in THE NATION Thursday, DecemberAsia 7, 2017 NOTES FROM THE Tracing the composer of AMBASSADOR DEAR READERS: It gives me special pleasure to present to you a new supplement in your favourite newspaper The Nation. Thailand’s Royal Anthem Russia in Asia is a successor to the Russia Beyond the Headlines supple- EVGENY BELENKIY RESEARCH BY DR SUGRI CHAROENSUK SHOWS THAT THE MUSIC OF THE THAI ment that you enjoyed from 2014 through 2016. oday it is an established, if ROYAL ANTHEM WAS WRITTEN BY RUSSIAN COMPOSER PETR SHCHUROVSKI Russia in Asia will help you to learn not yet widely known, fact more about my country, its rich history, Tthat the music for the its splendid culture, its advanced National Anthem of Siam, the science and its high-quality education. Royal Anthem of Thailand ❛❛ This publication will allow you to (Sansoen Phra Barami) was writ- WE KNEW EVERY BIT OF HISTORY OF THIS SONG FROM discover the beauty of different corners ten in 1888 by Russian composer of this vast, diverse and gorgeous land. Petr Shchurovski. This was not THE FIRST TIME IT HAD BEEN PLAYED FOR HIS MAJESTY You will know how Russians look, what the case 35 years ago when Dr KING CHULALONGKORN THE GREAT, BUT VERY LITTLE OF food they eat and what clothes they Sugri Charoensuk of Mahidol wear. You will find out that my compa- University's College of Music HOW THE MUSIC HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED AND triots can smile and laugh. started his research into the ori- WRITTEN. FROM THE VERY START I WANTED TO FIND A You will get a better understanding gins of the song known to every of what ordinary Russian people think, Thai. WAY TO VERIFY SHCHUROVSKI’S AUTHORSHIP NOT ONLY how they make their living, what they “For me it soon became clear BY THE ANALYSIS OF THE MELODY BUT BY DIRECT like and where they spend time after that Shchurovski was indeed the work. composer of the music,” says HISTORICAL RESEARCH IN RUSSIAN ARCHIVES.” Of course, our reporters will be Charoensuk. informing you of the newest develop- “His teacher at the Moscow ments in Russian-Thai relations, and of Conservatory, Professor Charoensuk not only found the Paris, France, and there went one Russia’s stance on topical regional Rubinstein, had studied under original edition of the Siamese of Shchurovski’s missives. To the issues. Beethoven, and there is a lot of National Anthem dated 1888, he great surprise of the composer, The supplement that we are launch- Beethoven’s kind of musical also found other note sheets of the letter from the Siamese mis- ing today will open your eyes to what thinking in the melody of the Shchurovski’s works, as well as sion in Paris that arrived in his Russia is doing in Asia. Moreover, you Royal Anthem.” the personal file of student mail a few weeks later said Siam will be surprised to know that Russia is The outstanding Thai musi- Shchurovski dated 1867, a year did not have a National Anthem Asia. Not only because 60 per cent of cian and scholar adds, “We knew after the founding of the Moscow yet, but was in the process of the territory of my country belongs to every bit of history of this song Imperial Conservatory, with obtaining one through a bid, and the Asian continent, but because Russia from the first time it had been credits awarded by his teachers: asked Shchurovski if he would is getting increasingly integrated into played for His Majesty King Tchaikovski and Rubinstein. like to participate. Asia’s economy. Chulalongkorn the Great, but The story behind the creation The Russian composer decid- We not only share transportation very little of how the music had of the music for the National ed that he would, and did. The routes and oil and gas pipelines, but been commissioned and written. Anthem of Siam also revealed note sheets he sent to the Siamese also share the same destiny. From the very start I wanted to itself when he compared his notes Embassy in response made their Russia in Asia will be telling you find a way to verify Shchurovski's with what Russian historians had way to Bangkok by diplomatic stories of Russians who live and work in authorship not only by the analy- to offer. courier, and then the melody was Thailand. sis of the melody but by direct his- Apparently, in 1887 Russian played to King Chulalongkorn. We will also ask Thais who have torical research in Russian composer and conductor Petr The Great King chose travelled to and archives.” Sugri Charoensuk of Mahidol University's College of Music with the Shchurovski was commissioned Shchurovski’s music for the studied in Russia to In July 2017 it finally hap- original edition of the Siamese National Anthem dating back to 1888. by the Russian Imperial Anthem from several melodies provide you with pened. Charoensuk led an expe- Government to compile a reliable created by European composers. their first-hand dition to Moscow and Kursk, the collection of national anthems of As a token of gratitude His experience. Russian city where Shchurovski in Vienna and Berlin, and gained access to the archives of foreign nations for the Russian Majesty sent Shchurovski a gold- You may ask me spent the later years of his life. returned to Russia in his later this famous centre of musical military bands and orchestras, to en snuff tobacco box with which why the logo above years to lead a quiet life in the education. be played on various occasions the composer never parted until was chosen for the A quiet life countryside together with his The Thai scholar found the when members of the Russian his death. new supplement. wife at their estate in Kursk. exact location of the estate where Imperial Family and other “This year we are celebrating To answer this It was already known that At some point during that the Russian composer lived, in Russian dignitaries met with the 120th anniversary of diplo- question we should Shchurovski had been a student period, in 1888, he wrote the spite of the fact that all the build- their counterparts from foreign matic relations between our look back at history. of the very first batch at the music for the Siamese National ings had been destroyed in the states. countries. But I think, it would Diplomatic Moscow Conservatory and that Anthem. Battle of Kursk in World War II. The composer sent out dozens not be wrong to say that the Thai- relations between he worked as a conductor at the In Moscow and Kursk, He also met the three Russian of letters addressed to foreign Russian friendship has a history Russia and Siam Moscow Imperial Opera House Charoensuk worked at the Music historians who had co-authored diplomatic missions in Russia much longer than that, and the were established (now the Bolshoi Theatre). Division of the vast Russian the only existing book on and other European countries. story of the Royal Anthem is an during the Royal He then spent years conduct- National Library, met the Rector Shchurovski’s life and work. The The Siamese Embassy closest to integral and important part of it,” visit of His Majesty ing orchestras and writing music of the Moscow Conservatory and results exceeded all expectations. Russia was at that time located in says Sugri Charoensuk. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to Saint Petersburg in 1897. To please his guest, Tsar Nicholas II offered him a golden cigarette case with the words “From Your Friend” engraved. It was clearly a gesture of true and sincere friendship. SNIPPETS Since then the special chemistry that existed between the two mon- Days of Moscow in Bangkok 10 key facts about archs has been constantly inspiring ties between Russia and Thailand. The Thai capital will host the Days of Moscow, a business and cul- This year we commemorated the tural event on December 13-15. 120th anniversary of these ties. It is The event will feature a number of official meetings, business worth saying that Thailand is one of the talks and round tables that are planned by the Moscow City Europe’s longest bridge few countries in Southeast Asia to have Government and the Administration of Bangkok. A host of cultural such a long-standing relationship with programs will also be held as a part of the event. Russia. The opening ceremony will be held at the Moscow corner of the KSENIA ZUBACHEVA My country has always been able to Lumpini Park at 1pm on December 13, and will feature a concert of RUSSIA BEYOND understand Thais and to stand side by Russian jazz legend Igor Butman’s orchestra. side with Thailand when it needed help. A photo exhibition titled Culture of Moscow will open on the PROBABLY one of the most ambitious engineer- Today we are helping each other by afternoon of December 14 at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre. ing projects in Russia’s history: A 19km (12-mile) strengthening our cooperation on all road-and-rail bridge to Crimea. Simply known as fronts. As Ambassador I am extremely the Crimean Bridge, or the Kerch Strait Bridge, so proud to say that, having gained incred- New Russian Orthodox Church consecrated far it’s right on schedule and on July 17 the Russian ible momentum, our partnership is on On October 29, 2017, Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin), Ministry of Transport announced the massive thor- the rise. Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand oughfare was 75 per cent complete. It is hoped it 2017, the jubilee year for Russia and conducted a lesser consecration of the newly built Russian Orthodox will open by December 2018, connecting Crimea’s Thailand, is coming to a close. It was a church named after Holy Kerch Peninsula to the Taman Peninsula of the very good year for our friendship. We

