On 29 June 2017, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a lecture on the topic, “the History of Thai-Russian Relation” which was given by Mr. Kraireuk Nana, an expert in Thai-European relations, on the occasion of 120th anniversary of Thai-Russian diplomatic relations. The opening remarks of the event was given by Mr. Wattana Kunwongse, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs.

          Thailand and Russia have enjoyed longstanding and close relationship in various dimensions, ranging from trade, tourism and sports, culture, to people contact. The lecturer was able to give insightful information regarding bilateral relations between Siam and Russia through periods of political and military transformations in Europe, and the era of imperialism throughout the Asian region, as well as King Rama V’s strategic diplomacy in visiting Europe during his reign with an attempt to maintain independence of Siam, amidst European superpowers in the region. The lecturer also provided a display on Thai-Russian relation related archives and books. The event was attended by over 200 participants from the Ministry, universities and the public.