To commemorate Thai Heritage Conservation Day and to remind the people of the importance and value of Thai Arts and Cultures.
In 1985, the Thai government announced that the second day of April, the auspicious date of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, be instituted as Thai Heritage Conservation Day. Later on, in 1988, the government humbly presented the royal title, "Prime Patroness of Thai Heritage" to honour and express its deep appreciation for the role played by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in her efforts to promote the conservation of all aspects of Thai culture and heritage: religion, traditions and beliefs, literature, music and the arts, etc.
A cultural and artistic heritage is a nation's most precious and vital asset, a manifestation that reflects the spirit, thoughts and beliefs as well as the social development of its people in each and every era continuing until the present day. It is also a catalyst which brings together a common sense of pride in magnificant civilization which was cultivated by previous generations, a legacy that has been handed down from our forefathers. It is thus fitting that every Thai citizen take great pride in cherishing and preserving this great legacy so that it endures forever.
The Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is another precious national artistic and cultural heritage. Situated in the province of Kamphaeng Phet, it was constructed around the 19th-20th Buddhist century. Incidentally, the name of the city Kamphaeng Phet appeared for the first time in the stone inscriptions of Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Sri. The royal chronicles of Ayutthaya refer to Kamphaeng Phet as "Muang Cha-kang-rao" or "Cha-dong-rao Kamphaeng Phet" with the status of Muang Look Luang and Muang Phra Mahanakorn of in the Kingdom of Sukhothai, in that order.
Trace of the city wall are still evident as are numerous historical sites and artifacts found both in the vicinity of the ancient city wall and its outskirts. At present, a part of the historical site situated in the community where the centre of Kamphaeng Phet Province is situated. The site had been left in a dilapidated stated, excavated and deserted in dense jungles. This was especially true of the cluster of historical sites standing outside the boundary od the ancient city walls. Renovations to develop the historical site began for the first time in 1955 and were headed by Phraya Anumanrajathon. Consequently, the Department of Fine Arts has carried on the task of renovating the historical sites within the boundaries of the city wall, and designated officials to undertake and oversee the project. Finally, the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park Project received approval and was included in the Fifth National Plan for Social and Economic Development (1982-1986).
The Department of Fine Arts is the agency responsible for the implementation of the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park Project for the renovation and development of historical site in Kamphaeng Phet and covers an area of 2,407 rai. Large clusters of historical sites are scattered on both sides of the Ping river. Within the boundary of the ancient city there are no less than 81 sites, especially in the Aranyik area, in which the National Park is situated, where there are 40 sites. The ruins on these sites exist as a glorious artistic and cultural evidence of a past epoch.
On April 18, 1991, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Royal Patroness of Thai Heritage, graciously presided at the opening ceremony of the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. In the following year, the park was registered as a World Heritage Site. This Historical Park is distinct from other parks in that it has also preserved natural forests so that the area is lush and green with large trees. The clusters of these great historical sites manifest traces of ancient architectural styles which relate the history in numerous ways from the evidences of the city. This stately historical sites comprise Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Phra Non, Wat Chang Rop and Wat Phra Si Iriyabot. There are also other clusters of historical sites located by, all of them definitely worth visiting. It is a place from which one can observe intricate beauty in works of art and an expression of the creative minds of our ancestors which have become a legacy for us to study and appreciate.
The Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is now open to the public. The park also houses a National Museum where historical and art objects are exhibited depicting the history of the City of Kamphaeng Phet. It is a place for lovers of history, art and culture as well as one of the country's most vital tourist attractions.
Quantity of stamps: X,000,000 pieces Composition: 50 stamps per sheet
Printing Process: Lithography Multi-Colour Designer: N/A (Thailand Post Co., Ltd.)
Souvenir Sheet Price: 28 Baht Quantity of S/Sheet: ** sheets
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