The June 6 to June 20 Thailand Cultural Centre retrospective marks 110 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"More than 100 photos tell how the relationship between the two countries has developed," Culture Ministry permanent secretary Vira Rojpojchanarat said yesterday.

He believed the photographs of the countries' royalty would be a highlight.

Ties started in 1891 when the future Nicholas II visited Siam during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana twice visited Russia.

In a 1997 speech to an international conference MC Subhadradis Diskul described the friendship of King Chulalongkorn and Nicholas, the last tsar, as valuable.

"The King credited Tsar Nicholas II with the success of his European visit [in 1897] … Prior to his departure, the King had been reluctant to go to France. The French had not yet agreed to a programme for his visit, but after his regal reception by the Russian royal family, the King was received with equally regal honours in Paris," the prince said.

The late prince was a son of Prince Damrong Rajanuphab, a younger brother of King Chulalongkorn.

King Chulalongkorn stayed at Peterhof Palace, outside St Petersburg, during this visit and the government will contribute to its renovation.

"We will give between Bt200 million and Bt300 million," Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said yesterday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked Her Majesty the Queen to pay an official visit to Russia this year, she said.

Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation