France and Thailand Issue Joint Stamps for 170 Years of Diplomatic Ties

To commemorate the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand, a joint philatelic issue features two iconic monuments: the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Wat Arun in Bangkok. The stamps, unveiled by La Poste on August 31, 2026, celebrate the historical ties since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation on August 15, 1856. The first stamp, designed by Stéphane Humbert-Basset, depicts the Eiffel Tower in a panoramic view of Paris and has a face value of €2.25, corresponding to international postage. The second stamp, designed by Thai artist Thaneth Ponchaiwong with layout by Humbert-Basset, features Wat Arun in a luminous composition and has a face value of €1.52. Each stamp is printed in 350,000 copies, and a limited-edition souvenir sheet combining both stamps is available for €5. Pre-sale events will be held on August 28-29, 2026, at Carré d'Encre in Paris, with general availability from August 31, 2026, at post offices and online. The article also highlights the Royal Barge Procession scheduled for November 6, 2026, with rehearsals starting August 17, and promotes Hua Hin as a royal seaside destination, along with new baggage control procedures at Thai airports effective October 16, 2026.