Laos Stamp Engravers

Laotian Folklore
20/May/1966
Michel 185-188
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon

Ordination of Monks - Engraver: Robert Cami

Sand Stupas building ceremony – Engraver: Georges Bétemps

Phassad Pheng – Engraver: Charles Mazelin

Sou-Khouane (Baci) ceremony - Engraver: Jean Pheulpin



See in the next post, a set of sunken die proofs of this set.

A set of sunken die proofs of the above set of stamps, signed by the engravers. I scanned the central area of each proof:

Laos stamps from that era or just wonderful

Thanks, stampgreendragon. Glad you enjoy Lao stamps!

20th Anniversary of the UNESCO - 1966
The designer and engraver of these stamps are unknown to me. Will appreciate any information. Thanks.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the UN established in 1945. Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science and culture.

International Letter Writing Week - 1966
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon, Engraver: Jean Miermont

The International Letter Writing Week was declared at the 14th Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress held in Ottawa, Canada in 1957 with the aim of contributing to world peace by encouraging cultural exchange among the people of the world, especially young people, through letter writing. Letter Writing Week spans the one week period that includes 9 October, the anniversary date of the inauguration of the UPU. Among the activities during this week, the UPU introduces a letter writing competition among young people from all over the world.

Semi Postal Stamps: Mekong Delta Flood Relief - 1967
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon

Laos, as other South-East Asian countries, is affected by tropical disturbances as Monsoon and Typhoon and other natural disasters. Among the main natural hazards are floods from the Mekong River that occur frequently in Laos. In 1966, one of the largest devastating Mekong floods struck several areas along the river including the city of Vientiane and the Wat Tay airport. Many peoples lost their home and property. Young Laotian scouts were among the rescue teams. These semi-postal stamps and souvenir sheet were issued to raise revenue for the relief of the 1966 Mekong River flood victims.

Flooded Village - Engraver: Roger Fenneteaux

Flooded Market - Engraver: Claude Haley

Flooded Wat Tay Airport - Engraver: Jean Pheulpin

Buddhist Carvings Art from the 16-18th Centuries - 1967
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon

Wood carving from Siprapouthbat – god Shiva
Engraver: Georges Bétemps
god Shiva together with Vishnu and Brahma forms the Trimurti, a triad of great gods. He regarded as god of creation and fertility, but also as destroyer and brings death. In the carving, he depicted as carrying a trident, which represents creation, protection and destruction of the universe.

Wood carving from Wat Vixoun – Buddha holding lotus flower
Engraver: Georges Bétemps
Buddha holding lotus flowers is a well known motive in Buddhist art. The lotus symbolizes complete purification of body, speech and mind. The white flowers symbolize purity and enlightenment and the stem stands for the practice of Buddhist teaching which gives rise to purity of mind of the person.

Wood carving from Wat Xiengthong – god Agni
Engraver: Robert Cami
Agni is both the protective god of the earth and the god of sacrificial fire. He mediates between deities and human beings by taking sacrifices to the gods. Agni can grant immortality and purify people of their sins after death. In the carving, he depicted riding on Garuda, a mythological bird.

Wood carving from Wat Vixoun – Dancing Apsara
Engraver: Jean Pheulpin
The Apsaras, "daughters of joy", are heavenly nymphs. According to a legend, their origin can be trace to the churning of the ocean. They are charming and beautiful dancers in Indra's heaven and are said to be fond of games of chance but can also cause madness. They are invoked at wedding to bring good fortune.

Inauguration of the New Post and Telegraph Office Building, Vientiane - 1967
Designer: Khamleuang, Engraver: Jean Miermont

Fish of the Mekong - 1967
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon

Snakehead (Ophicephalus micropeltes), engraver: Georges Bétemps

Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas), engraver: Roger Fenneteaux

Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus armatus), engraver: René Cottet

Knife-fish (Notopterus notopterus), engraver: Jean Miermont

Flowers - 1967
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon


Drumstick Flower (Cassia fistula)
Engraver: Pierre Forget

Turmeric Flower (Curcuma singularis)
Engraver: René Cottet

Peacock Flower (Poinciana regia)
Engraver: Pierre Forget

Frangipane Flower (Plumeria acutifolia)
Engraver: René Cottet

Semi-Postal: 10th Anniversary of the Lao Red Cross Movement - 1967
Designer: Chamnane Prisayane, Engraver: Jacques Gau-thier

The Lao Red Cross (LRC) movement was established on January 1, 1955 and recognized by the International Red Cross Committee on May 23, 1957. It became member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on October 25, 1957. The LRC movement worked under the supervision of the Royal Lao Ministry of Health.

Reptiles - 1967
Designer: Sa-Nguan Rodboon

Banded Krait Snake (Bungarus fasciatus)
Engraver: Roger Fenneteaux

Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
Engraver: Georges Bétemps

Malayan Pit Viper Snake (Agkistrodon rhodostoma)
Engraver: Jacques Gau-thier

Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator)
Engraver: Claude Jumelet

International Year of Human Rights - 1968
The designer and engraver of these stamps are unknown to me.


The UN has designated 1968 as the International Year of Human Rights. The first article of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood". This declaration urges nations to promote human, civil, economic and social rights.

Stamps depicting the UN International Year of Human Rights emblem.

Laotian Army Day - 1968
Designer: Chamnane Prisayane

The Lao army was split into three branches: The Royal Lao army, The Royal Lao navy and the Royal Lao air force. All three were placed under the control of the Ministry of Defense. During the 60's and beginning of the 70's, The Royal Lao army was supported by USA as part of its efforts to reduce communist influence and expansion in South-East Asia.

Military parade near Patuxay gate, Vientiane
Engraver: Jean Miermont



The Lao Royal army in battle
Engraver: Jean Miermont




Lao Royal army soldiers raising the flag of the Kingdom of Laos
Engraver: André Frères




Military parade in front of the parliament building in Vientiane
Engraver: Roger Fenneteaux

Laotian Army Day - 1968
Designer: Chamnane Prisayane

The Lao army was split into three branches: The Royal Lao army, The Royal Lao navy and the Royal Lao air force. All three were placed under the control of the Ministry of Defense. During the 60's and beginning of the 70's, The Royal Lao army was supported by USA as part of its efforts to reduce communist influence and expansion in South-East Asia.

Military parade near Patuxay gate, Vientiane
Engraver: Jean Miermont

The Lao Royal army in battle
Engraver: Jean Miermont

Lao Royal army soldiers raising the flag of the Kingdom of Laos
Engraver: André Frères

Military parade in front of the parliament building in Vientiane
Engraver: Roger Fenneteaux