Thailand IV

Postcrossing card from Ubon Ratchathani in eastern Thailand. It shows the city's famous Candle Festival, which had been celebrated the day prior to the postcrosser sending the card. The Candle Festival is a traditional festival to mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Monks retreat to their quarters to meditate, and laypeople donate items for their personal use, in particular candles to help them dispel the rainy season gloom of their quarters and of the wat. In Ubon Ratchathani, giant candles representing the city's various temples are now paraded through the streets. Thanks to Aey for the card!

Two lotus stamps are 2011 definitives. Two stamps on the right are from a 2008 set of four commemorating World Environment Day, drawing attention to the issue of global warming and climate change. Bottom stamp commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union, a regional organisation founded in 1962 to spread, facilitate and improve postal coorperation and relationship among Member States.

Thailand III

Postcard of Wat Arun, วัดอรุณ, or the Temple of the Dawn, a Buddhist temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, opposite the Grand Palace. Named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna, it is considered one of Bangkok's most recognized landmarks. I can attest that the vertiginous, nearly vertical stairs to the top offer some of the most fantastic views in the capital.

Cutesy, heart-shaped stamp commemorating the sixtieth wedding anniversary of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, making them the longest-serving royal couple.

Thailand II

Procession of monks at Wat Arun, in Bangkok, for the Tak Bat Devo festival, which marks Buddha's return to Earth after his enlightenment. Monks are offered special food by laypeople in honour of the auspicious day.

Left stamp is a definitive of King Bhumibol, the world's longest serving head of state. Right stamp, from a set of four, was issued in honour of the 2011 Thailand Philatelic Exhibition (Thaipex), and features likae, a traditional style of Thai performance.

Thailand

Bangtao Beach on the west side of the Thai resort island of Phuket is where some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts are located. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history, although now of course derives most of its income from tourism. The name Phuket is apparently derived from the Malay word bukit that means "hill", as this is what the island appears like from the sea. Thanks to Kate who was visiting. 

Mu Ko Similan National Park is an archipelago of nine islands in the Andaman Sea, not far from the coast of  Phuket, actually. It is one of the world's top diving destinations.