Stamp - Joint Issue - France Thailand - International Letter

What could be more symbolic than a joint philatelic issue to celebrate 170 years of official diplomatic relations between Thailand and France? The silhouette of the Wat Arun Buddhist temple, emblematic of Bangkok, and that of the Eiffel Tower, forever associated with Paris, seem to watch over the Franco-Thai friendship that has spanned the centuries. Indeed, the first exchanges between the kingdoms of Siam and France date back to the end of the 17th century, under the reigns of King Narai and Louis XIV. On August 15, 1856, the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed, establishing formal diplomatic relations between Siam and France. With the issue of these stamps, the two countries are commemorating the depth of a bond that manifests itself today in active political, economic, tourist and cultural cooperation. And while Thailand and France are keeping alive the memory of their historic relationship, they are above all celebrating a modern, dynamic and forward-looking partnership. Fabienne Azire

Timbre (héliogravure) : création Stéphane Humbert-Basset.