Father Seraphim of Sarov on Krasnodar Region. OF WWW.MOST.LIFE PHOTOS COURTESY celebrated the anniversary with over 30 Ko Pha Ngan (Surat Thani A personal initiative of President Vladimir Putin, vibrant events in both Bangkok and Province) and served the first the bridge is a demanding and technically complex pass underneath. Moscow. Divine Liturgy in it. project costing 228 billion roubles (Bt124 billion). 6. The bridge is being built in a tectonically and A stunning three-day Russian-Thai The chorus of the Here’s what you need to know about the construc- seismically active zone, so to minimise potential Festival was held in Siam Paragon in Bangkok St Nicholas tion project of the century. risks, the constructors are using three types of piles July. In August Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Cathedral, which sang during 1. The possibility of a bridge was discussed even – bored, tubular, and prismatic – drilling them at Foreign Affairs of the Russian the mass, chanted the Royal before Crimea became part of Russia. During the depths of 45, 90, and 16 metres respectively. Overall Federation paid a visit to Bangkok. Anthem to pay respects to 2000s, Ukrainian and Russian experts examined there will be a total of 7,000 piles to support the Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha the late King Bhumibol the possibility of creating a transport corridor Crimean Bridge’s 595 pillars. had a fruitful meeting with President Adulyadej of Thailand. between the two nations and in 2008 they agreed 7. It will be built to withstand earthquakes meas- Vladimir Putin in September. And in The consecration ceremo- to build the Kerch Strait Bridge by 2014, but work uring more than nine on the Richter Scale. It will October Her Royal Highness Princess ny concluded with a prayer to never started. also be protected from ice drifts in the Strait dur- Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Russia. Holy Father Seraphim of 2. Work on the superstructure is going on at both ing winter. Other natural factors (like storms, waves, In the first issue of Russia in Asia you Sarov and a traditional pro- ends, so eventually it will meet in the middle. More flooding, erosion of the shores) and the potential will find a digest of these activities – cession around the church. than 20 ships and 5,000 people are labouring ecological impact of the project have also been taken please check it out. The walls of the church were around the clock, seven days a week, in a bid to com- into account by developers. I hope, my dear readers, you will sprinkled with holy water. plete the project by the end of next year. Over 30 8. Due to the history of the Kerch Strait, espe- have fun with our new baby. Stay tuned Finally all those attending the Divine Liturgy enjoyed a feast lunch in companies are involved in the construction. cially during the Great Patriotic War, when it saw to Russia in Asia! the church. 3. The bridge’s highway will have four lanes and many fierce clashes, archaeologists and sappers The grand consecration will be held on December 10, 2017. expects to accommodate up to 40,000 cars each day. examined the seabed before construction began. Kirill Barsky The speed limit will be 120 km/h, toll free, and it A selection of historical objects was discovered, Russian Ambassador to Thailand will take about 10 minutes to drive from end to end not to mention 700 mines, which had to be dif- Russian film extravaganza in Bangkok by car. fused! Top photo: The golden cigarette case SF World Cinema (7th floor, Central World) will host the Week of 4. There will be two railway tracks, taking 47 9. The Crimean Bridge will be the longest not engraved with the words “From Your Russian Cinema on December 19-24. Each of the six films that are trains per day, travelling maximum speeds of only in Russia, but also in Europe. It will bypass the Friend”, which was presented by Tsar being screened will have both English and Thai subtitles. 120km/h (passenger) and 80km/h (cargo). Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal (17.2 km). Nicholas II to King Chulalongkorn (Rama Tickets are free and can be obtained at the box office 30 minutes Carriages are scheduled to chug across the stretch 10. The structure will be illuminated in the colours V) during the Thai monarch’s visit to Saint before the show. in 2019 – currently the rail infrastructure is 55 of the Russian flag by special lights. The road arch Petersburg in 1897. The two countries are This year’s event features the following films: Attraction (2017), per cent complete. will be blue, the railway arch red, while other parts marking 120 years of bilateral relations, Friday (2016). Sparta (2016),The Dragon (2015), The Icebreaker 5. The bridge will not hamper shipping in the white. the seeds of which were sown during the (2016), The Spacewalker (2017). Kerch Strait. It will have special 227 metres visit by King Rama V. long, 35 metres high archways to allow boats to (First published by Russia Beyond. www.rbth.com ) 2 in THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 Asia Travel

