In 1890 and 1891, the future Russian emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich, then the Tsarevich, embarked on a lengthy journey through Eastern countries aboard the cruiser "Azov." He became the first Russian monarch to choose exotic Asian countries for his visit, breaking the tradition of visiting Europe. In March 1891, Nicholas Alexandrovich and his entourage were warmly welcomed by King Chulalongkorn Rama V of Siam. Later, during Rama V's visit to St. Petersburg, Nicholas II gifted him 200 of the best guards, who accompanied the king on his travels through Europe. There is an opinion that the tall Thais found in northern Thailand are descendants of these Russian soldiers. In response to this gift, Rama V presented Nicholas II with 100 Siamese cats, which spread from Russia throughout Europe.

Thanks to his friendly relations with Nicholas II, the King of Siam managed to preserve the independence of his kingdom, which became the only non-colonized country in Asia by Europeans.