Thailand's Rose Postage Stamp 2005

It has been about three or four years in a row since Thailand Post annually issues a rose postage stamp in commemoration with Valentine's Day. (Even though celebrating Valentine's Day is definitely not a Thai tradition, we seems to live in an age of globalization where pop culture rules among youngsters.) This year is no exception. The 2005 Thailand Post's rose stamp is designed to have an extra long shape to fully display a "Velvet Rose" with its stem. It's also the first ever Thai stamp to be printed on velvet's like paper and coated with rose's like fragrance in order to make It feels like touching (and smelling) a real rose.

As a philatelist, I wouldn't miss a chance to add this special stamp in my collection. Thailand Post also issues the First Day Cover along with the stamp.




Specification

Release Date: 10 February 2005
Number of Copies: 3,000,000
Type: Sheet of 10
Value (in THB): 5.00 ฿
Printing Style: Lithography - Multi Color
Printer: Cartor Security Printing, France
Design: Parichart Tassanathep

From Crystal to Stamp

Yes, it's the first ever postage stamp with real crystals. This is a product of a collaboration between the Austrian Post and Swarovski, the world's well-known crystal manufacturer. In fact, this crystal postage stamp has been released since September 2004 and could only be obtained from the Austrian post offices and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria. I had tried to find a way to buy this stamp (from outside Austria) since the first day of release but was not successful. I don't know why I didn't realize the advantage of the Internet sooner. Anyway, fortunately, last month I found a link leaded to the Austrian Post web page, which allowed me to order this stamp (as well as other Austrian stamps) online. Finally, last week, my long-awaited crystal postage stamps arrived safely by an airmail in a well-secured package. As a philatelist and a crystal collector myself, this item is definitely a must-have for my collection. I guess any other stamp collectors as well as crystal collectors worldwide would agree with me.




Specification

Release Date: 20 September 2004
Number of Copies: 500,000
Type: Block (of 2) issue
Value (in EUR): 2 × 3.75 €
Printing Style: Photogravure
Design: Renate Gruber

SCS Thailand "Harmony" Launch Party

I have got an invitation from Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) Thailand to a launch party of the 2005 Annual Edition "Harmony," the first crystal piece from the latest trilogy of 2005-2007 "Wonders of the Sea." This is also the first time ever that the Annual Edition, which is exclusively for a member of SCS, is available in both colored and clear crystal. It doesn't take much time for me as a SCS member to decide to buy both versions of this year's Annual Edition. I just can't help falling in love (at the first sight!) with the unique and creative design of "Harmony." The crystal looks alive, especially under the spotlight, where the reflection of the light from every facets of the crystal seems like a dazzling underwater world - depicted perfectly the name of the trilogy "Wonders of the Sea."

Another highlight of the activities is a chance to meet Martin Zendron, a Swarovski's designer who designed this wonderful "Harmony" crystal piece. The Annual Edition with the designer's signature is every collector's dream comes true. I wouldn't miss this chance to have Mr. Zendron signed not only both of my Annual Editions but also my other Swarovski's collection pieces designed by him.



The party ended with a lucky draw for members of SCS. Even though I was not lucky enough to win the prize, I was happy with the new addition of my Swarovski's crystal collection. I am looking forward to next year's Annual Edition.


PS. There is a news that something is going on between Swarovski and Disney. "It all started with a mouse... and now there's something new!" said the last page of Swarovski Magazine (January/February 2005). There would be no wonder if Disney's Mickey Mouse and friends would appear in crystal form. The question is how beautiful they will look like. That is what to be seen.