Taking the EXPLORING RUSSIA warmth of friendship to Siberia VIKROM KROMADIT WRITES ABOUT HIS VOYAGE AS AN EMISSARY OF GOODWILL

t was my first visit to Siberia, meetings with representatives of the which used to be a mysterious chamber of commerce and mass Iplace for me. I had never thought media in each city. that humans could live easily in This was the first time I deeply Siberia due to its freezing cold learned about Russia. weather. It seemed quite difficult to We also held conferences about reach Siberia, especially for people Thai culture, economics and Pongpon Chuencharoen (aka Nikita) gradu- from Southeast Asian countries such tourism. All seminar attendants ated with a major in International Affairs and a as Thailand. minor in the Russian Language from the Political In August 2013, our caravans SINCE I TRAVELLED IN Sciences Faculty, Thammasat University. Now, he entered Vladivostok from China. works as a Trip Designer for World Explorer co. While we were doing the border- RUSSIA FOR ALMOST TWO ltd. He recounts his experiences: crossing process at the immigration MONTHS. I FOUND THAT “I have already been to Russia nine times and checkpoint, we were all unfamiliar have visited several cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, with the facial expressions of the THAI AND RUSSIAN PEOPLE Novosibirsk, Nizhniy-Novgorod, Murmansk, staff members, who did not extend HAVE BEEN GOOD FRIENDS Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude (Buryatia), any welcome, not even a smile. Their Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Crimea (Bakhchisarai, behaviour made us think that Russia SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF Sevastopol, (Yalta), Pri-Elbrus (Kabardino- was still communist. However, after THE RELATIONSHIP, A Balkaria), Vladikavkaz (North-Ossetia), meeting local people along the route Petrozavodsk (Karelia), Abakan (Khakasia), Biysk in Siberia, our unusual feeling van- HUNDRED YEARS AGO. (Altai Krai), and the Altai Republic (Chemal, ished. Siberian people are very Kurai, Aktash). friendly to Thais. Our caravan trav- “Even before I started my bachelor’s program eling throughout Siberia seemed to expressed their interest in coming I was interested in international politics and his- be the first Thai one in history. to Thailand. As I already knew, tory, especially in Russia and the CIS area. Therefore, this made us attractive to Russians know a lot about Thai peo- Meanwhile, I met and made friends with tourists everyone including the government ple and like Thailand very much. It from several parts of Russia who were on vaca- officials in every city we passed. was no surprise that the number of tion in Thailand. I had a chance to practice my As an Emissary of Goodwill and Russians coming to Thailand has Russian with these people, who also invited me Friendship from Thailand appoint- gone up to two million per year. to their hometowns. These were invitations I could ed by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Since I travelled in Russia for hardly refuse. Affairs, I have strengthened the rela- almost two months. I found that “Even though the appearance of Russians looks tionship of Thailand and Russia, and Thai and Russian people have been ice-cold, their real kindness is hidden inside. I helped people get a better under- good friends since the first day of the realized this fact when I was a guest, my hosts Nikita (Pongpon standing of each country. I took this relationship, a hundred years ago. I always took great care of me. Chuencharoen), an avid opportunity to make courtesy visits truly believe that our friendship will “As I made new friends, I travelled to more photographer and to ministers and governors, and held last forever. places in the country and it actually became an professional trip addiction. This addiction helped me with my job designer, has travelled as well. extensively across Russia “Russia is not just Moscow and St. Petersburg. to witness the Beyond these two capitals, there are numerous ever-changing places waiting to be visited. Russia, the biggest landscapes and natural country in the world, is like a continent and con- phenomena of the tains various cultures, diverse architecture, unique biggest country in landscapes, and natural phenomena. the world. “We can witness the Northern Lights in the Tundra of Murmansk, walk on the frozen Lake Baikal, explore steppes surrounded by the gold- en mountains of Altai with turquoise rivers, expe- rience volcano trekking in Kamchatka, see the blended architectural styles of the Tatar-Khan Palace and the Russian Tsar’s classical palaces in Crimea. “Furthermore, as I mentioned before, the Russians are nice, but they just keep it inside. In case you are lost while riding the subway, though you see everyone has an emotion-less face, you can ask for help and someone will help you with no hesitation. Vikrom Kromadit, an official Emissary of Goodwill and Friendship from Thailand, “I may say that you can visit Russia ten times felt welcomed in every city he passed through during his 2013 caravan tour to the and still see new things if you travel across the far east of Russia. length and breadth of the country.”

