The ASEAN Submarine Cable System, inaugurated on 27 September 1983, constitutes a foundational milestone in the evolution of regional telecommunications infrastructure within ASEAN. Establishing a direct submarine cable link among Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, the project significantly improved transmission capacity, reliability, and security while reducing dependence on extra-regional routing. Implemented through intergovernmental cooperation, the system supported the expansion of international telephony and early data services, facilitating economic growth and policy coordination in Southeast Asia. The commemorative stamps issued by Thailand document both the technological configuration and geopolitical intent of the project, functioning as primary philatelic evidence of ASEAN’s strategic transition from political association toward practical infrastructural integration.
Date of issue : 27 September, 1983
Purpose : To publicize and commemorate the inauguration of ASEAN Submarine Cable System linking Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The project is under the joint cooperation of the member countries of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Denomination and quantity :
1.25 Baht – 4,000,000 pieces
7.00 Baht – 1,000,000 pieces
Size : 27 × 45 mm.
Design 1.25 Baht : Illustrates the entire linking route of the Submarine Cable System among ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
7.00 Baht : Illustrates the Submarine Cable System links with Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Designer : Mrs. Maliwan Chaikrachang (The Communications Authority of Thailand)
Printer : John Waddington of Kirkstall Ltd., England.
Printing process : Lithography
Colour : Multi-colour
Sheet Composition : 50 stamps per sheet
First Day Cover : Cover A, B and Cover C saleable at 10.50 Baht each
Designer : Mrs. Maliwan Chaikrachang (The Communications Authority of Thailand)
First day cover type A, B , C , postmark date are Bangkok , Petchaburi and Songkhla
