PH, Thailand Launch Special Commemorative Stamps in Celebration of 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
From left: Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Asia and Pacific Affairs Executive Director Josel F. Ignacio, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre, Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo, Assistant Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos and Thai Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Urawadee Sriphiromya pose for a group photo during the handover of framed stamps. (DFA photo)
MANILA 19 June 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) and the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila, hosted the ceremonial launch of the special commemorative stamps in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Thailand diplomatic relations at the DFA Main Lobby on 14 June 2019.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo, Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng and Assistant Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos unveiled the commemorative stamp, which features the Philippine carabao and the Thai elephant, animals that represent the strength and industry of the Filipino and Thai peoples, respectively. The three officials also signed the official first day cover.
At the end of the ceremony, Assistant Postmaster General Carlos handed over framed stamps to Undersecretary Manalo, who received them on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He also handed framed stamps to Ambassador Ruangprateepsaeng and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre.
In his opening remarks, Undersecretary Manalo said the stamps “honor and commit to posterity a truly important moment” in the story of the Philippines-Thailand bilateral partnership. It is a story that will travel with these stamps, as they make their way around the world, said the Acting Secretary.
For his part, Ambassador Ruangprateepsaeng congratulated PhilPost and Thailand Post for making this project possible, paying tribute to the state of relations. He remarked that “the Philippines and Thailand have laid the solid foundation of diplomatic relations since 1949, and our two countries have enjoyed close and cordial ties that have brought peace, security and prosperity to our people.”
Assistant Postmaster General Carlos expressed PhilPost’s delight to be a part of the anniversary celebrations. He encouraged everyone to continue supporting the postal system despite the advances in information and communications technology.
The launch of the commemorative stamps is just one of the activities lined up this year to commemorate the platinum jubilee of Philippines-Thailand diplomatic relations.
Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in Washington, D.C. on 14 June 1949. Likewise, the Philippines and Thailand are two of the five founding members of ASEAN, having signed the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok on 08 August 1967. END