La Fe: Expressing his love for Russia in watercolours

La Fe, the world famous artist from “Russia has always Thailand is a regular participant of been a contributor workshops and exhibitions in Russia. to world culture and He recently returned from Moscow and a source of many shared his Russian experiences. modern ideas for “Before my first visit to Russia, I art,” says artist La learned about your country mostly Fe seen here during from the American media. And I should his travels in admit my expectations were not so Moscow. good,” La Fe said just as our interview began. “But when I actually got there, I had a wonderful experience, feeling very comfortable and welcomed. People in Russia are nice and kind, and I developed really good friendships with Russian artists during my visits.” “I have already been to Russia seven times, though it is always Moscow. My schedule is very busy, so I travel mostly for workshops and exhibitions. But one day I would love to explore more. Of course, I want to go to St. Petersburg, and also Siberia. I know about the Trans-Siberian railway trip. That should sionists. I also like to take walks in very friendly. Another of my favourite like Dmitrov. And country houses are a be fascinating.” Moscow, preferring streets and places places to visit is the Ismailovsky kind of passion for me. that are not too crowded. I am familiar Kremlin, where you can find all kinds of WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES IN with some routes in the city already traditional handcrafts. I like matryosh- DO YOU LIKE RUSSIAN CUISINE? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RUSSIA, Russian talents. Among artists is MOSCOW? and can even use public transportation ka dolls. And I really like traditional Yes,my friends always want to treat BESIDES ITS BEAUTY AND HOSPITALITY? Wassily Kandinsky, who is considered I do like museums such as the by myself. Though I remember when I Russian costumes, like the sarafan. I me to something delicious. I like borsch Russia has always been a contribu- to be one of the very first Western pro- Armoury Chamber, the Diamond Fund was once confused changing lines in think that I might work on some paint- and I like Caucasian dishes. I should add tor to world culture and source of many ponents of abstract painting. Russia is and the Pushkin Museum - especially the Moscow metro, other passengers ings of women wearing such dresses. that I was surprised that many Russians modern ideas for art. We all know a wonderful country and it’s a pleasure its collection of the works of impres- helped me. As I said before people are And I like smaller towns near Moscow, can eat and like spicy food. Tolstoy, Gorky, Tchaikovsky - great to go there each time. 3 Education in Asia THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 Thammasat hosts seminar on Russian language More than 100 experts discuss how to improve teaching of the language

n November 9-10, Russian universities are being Thammasat University host- implemented. Oed an international acade- Russian Ambassador to Thailand mic conference titled “Russian Kirill Barsky was invited to speak at Language in Asean Countries 2017: the conference as the guest of hon- Challenges in Studying and our. He emphasised the need to sub- Teaching”. stantially increase the quantity of More than 100 experts from 14 Rusologists and to upgrade their countries arrived in Bangkok to dis- quality as a crucial prerequisite for cuss the methodology of teaching the sustainable promotion of the Russian as a foreign language in a quickly growing bilateral coopera- non-Russian linguistic environ- tion between Russia and Southeast ment. Asian countries as well as the At the opening ceremony Dr expanding Russia-Asean dialogue Nitinant Wisaweisuan, Vice-Rector partnership. of Thammasat and Penpimol The conference had several par- Premaswad, Vice Dean of the Faculty allel sessions. of Liberal Arts of the university Participants presented reports on addressed the audience with wel- such issues as training of specialists coming remarks. for Asean countries, new methods of They drew the attention of the teaching foreigners the Russian lan- participants to the stable interest in guage, distance learning, the use of learning the Russian language in multimedia, language culture and Thailand. measures of support and protection of the Russian language abroad. Courses for students Representatives of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in For a number of years Vietnam shared their experience of Thammasat University has been drafting Russian language textbooks training aspiring Russia specialists to train experts on tourism and hotel through a bachelor’s degree pro- services. In addition, a round table gram, holding optional Russian lan- and master classes were held. guage courses for university students The organisers of the conference and others interested in learning plan to publish a collection of Russian. reports, based on the presentations Various joint projects with of the participants.

HOW I STUDIED IN RUSSIA Russian universities take part in Bangkok education fair Several Russian universities were represented at a major education fair – A Thai student’s experience in Bangkok in September 2017. On September 21, 2017 Bangkok’s Berkeley International School hosted the International University Fair. Dr Jiraporn Treewisesorn is The Eastern European University Association which includes more than Assistant to the Dean for 20 Russian higher education International Affairs and institutions took part in the event. Lecturer at the Department of The event was focused on informing Thai high school students and History, Faculty of Social their parents about various foreign bachelor programs and answering their Sciences, Srinakharinwirot questions. University. The students were particularly interested in bachelor programs in “I lived in Ekaterinburg, medicine offered by Russian universities, notably the Russian Peoples’ Russia, for seven years. After Friendship University (PFUR), the Pirogov Russian National Research obtaining a bachelor's degree at Medical University, the Kirov State Medical Academy, the Vernadsky Thammasat University in Crimean Federal University, the Chechen State University, the Ryazan Thailand I got a scholarship from State University, the St Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University and the Russian Government. I start- the Kazan State Medical University. ed my master's degree, studying Thai school students also had the opportunity to explore promising international relations. After options for their education in the Moscow Aviation Institute, the that, I decided to obtain a degree Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and the Tomsk Polytechnic of the candidate of sciences (also University. on a Russian scholarship) in the field of historical sciences at the Berkeley International School launches Russian classes Ural Federal University. I really love Russian history. I Russian language courses for pupils studying in English are being held have read the story of the at the Berkeley International School in Bangkok. Romanovs many times. So I know The classes, which were launched in March 2017, are being held free of that Yekaterinburg was the place charge for students from the ages of 4 to 16. where the family of deposed Tsar So far, more than 20 pupils have showed interest in attending the Nicholas II was sent to internal courses. exile, and that they were impris- Berkeley International School was founded in 2010 as a private oned in the Ipatiev House in this Life for young people is very attractive and the education system in Russia has some deep-rooted traditions that educational institution. city. differ greatly from Thailand. Tutoring is fully in English in accordance with the American educational I remember the first moment system. when I came to Yekaterinburg. and the education system in exams require you to have knowl- foreigners – but it’s ideal for most Some 60 per cent of the students come from Europe and North Everything in the city was really Russia has some deep-rooted tra- edge of the entire curriculum and Russians. During my first year as America and 40 per cent are Thai. exciting! I can’t deny that I was ditions that differ greatly from are quite demanding. The system a student there many times I said All teachers of the school are native English speakers. enjoying my time there. Life for Thailand. relies mostly on self-learning, and to myself, “You just have to get young people is very attractive It means that the studies and this can pose a challenge for some used to it.”

