NEW DELHI: Thailand released a distinctive stamp on Thursday featuring Ramayan mural paintings from the 18th century, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first day of official visit.
“A timeless impression and graceful symbol of our shared cultural relations! The Thai Government has released an iStamp on themes relating to the Ramayana. The stamp depicts Ramakien mural paintings that were painted during the reign of King Rama I,” wrote PM Modi on X, sharing image of the stamp.
“I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century Ramayan mural paintings to commemorate my visit,” PM Modi said.
Following bilateral discussions at the Government House in Bangkok, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented PM Modi with the holy World Tipitaka scriptures in Pali.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, PM Modi observed a rich performance of the Thai Ramayana ‘Ramakien’.
“Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand. The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia,” said PM Modi.
The bilateral relationship between India and Thailand is embedded in historical, social and cultural interactions. Thai people regularly undertake pilgrimages to Buddhist sites in India. Thai culture exhibits Hindu influences in its architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama and literature. The Thai language contains Pali and Sanskrit elements.
“On behalf of ‘Buddha Bhoomi’ India, I accepted it with folded hands. Last year, holy relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand, this is a matter of great joy that over four million devotees received the opportunity to have a darshan. I am happy to announce that the holy relics of Lord Buddha that were found in Gujarat’s Aravalli in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand, for darshan. This year, our old ties were seen in Mahakumbh too. More than 600 Buddhist devotees from Thailand and other nations were a part of this event,” added PM Modi.
He expressed thanks to the government of Thailand for supporting Indians who had been subjected to cyber crimes.
PM Modi and Thai PM Shinawatra held discussions on the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the ministry of external affairs noted.