16/03/2026
The King of Syām's Royal State Visit
to Russian Empire in 1897
and
the Royal Gift of the
Pāḷi Tipiṭaka in Syām-Script in 1895
to more than 20 University Libraries
throughout Russian Empire
***
* Historical Context: The 1897 (B.E. 2450) State Visit
The image was taken during King ’s (Rama V) grand tour of Europe in 1897. While in St. Petersburg, he was hosted by Tsar Nicholas II. This meeting was far more than a social call; it was a sophisticated diplomatic maneuver.
*Significance of the Image
Sovereignty and Recognition: By being photographed as equals with the Tsar Nicholas of Russia, King Chulalongkorn Chulachomklao of (Siam)
sent a powerful message to other colonial powers. It visually asserted that Syām was a civilized, sovereign nation with powerful allies.
* The "Great Game":
At the time, Kingdom of Syām was facing immense pressure from French and British colonial expansion. The friendship with Russia provided a strategic counterbalance, helping Siam maintain its independence.
* Personal Connection:
The two monarchs shared a genuine rapport. Nicholas II had previously visited Bangkok in 1891 while he was still the Tsarevich, where he was warmly received by the Siamese royal court.
* Visual Details
Uniforms: Both monarchs are seen in formal military attire, reflecting the international diplomatic standards of the late 19th century.
* The Setting:
The relaxed yet formal composition—seated together amidst lush greenery—symbolizes the personal nature of their "brotherly" alliance.
Today, this photograph remains one of the most celebrated images in Thai history, symbolizing the visionary foreign policy of Rama V and the enduring ties between the two nations.
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