How to enrol in the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy

ALEXANDRA GUZEVA For more details visit balletacademy.ru. give you a form for the state duty fee (1,600 rou- RUSSIA BEYOND How long does it take to study? bles, which is about Bt900), and the academy will If accepted, most foreign students are rec- submit the documents for your multiple-entry The Moscow State Academy of ommended to study in the Traineeship visa. Choreography, also known as the Bolshoi Ballet Programme (intermediate education) from 1 Where to live? Academy, is one of the most prestigious Russian to 10 months. After this traineeship, a student Full-time students are provided with accom- ballet schools and as you know, Russian ballet must pass the exams, and can then be offered modation for the entire period of studies. There is the best in the world. The school was found- to continue studying in the Full-time is a dormitory in the Academy's building on 2nd ed in 1773 by Empress Catherine the Great, as Educational Programme (also intermediate Frunzenskaya Street, equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, part of the Moscow Foundling Home, where education). This programme is available only fridge, piano (!), cooking and laundry facilities. orphans were taught a wide range of subjects to for students who speak Russian. It lasts no less Medical care for an emergency will also be pro- make them able to serve the state and to live up than three years and is possible only after the vided, while transportation costs are a student's to their civic duties, which included taking part Traineeship Programme is completed. There own matter. By the way, parents or relatives are in balls. The best teachers from Europe came to is also a higher education programme for for- welcome to visit dancers and talk to teachers. Moscow to train the orphans to dance. eign students who already have ballet diplo- Are there many foreign students right now? The first graduates were so good that they mas from other schools. For the 2017-18 academic year there are about were invited to dance at the Bolshoi Theatre, So should I know Russian? 110 foreign students on the traineeship and edu- which at that time was called the Petrovski All classes are held in Russian, which is part cational programs, and about 15 students Theatre. In 1784, the theatre started supervis- of the obligatory Traineeship Programme. enrolled in higher education at the Academy. ing the ballet school, and so the students of the How much does it cost? There are students from more than 20 countries, Academy gained the opportunity to perform on The Traineeship Programme costs 2,000 Svetlana Semenikhina, head of international the Bolshoi stage and even go on foreign tours. euro per month, and the full-time Educational programs, told Russia Beyond. The average age Who can study? Programme costs 19,000 euro a year. for foreign students is 13-18, but some are Any foreign student can apply at any time of What about a Russian visa? younger, though they're likely the exceptions and the year by sending a video with class work (make Here you should keep calm and prepare your live in Moscow with their parents. sure there are bar, centre work, adagio, allegro, papers. The ballet school will send you an offi- pointe work and repertoire). Along with the cial invitation and you will be able to get a sin- Read the complete version here: video, one must fill out the application form and gle-entry visa. Upon arriving in Russia you will https://www.rbth.com/arts/326196-how-to- attach a copy of your passport with the photo. have to report to the academy, and the staff will enroll-ballet-school 4 THAILAND-RUSSIA RELATIONS 5 in Asia THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 120 years and GOING STRONG THAILAND AND RUSSIA THIS YEAR MARKED THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS. HERE IS A PICTORIAL OVERVIEW OF THE POLITICAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE CELEBRATIONS

Ambassador Kirill Barsky at the presentation of a joint commemorative stamp printed by Russia Post and Thailand Post, depicting a photograph of Emperor Nicholas II and King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam taken in 1897 during the first visit of the King of Siam to Russia.

Right: On September 21, a Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with Kirill Barsky, Russia’s Ambassador to Thailand, and Olga Russian President Vladimir Putin holds talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in large-scale Barskaya during the Princess’s visit to the Russian Embassy in Bangkok on November 29, 2017. Xiamen, China, in September 2017. exhibition devoted to the 120th anniversary Left: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council, of the during her visit to Russia in October 2017. The Princess spent eight days in Russia on an official visit. establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Thailand was inaugurated in the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand.

A bronze bust of Yuri Gagarin and a photo exhibition devoted to the first manned space flight were handed over to the Inspirium Space Museum in Sriracha by the Russian Embassy in Thailand.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Ambassador Kirill Barsky open the Russian-Thai Festival, held The Katya and the Prince of Siam ballet was performed by the Yekaterinburg Ballet and Opera Theatre at Bangkok’s 19th International Festival of Dance and Music. from July 14-16, 2017, at Siam Paragon Shopping Centre (also below). The event, celebrating the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries, was jointly organised by the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Thailand under the theme “Sharing our past, forging our future”.

