- £275.00
Thailand. (Thai Navigation Company). 1949. Envelope written from 'Yip In Tsoi & Co. Bangkok' addressed to Surat Station, Southern Siam' bearing Thailand SG 339, 20s chocolate tied by 'Lacon/ Bangkok' date stamp '31st Mar 92 (1949) in violet with second strike on reverse.
The Company was formed as the 'Danish East Asiatic Company' in 1897. The company had a steamer calling port to port from Bangkok down the Malay Peninsula with passengers, goods and had a contract to carry mail. More vessels were added until the 'Siam Steam Navigation Co.' was founded in 1909. In June 1939 the 'Siam Steam Navigation Company' changed its name to the 'Thai Navigation Company Ltd.' At the same time the county changed its name from SIAM to THAILAND. Then in June 1940 the Thai Government purchased ships of the Thai Navigation Company and established its own Company. The mail situation was finally put on an official footing in August 1948 when the Post Office issued permits to post letters on board ships and provided official han-stamps for the purpose.
The steamers would carry mail from port to port in the mail bag. Loose letters were cancelled by the Purser's fancy rubber hand-stamp and mail cancelled on board ship is very rare indeed.
