Alexander Olarovski was not a random choice for the first Russian envoy in Siam. In 1896–1897, while he was still in New York, Olarovski had prepared a number of analytical reports on the situation in and around Siam for the Russian Foreign Ministry. His conclusions regarding the significancel of Siam as one of the only two nations of Asia which were independent at that time (the other being Japan), and were also undergoing advanced modernization, helped to shape the Russian Government’s policies towards this country. Olarovski stressed in his reports that in the political and economic circumstances existing then in the Far East, the Russian-Siamese friendship could become highly beneficial for both countries. A very well educated, experienced diplomat and thoughtful analyst, Olarovski was also a cheerful and charming host when he entertained Thai and foreign dignitaries at his residence. His status among foreign diplomats and other foreigners living in Bangkok was slightly different, as it always bore the mark of the special relationship existing between the monarchs of the two countries. It might not be widely known these days, but Olarovski was a principal founder and the first chairman of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and the charter given to the club by King Chulalongkorn was issued in Olarovski’s name. One of the best horseback riders present in Siam at that time, and an experienced horse breeder, Alexander Olarovski even wrote a brochure on the subject for the use in the Club’s own programme of racehorse breeding. The establishment of diplomatic relations and the signing of several trea- ties that followed, as well as the development of regular dynastic and personal contacts, helped to promote deeper mutual knowledge between the two peoples. In the beginning of the twentieth century interest about Siam in Russia reached its peak. One of the major cultural events which boosted this interest was the performance of a company of the Royal Siamese Ballet in St Petersburg in 1900. The traditional Siamese theatre had staged the Ramakien before the future Nicholas II during his visit to Siam. In 1900 it staged two performances in St Petersburg, as a part of the first-ever international tour of Siamese dancers. The Siamese ballet greatly impressed the artistic circles of the Russian capital and led to the real discovery of Siam by the Russian public