Ambassador Barsky attends the Russian Week at Chulalongkorn University in April 2017.

In July 22, 2017 Medici Kitchen & Bar hosted a friendly gathering with a presentation of black caviar as the main theme. The Kremlin Diet Party was organised by Caviar House and On August 9-10, 2017, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a working visit to Thailand. He held talks with his Thai-Russian Sturgeon Co, which has started a high-tech Thammasat University hosted a special event titled “We’ve been friends for 120 years”. counterpart Don Pramudwinai and had a meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. sturgeon-breeding farm in Hua Hin. 6 in Asia THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 Living in Thailand A home away from home Although many Russians still see Thailand as a dream holiday destination, a growing number of people from Russia have chosen to call ‘The Land of Smiles’ home. They are active members of the vibrant expatriate life in places such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Russia in Asia decided to check out the diverse lifestyles of Russians in the Kingdom.

Ekaterina Benderskaya ART DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF THE ROSINKA INTERNATIONAL A news portal RUSSIAN BALLET ACADEMY’S PATTAYA BRANCH for those who The Rosinka ballet school brand was established by Ekaterina Benderskaya’s mother Lubov in know Russian Michurinsk, Russia in 1968. Operating for almost five decades, the academy is recognised as one of Irina Vorobeva, Egor Denisov the top 50 ballet schools in Russia. In 2015 Lubov was awarded the Best FOUNDERS OF THAILAND- Choreography Teacher in Russia NEWS.RU prize. Her two daughters Anastasya and Irina Vorobeva and her son Egor Ekaterina have followed in their Denisov have been living in Thailand mother’s footsteps by teaching cho- for over five years. In 2012, they found- reography at the Rosinka dance ed the Thailand News in Russian school branch that they opened in St. (http://thailand-news.ru) website, as Petersburg. a non-profit information project and In 2011 after moving to Thailand, news portal about Thailand for Ekaterina opened another branch in Russian-speaking readers. The web- Pattaya, bringing Rosinka to a new site gets more than 1.5 million visitors international level. a year. It is also popular with tourists In Thailand she introduced the who are planning a trip to the famous Vaganova method, a ballet Kingdom. The website aims to pro- technique and training system mote Thailand among Russian speak- devised by Russian dancer and ped- ers, and to form an image of Thailand agogue Agrippina Vaganova that as the world’s leading tourism desti- established a new era in ballet edu- nation, as well as a scientific, cultural, cation in the 20th century and technical, industrial, financial and became acknowledged globally as political centre of Asean. the foremost training syllabus of The main audience of the website, classical ballet. which tops a search with the key words Children from the ages of 3 to 15 ‘Thailand news’ in Russian on yan- from Thailand, Japan, the US, Italy, dex.ru (Russia’s most popular search Sweden, India and Russia study in Russian Ambassador Kirill Barsky gives a certificate to Ekaterina Benderskaya and her students for Rosinka’s participation in the opening ceremony of an exhibition engine), are people in the 25-34 age Rosinka’s Pattaya branch. of photographs of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev titled “Through the Lens of the Prime Minister” at Siam Paragon in March 2016. group (53.6 per cent). The most pop- They have participated in many ular articles on the site are on tourism cultural programmes and official (26 per cent of visitors), education events, like the National Day of cial Rosinka Gala-concert dedicat- number of prizes, including first of understanding and friendship own efforts, in 2017 Ekaterina (20.9 per cent), business (20.4 per Russia, a photo exhibition featuring ed to the 120th anniversary of the place in the classical dance (solo) cat- around the world. “I am absolutely received a special award of merit cent), movie and video (20.1 per cent) the work of Russian Prime Minister establishment of diplomatic rela- egory, second place in modern cho- sure, that when parents enrol their from the Russian Government’s and Thai cuisine (12.6 per cent). Dmitry Medvedev, charity events in tions between Russia and Thailand. reography (solo), and second place boys and girls in dance schools and Commission on Overseas “Adhering to the policy of positive the Bangkok Hospital in Pattaya, the Rosinka students also participat- in new dance (ensemble). studios, they give their children yet Compatriots for her personal con- news, we prefer such topics as tourism, opening of Russian-Thai Festival in ed in the 1st ATOD Asia-Pacific Ekaterina believes that art forms another opportunity to be happy,” she tribution in sharing Russian cultur- culture, sport, traditions, education Siam Paragon in July 2017 and a spe- Dance Competition 2017, winning a such as classical ballet help build ties says. As an acknowledgement of her al traditions abroad. and relationships,” Vorobeva says. “And when we write about accidents, we first of all pay attention to the activities of the Thai Police and medical services Imparting fluency in the Russian language who are doing their best for the safety of citizens and tourists. Our news also covers the achievements of the Thai Olga Zhilina PhD government in the areas of tourism, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, economic cooperation between our PROFESSOR OF THAMMASAT two countries and progress in Russia- UNIVERSITY Thailand friendship.” She adds that the website will Eight years ago Olga Zhilina launch a new project with the partic- received an offer to work at the ipation of students who study Russian Department of the Russian lan- at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn guage at Thammasat University. universities. “The new generation of She took up the offer with a great Thai diplomats and writers who are degree of enthusiasm, assisting her oriented to work on Russian-Thai rela- Thai colleagues in managing a tions will get an opportunity to pro- number of educational pro- mote Thailand in their own way,” grammes and cooperation projects Vorobeva says. “This project aims to with Russia. develop public diplomacy between two In 2011 Thailand was represent- countries.” ed for the first time at the International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature (MAPRYAL) Congress with a joint report written by Olga Zhilina speaking at a conference hosted by Thammasat University. Zhilina and her colleague Srantorn Right: Olga with her students. Chutim. Four years later, Thammasat Language and Culture Centre in the ology of teaching Russian as a for- lished. Along with her Thai col- students as well as textbooks for University established Thailand’s Linguistics University of Nizhny eign language in Thailand, a lin- leagues Zhilina participated in the schoolchildren who will learn first Testing Centre of Russian as a Novgorod in 2016. gua-cultural approach was pro- creation of a computer-training Russian as a third language. Foreign Language, as well as a She is the author of more than 10 posed, leading to the publication of program in the Russian language Zhilina is the first Russian lan- Russian Centre together with CIS textbooks and 70 articles on the a two-part textbook titled ‘About for students with an elementary guage teacher to be accorded the studies department. study of the Russian language and Thailand in Russian.’ level of language proficiency. status of an expert professor. Zhilina also played a major role methods of teaching it. Another book on business com- She is also working on Russian Previously, all native speakers were Egor and Irina Vorobeva with Wanchai in the establishment of the Thai For the first time in the method- munication in Russian is being pub- grammar textbooks for university registered as instructors. Chongsuthamanee, mayor of Chiang Rai. A musical marathon to honour the late King Rama IX

