Postcard Story : Oil wells of Yenangyaung

The Yenangyaung oilfields in Myanmar, located in the Irrawaddy Valley, are historically significant as one of the oldest oil production areas in the world. The region's oil wells were originally hand-dug by local villagers, who collected crude oil from shallow wells. This traditional method of oil extraction continued for centuries until the British colonized Burma and began to industrialize oil production, leading to the establishment of Burmah Oil Company.

Ahuja 443, Black halftone key printed on chromolithography printing

Ahuja 46, Black halftone key printed on chromolithography printing

Yenangyaung became the focal point for oil exploration and extraction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. British interests modernized the oil industry by introducing advanced drilling techniques, which greatly increased production. The area played a crucial role in the development of Myanmar's oil industry and had a strategic importance during World War II, as control of the oilfields became a significant military objective.

Rowe and Co., Ltd,. 

Printed from same photo as above, but by different publisher.

Despite its early success, the region faced many challenges, including fluctuating global oil prices, political turmoil, and the nationalization of the oil industry after Myanmar's independence. Today, the legacy of the Yenangyaung oilfields is a testament to both the ingenuity of local people and the transformative impact of colonial industrialization on natural resource management.

Real Photo Postcard

This article displays early picture postcards of Burma, depicting oil fields of Yanangyaung.

Blue Pansy - Myanmar Butterfly Species

Myanmar Post issued 7th stamp of the Myanmar Butterflies Species Stamp Series on 9 Sept 2024. It features Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya). Myanmar Post issued the official FDC (blank) and sold at 400 Kyats each.  The info card was also sold at 400 Kyats.  Collectors also made their own first day covers, maximum cards and album pages.  

Technical Details of Stamps

Date of Issue: 9 September 2024
Printer : Security Printing Works (Myanmar)
Printing Process : Offset
Stamp Size and Format : 42 mm x 30 mm (Horizontal)
Color : 4
Perforation : 14
Denomination : K200
Sheet Composition :  50 Stamps per Sheet
Quantity : 200,000 pc
Subject Matter Consultants : Dr Khin San Wai (Entomologist), Dr Thein Aung (Ornithologist)
Design Consultants : Kyaw Myo Naing, Academy Zinyaw Mg Mg (Film), Thiha Lwin (TMH), U Aung Ko (Philatelist)
Artist : Cho San Lin
Graphic Designer : Ahmonoo 

FDC

Official FDC

Information Card

ASEAN Post Stamp

On 8th August 2024, all the member country of ASEAN issued the stamps to commemorate the 57th anniversary of founding of ASEAN.  All the stamps shared the same theme of "General Post Office". 

Regarding cooperation in issuing stamp with ASEAN Members' General Post Offices, the Myanmar Post issued this stamp with the image of Naypyitaw Centraal Post Office, with 200 Kyats denomination.  Total of 200,000 pcs is printed.  It is in horizontal format (42 mm x 30 mm).

Myanmar FDCs

Official FDC

Private FDC by U Sein Min

I will slowly update the images of other ASEAN countries in this post.

Peacock Pansy - Myanmar Butterfly Species

Myanmar Post issued sixth stamp of the Myanmar Butterflies Species Stamp Series on 31 Jul 2024. It features Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana). Myanmar Post issued the official FDC (blank) and sold at 400 Kyats each.  The info card was also sold at 400 Kyats.  Collectors also made their own first day covers, maximum cards and album pages.  

Technical Details of Stamps

Date of Issue: 31 July 2024

Printer : Security Printing Works (Myanmar)
Printing Process : Offset
Stamp Size and Format : 42 mm x 30 mm (Horizontal)
Color : 4
Perforation : 14
Denomination : K200
Sheet Composition :  50 Stamps per Sheet
Quantity : 200,000 pc
Subject Matter Consultants : Dr Khin San Wai (Entomologist), Dr Thein Aung (Ornithologist)
Design Consultants : Kyaw Myo Naing, Academy Zinyaw Mg Mg (Film), Thiha Lwin (TMH), U Aung Ko (Philatelist)
Artist : Cho San Lin
Graphic Designer : Ahmonoo 

Indonesia Postal Museum - Bandung

During my trip to Indonesia for the Jakarta 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition, I spent three days sightseeing in Bandung. A philatelic highlight of this trip was visiting the Indonesia Postal Museum on 1 Jul 2024. I learned that the museum's building was originally the first General Post Office (GPO) in Bandung.

The museum is located at Cilaki St No.73, Citarum, Bandung Wetan, Bandung City, Indonesia. With the kind assistance of the head staff, I was given a guided tour around the museum. I would like to share some photos taken during my visit.