On January 5, 2026, Thailand Post issued a postage stamp in honor of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese calendar.

The style of the stamp stands out from similar issues from other countries dedicated to the Year of the Horse. It features a simple, playful drawing of a horse, without the usual colorfulness and oriental motifs. This series is unusual not only in its appearance; the story behind its creation is also very interesting.

The postage stamp is based on an original drawing of a horse by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, one of the most respected figures in modern Thailand.

Princess Sirindhorn, the daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), is a historian, philologist, translator, and an active participant in numerous educational and cultural programs in the country. In Thailand, she is often referred to as the "Princess of the People" for her extensive involvement in humanitarian projects, the development of education, medicine, and the preservation of national culture.

In 2015, to mark the princess's 60th birthday, Thailand Post launched an unusual project: each year, a postage stamp was issued honoring the animal symbols of the year according to the Chinese zodiac, based on designs by Princess Sirindhorn. This resulted in an entire series, and this year's stamp, dedicated to the Year of the Horse, was the last in the 12-year cycle.

Over the past twelve years, the series has acquired a near-cult status in Thailand. The stamps were perceived not only as a means of payment or collectibles, but also as a kind of "royal New Year's wishes" to the people.

In an interview for the 2026 issue, Thailand Post CEO Dr. Dhanant Subhadrabandhu called the series "an important part of the country's cultural memory" and emphasized that the princess's designs reflect her personal relationship with Thai traditions and people.

Princess Sirindhorn's designs have always been very lively and spontaneous, without the cold formality typical of official art. This is likely the reason for the issue's popularity: viewers saw not a formal state symbol, but a personal message from a member of the royal family.

This is a rare case of a postal service transforming a stamp series not just into a souvenir, but into a long-term cultural dialogue between the monarchy, art, and everyday life of the country.

The official presentation took place in Bangkok with the participation of Thailand Post and the country's philatelic services. A special first-day cancellation, designed in the style of the zodiac series, was used on the first day of stamp sales at the General Post Office and the Philatelic Museum of Thailand. Several regional postmarks were also issued.

A souvenir sheet was also issued, combining the last six zodiac signs of the series—a unique summation of this unusual project.

Sources: postbase.thailandpost.co.th , nationthailand.com