300th Year of Franco - Thai Relations

Picture Credit : http://www.manresa-sj.org/stamps/1_Tachard.htm

In the XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries, the European major powers (mainly the Netherlands, England) competed to seize the Siamese market. While staying a little set back from this competition, France did not loose interest in the Asian world and aimed at an evangelization purpose. In 1662, French missionaries arrived at Ayuthaya, capital of Siam (today Thailand) Very well welcomed by King Narai, these monks obtained the license to build a church (The Saint Joseph Church, which always exists), as well as educational establishments and a hospital.

Advised by his Greek-origin foreign trade superintendent, King Narai decided to send a mission to France. Directed by two high-ranked diplomats, OK Ya Pichai Valit and OK Ya Pichitr Maitri, the group left Siam on January 25th, 1684. Two French monks, Fathers Vachet and Pascot, participated in the journey as well as six young Siamese sent to this country to pursue their studies there.

After a detour via England, the Siamese messengers landed finally in Calais in September, 1684.
Their arrival was greeted by artillery salvoes. Accommodated in Paris like the princes, they were
received, on November 25th and 27th, 1684, by the Ministers of Marine and the Foreign affairs.
King Louis XIV met them in the Mirror Gallery at the Versailles Palace. The reception was excellent.

Thailand Techinal Details :

Date of Issue	:	12.12.1985
Denomination	:	2.00 THB 8.50 THB
Quantility	:	2.00 THB : 3,000,000 pcs 8.50 THB : 2,000,000 pcs
Size	:	2.00 THB : 45 x 27 mm 8.50 THB : 27 x 45 mm
Design	:	2.00 THB Illustrates the France envoys , having been received in audience by King Narai the Great , on the occasion of presenting the royal message from King Louis XIV 8.50 THBIllustrates the Thai envoys, having been received in audience by King Louis XIV, on the occasion of presenting the royal message from King Narai the Great
Disigner	:	Sawat Poonsawat (The Communications Authority of Thailand)
Printer	:	Societe Nouvelle CATOR Sarl ,France
Printing Process	:	Lithography Multi-coloured
Sheet Composition	:	-
First Day Cover	:	Yes
Souvenir Sheet	:	No

Ref :

1. 300 Years of Franco - Thai Relations Commemorative Issue. 120th of Thai Postage Stamp catalogue. Page 244

2. Father Guy Tachard, SJ (1651-1712) Ambassador to Siam. http://www.manresa-sj.org/stamps/1_Tachard.htm

3. ๒๐ปี...แสตมป์สามศตวรรษสัมพันธ์ ไทย-ฝรั่งเศส 300 ans relations franco-thaï. http://www.siamstamp.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.msg229#msg229