Thailand – Scott #s 419-20, used

Description

This handsome pair of Thailand commemoratives (Scott #419–420) was issued in 1968 to celebrate the 36th Birthday Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. Each stamp features a full-length portrait of the King in formal military dress, framed within an ornate oval cartouche and printed in bold, saturated color.

• Scott #419 (1.50 Baht – Blue)
  Features a deep turquoise-blue background symbolizing stability and national unity. The King stands poised with sword in hand, wearing full ceremonial regalia.

• Scott #420 (5 Baht – Magenta)
  A vivid magenta design, striking and regal, used for the higher denomination. The portrait remains the same, emphasizing dignified continuity across the set.

Both stamps include bilingual inscriptions in Thai and English, marking the royal anniversary and the issue date, 5 December 1968, which is also celebrated annually in Thailand as the King’s Birthday and National Day.

These examples are used, each showing clear postmarks—including a partial Bangkok cancellation—that enhance their postal authenticity while leaving the central portraits fully visible. A perfect selection for collectors of Thai royal history, Asian monarchies, portraiture, or mid-20th-century Southeast Asian philately.