Myanmar — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) is Myanmar’s state-owned postal and telecommunications operator. Myanmar’s philatelic history spans British Burma colonial stamps (1937–1948, though Burma had British India stamps from 1858 as part of India), Japanese occupation stamps (1942–1945), and independent Burma/Myanmar stamps from 1948. The country’s stamp programme has been severely disrupted by political instability, military coups, and international isolation — making many issues difficult to obtain and postal history research challenging.

Notable Stamp Issues

British Burma’s first stamps as a separate colony in 1937 (previously using British India stamps) depicted King George VI. Japanese occupation Burma stamps (1942–1945) are significant WWII Asian philatelic material — including the distinctive peacock overprints. Independent Burma’s first stamps in 1948 depicted the Chinthe (mythological lion-dragon) and Burmese cultural motifs. The 1964 Ne Win era definitives feature the Revolution Council imagery. Modern Myanmar stamps feature the Shwedagon Pagoda, Inle Lake, and traditional lacquerware. The 2021 coup has further disrupted postal services.

Collecting Tips

Scott Asia catalogue covers Burma/Myanmar stamps. Japanese occupation Burma stamps (1942–1945) are a significant WWII collecting area with multiple overprint varieties. Independent Burma stamps (1948–1989) are well-catalogued. Myanmar stamps since the 1990s are difficult to obtain through normal philatelic channels due to international sanctions and limited postal access. The Irrawaddy dolphin (found in the Irrawaddy River) and Asian elephant stamps are popular with wildlife thematic collectors. Shwedagon Pagoda stamps are popular with Buddhist collectors.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.