To mark the 110th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationships between the two countries, the exhibition will be held from June 6 to June 20 at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

"Over 100 photos will tell how the relationships between the two countries have developed," Culture Ministry permanent secretary Vira Rojpojchanarat said Sunday.

He added that the photos about the ties between the royal members of the two countries would be the highlight of the exhibition.

The ties clearly started in 1891 when the Russian Tsarevitch, the future Tsar Nicholas II, visited Siam in the reign of HM the King Chulalongkorn. In the present reign of his grandson HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana twice visited Russia.

During his speech at an international conference in 1997, HSH Prince Subhadradis Diskul described the friendship between HM the King Chulalongkorn and Tsar Nicholas 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, who was one of HM the King Chulalongkorn's younger brothers.

Because HM the King Chulalongkorn stayed at the Peterhof Palace during his visit to Russia in 1897, the Royal Thai Government has now planned to contribute to the renovation of this royal residence. Tsar Nicholas II is the last emperor of Russia.

"We will give a budget of between Bt200mil¬lion and Bt300million," Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sriaroon said Sunday.

According to her, Russian president Vladimir Putin has submitted an official invitation asking HM the Queen Sirikit to pay an official visit to Russia this year.

Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation