khao Daeng and Laem Son; and 4) Songkhla Old Town at Bo Yang.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I visited the Songkhla National Museum, Songkhla in Southern Thailand. It has a palatial building and garden. Bought a set of museum postcards showing some of museum pieces.

Thailand - The Andaman Sea Nature Reserves of Thailand

"The nominated property that make up the Andaman Bioregion of Thailand are 6 national parks, Ranong Biosphere Reserve and mangrove conservation areas; 1) the Mangroves and Inshore Islands, 2) the Offshore Islands and 3) the Beaches and Coastal Gallery Forests.These ecoregions each display geological, characteristic, faunal and floral features that contribute to the overall narrative of Andaman biogeography; together, they combine to create a unique synergy of unparalleled beauty and natural history."

Source: UNESCO WHS Tentative List

Postcard 1 - Mu Ko Surin
Spider crab at Mu Koh Surin Marine Park, Phang Nga.

Postcard 2A - Mu Ko Similan
Mu Ko Similan National Park is a marine park in Phang Nga Province, on the west side of Southern Thailand facing the Andaman Sea. I bought these postcards in Thailand in February 2011.

Postcard 2B - Mu Ko Similan

Thailand - Ensemble of Phanom Rung, Muang Tam and Plai Bat Sanctuaries

"Phanom Rung, Muang Tam and Plai Bat. These three temples were designed to reflect Hindu theology and astrology. Two volcanoes and one plain were selected for their construction. The main towers were built and placed on the axis of four directions encircled with square or rectangular walls and galleries. They represent Mount Meru, home of Shiva’s and axis of the universe. The Gopura Gates were placed such that the sun on the shone into the main tower chamber for activating the Shiva Linga, the universal Hindu sacred ritual. This can brought life to the whole complex of communities. These great and enduring masterpieces evidence the high point in Angkorian art and architecture."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

Prasat Phanomrung,Thailand. Thanks to Apichati of Thailand.

Thailand - Phra That Phanom, its related historic buildings and associated landscape

"Phra That Phanom is located within the walled compound of the "Temple of Phra That Phanom" in Nakorn Phanom Province, Thailand, about 600 meters west of the Mekong River. Believed by the people in the region to have been built by Monk Maha Kassapa, a chief disciple of Buddha, to enshrine the Buddha's breastbone relics 8 years after Buddha's Nirvana, this Stupa is regarded as the most ancient Buddha's Relics Stupa in the Northeast of Thailand and in the Middle Mekong River Basin. Throughout the millennia, Phra That Phanom has been steadfastly venerated by the multi-ethnic and multi-national populations living in all directions of the region."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

I visited Wat Phra That Phanom, which is north of Mukdahan town, along the Mekong River opposite of Laos. Got the cancellation from the post office next to this famous Buddhist temple in October 2018.

Thailand - Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna

"Because Chiang Mai has lived for 700 years, its civilization has, over the centuries, been developed, reached its peak, declined and revived in many successive eras. Chiang Mai's development however has never been in isolation, but has been tied to the events and developments of the Lanna’s history, the history of Siam or Thailand, and also the history of Asia and the world. The numerous important historical and cultural monuments and sites of Chiang Mai which symbolize its identity and spirituality, including its cultural landscape, have naturally been subject to destruction and decay during the wars, and to necessary repair and modification after the wars, but the repair and modification were always carried out by the Lanna kings and communities, with the Lanna’s feeling and in the spirit of the Lanna cultures and traditions..."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List



Postcard 1
Wat Phra That Soi Suthep. Thanks to Ruth of USA, received in 2008.

Postcard 2

I visited this beautiful temple on a hill top above Chiang Mai city for an amazing view and sunset. Cancelled this postcard at Chiang Mai Post Office in town.

Postcard 3

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep of Chiangmai. One of the most important monuments of ancient Chiang Mai.