Ivan Sharapov marathon” – an event in remembrance of His On October 13, 2017 PIANIST, PEDAGOGUE (PHUKET) Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who visitors to River City passed away this day in 2016. The event was Bangkok witnessed a Ivan Sharapov only moved to Thailand in organised with the support of the Russian special event in 2015, but within this short span of time has Embassy in Thailand and Siam Music Yamaha. remembrance of His became an active member of the Russian and Sharapov performed non-stop from 10 am to Majesty the late King expatriate community. 7 pm. The only break he took lasted for 89 sec- Bhumibol Adulyadej His life has always been dedicated to music. onds, as he joined the entire nation in a moment who passed away this Ivan received his formal education at the of silence to pay respect to His Majesty exact- day in 2016. Igor Academic Music College of the Moscow State ly a year after his passing away. Sharapov performed Conservatory, then the Moscow State That was a true nine-hour-long requiem! non-stop from 10am Conservatory itself, and finally the Moscow It was not about the virtuosity of the per- to 7pm. The only State University of Culture and Arts. Sharapov formance. It was about sincere emotions. break he took lasted teaches and conducts concerts in Thailand and It depicted the Russian soul, compassion- for 89 seconds, as he abroad. He recently took part in many official ate for the irreparable loss to the Thai nation. joined the entire events such as the opening of the Russian-Thai The musical marathon featured songs writ- nation in a moment of Festival in Siam Paragon, dedicated to the ten by His Majesty King Rama IX and more silence to pay respect 120th anniversary of the establishment of than 80 works of world classical music, includ- to His Majesty exactly Russia-Thailand relations, and a charity ing the works of Rachmaninov, Chopin, a year after his evening of the Diplomatic Charitable Scriabin, and Liadov. Inspired by the great passing away. Committee of the Red Cross. musical legacy of His Majesty, Sharapov says On October 13, 2017 visitors to River City that “Love at Sundown” has become one of his Bangkok were surprised to witness a “musical favourite musical compositions. 7 in Asia Living in Thailand THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 Carving a niche in hospitality Mikhail Ilyin HOSPITALITY BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR AND LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST

