October 8, an agreement on cooperation between the Russian Geographical Society and the Siam Society under the Royal Patronage was signed in St. Petersburg. The document is devoted to the development of scientific and cultural relations, establishment of cooperation in the field of geographical education, promotion and development of geographical science.
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"Agreements signed between different geographical societies are very important for friendship between peoples,” said first Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolai Kasimov. “The fact that we are so far away from each other makes our agreement even more unique; and the more important it is to implement it into concrete actions: joint publications, expeditions. And the main goal is to involve young geographers from Russia and Thailand in our activities."
President of the Council of the Siam society Ms. Pikulkeaw Krairiksh thanked the leaders of the Russian Geographical Society for organizing this visit and hoped that the cultural diplomacy will contribute to the development of the relations between two countries. "We’ve been interacting with the Russian Ambassador in Thailand for 4 years and we understand the importance of studying Russia’s culture,” said P. Krairiksh. “I’m proud that we’ve signed a cooperation agreement and become partners."
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The agreement between the Russian Geographical Society and the Siam Society has become possible thanks to the initiative of Princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the patron of the Siam Society. The Princess visited the Headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg in October 2017 as part of her visit to mark the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Kingdom of Thailand.
The Siam Society under Royal Patronage was established in 1904 with a mission to promote knowledge of the culture, history, arts and natural sciences of Thailand as well as those of neighboring countries.
The Siam Society publishes the Journal of the Siam Society, Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society that are given to the society members free. The Society publishes and scholarly books; stages cultural and musical performances; hosts international conferences; is involved in cultural preservation. The Society is under the patronage of the King of Thailand. The society is headed by the Present. The president and the vice-patron (one of the princes) are on the special Council of the Siam Society. The Society’s budget consists of membership dues, donations from philanthropists and sales of publications.
Text and photos by: Tatiana Nikolaeva