Mikhail Ilyin moved to Thailand in 1994 to manage the country’s first- ever Russian restaurant, which is now called 8 Horseshoes Tavern. He still manages the restaurant in Pattaya. In 1995, Ilyin founded Ilves-Tour, the first Russian-owned inbound tour operator in the country. Since then, his business has grown into a holding, which along with the tour operator and the restaurant, also has a weddings and event-manage- ment agency, IATA air ticketing agency, florist shop, catering busi- ness, and Thailand’s first Russian gin- gerbread production line. Ilyin has also founded a Thai Culinary Art School called Aroismak (aroi and smak being the Thai and Russian words for delicious). The school has become a popular attrac- tion for the Russian tourists visiting Pattaya. As the Master Chef, Ilyin conducts lectures and food-preparation ses- sions. A renowned expert on Russian cuisine, Ilyin writes columns on Thai and Russian food in various Russian- language publications in Thailand. He also prepared a sampling of tra- ditional Russian food for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and her students, when the princess conducted a lecture on Russian history and culture to the cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn seen with Victor Kriventsov, second left, and Mikhail Ilyin, centre right, at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Long-time resident feted by Russian government for his role as an expat Pryanik – Russian gingerbread with Asian roots and a Thai address Russia-born Victor Kriventsov BEING A PASSIONATE Thailand, during the Russian has lived and worked in Thailand National Unity Day celebration in since 1994 WORLD TRAVELLER, Bangkok earlier in November 2017. For the last decade, the 8 A holder of several degrees in KRIVENTSOV RECENTLY Outside of Thailand, Kriventsov Horseshoes Tavern, located at international law, marketing and e- is a well-known travel blogger and Thappraya Road right between sales, Kriventsov started his career FULFILLED A LIFELONG lecturer on Thai culture and central Pattaya and the Jomtien here in Thailand as the head of a law DREAM, BY TAKING A Thailand-Russia relations. Twice a beach area, and its Culinary Art firm. He then spent 20 years as the year, he conducts a lecture for stu- School have been welcoming Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s Director 300-DAY TRIP AROUND dents of a Thai section at the Oriental tourists and locals with tradition- of Sales and Marketing, along with THE WORLD. Studies faculty of the St Petersburg al Russian cuisine. 13 years of public service as the State University in Russia. With workshops and tasting Deputy Honorary Consul of Russia Kriventsov’s seminars on sessions, the restaurant and the for the Thai provinces of Chonburi Highness Princess Maha Chakri Thailand’s travel destinations are school have helped arouse an inter- and Rayong. Sirindhorn when the princess con- annually attended by thousands of est in Russian cuisine and culture. ducted a course for cadets of the travel and tourism professionals When Her Royal Highness Seeing the world Chulachomklao Royal Military from across the former Soviet Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Academy. Kriventsov is a well- Union. Being a passionate world conducted a lecture on Russian After working for two decades known member of the Russian traveller, Kriventsov recently ful- history and culture for the cadets with the hotel group, Kriventsov community in Thailand, decorated filled a lifelong dream, by taking a of the Chulachomklao Royal undertook a trip around the world, with various Thai and Russian 300-day trip around the world. Military Academy, the 8 and later became the chief execu- medals and honors. He travelled west from Thailand Horseshoes Tavern was accorded tive of Ilves Holding, where he’s Earlier this month he was among and came back to the Kingdom the honour of organising a food joined his best friend Mikhail Ilyin, just 143 individuals selected from from the east. A combination of his presentation there. the company's owner. across the globe to receive an award travel experience, more than 20 years A pryanik (Russian ginger- Kriventsov, along with Ilyin, on of merit from the Russian in the tourism industry in Thailand bread) prepared in the form of a October 12, 2017, delivered a lecture Government’s Commission on and his educational background bear dressed in a cadet’s dress uni- on Russian food culture. Overseas Compatriots. make Kriventsov a true expert in form became a symbol of the event. They also offered a sampling of The award was given to him by tourism-related areas and Thailand- Keeping with tradition, a gift Russian food to Her Royal Kirill Barksy, Russian Ambassador to Russia relations. pryanik house with icing in the Russian Gzhel style was presented Above: A pryanik to Princess Sirindhorn. house with icing Pryanik’s history dates back in the Russian Combining business and a role in society more than 600 years in Russia. Its Gzhel style that ancestor, the so-called ‘honey- was presented to bread”, was already know in the 9th HRH Princess Igor and Alexey Protasov century. Maha Chakri TOURIST POLICE ASSISTANT VOLUNTEERS, AND The dish was initially a baked Sirindhorn. BUSINESSMEN mixture of rye flour with honey and berry juice. Later, bakers started to Left: Pryanik Brothers Igor and Alexey Protasov moved to Phuket add some herbs into the recipe and bears in cadet with their parents eight years ago. The family has a suc- in the 12th and 13th centuries, uniform. cessful business here, but there is a public duty the when the Silk Road and new sea brothers value even more. routes began to connect Europe Igor and Alexey are assistant volunteers with and Asia, Indian and Asian spices, Phuket’s Tourist Police. such as saffron, dill, basil, cumin, Thirty-year-old Igor speaks five languages: Czech, anise, mint, vanilla, orange, ginger, Russian, German, English and Thai, reflecting the lemon, black pepper and nutmeg many places he lived in while growing up. Igor and were added to the recipe. Alexey went to 13 different schools before settling in That is how pryanik got its Thailand, where they joined their family construction Brothers Alexey Protasov, left, and Igor with Deputy Prime name, a derivative of the Russian business with Igor’s Thai wife’s family. Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn. pryanost, which means spice. He is now president of the Lion’s Club of Phuket Pearl Pryaniks became very popular as well as CEO of the Thai Business Development tourists and the police, Igor was recently chosen as this and were made for rich and poor Company Group (TBD), a major real estate developer year’s Tourist Police Distinguished Assistant Volunteer alike, for celebrations and as gifts. in Phuket, which is a member of the Phuket Real Estate and decorated by deputy Prime Minister Gen Thanasak That is how another big Russian Association (P-REA) and the Franco-Thai Chamber of Patimaprakorn. tradition came to life. Gift pryaniks Commerce (FTCC). “He reached out his hand to mine and I shook it,” that were given as valuable pres- Their father made it a point to learn the local lan- says Igor proudly. ents for important persons could guage, wherever they lived, so in Phuket the sons took In addition to his work as a Tourist Police assistant weigh several kilograms. The high- Pryanik in Thailand weddings, the New Year and other up Thai. volunteer, Igor was also elected as the president of the er the person’s position was, the occasions. The family also believes it is important to become Lions Club of Phuket Pearl. He has also opened a branch bigger was his or her gift pryanik. Now the original Russian gin- You can check out the designer involved in the local society, so when Igor was asked to of the well-known French steakhouse La Boucherie, the So pryaniks prepared for Russian gerbread with an Asian spirit is pryaniks on social media plat- assist and translate for the Phuket Tourist Police he only one in Thailand. Tsars sometimes could be one- back in Asia, thanks to the 8 forms: Facebook: gingerbreadpat- jumped at the opportunity and later accepted an invi- His family business is building the giant ‘Phuket Eye’ metre long. Horseshoes Tavern, which has taya and Instagram: ginger- tation to join the force. ferris wheel, which is projected to be 170 metres tall. In 2010 Moscow bakers made it launched its Gingerbread Pattaya bread_pattaya. Igor also does pro bono work translating for the “It will be a landmark project and a magnet for tourists into the Guinness World Records project with a bakery and work- Modern pryaniks are not provincial court and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, from around the world,” Igor says. The younger broth- Books with their 859 kg and 7.5- shops for making pryaniks. Thai designed the way they used to be and has thus had the opportunity to work directly on er, Alexey, also an assistant with the Tourist Police, is a metre-long pryanik. They used pepper, cinnamon and ginger per- 600 years ago, but the original some of the most publicised cases. successful architect. 1,300 eggs, 200 kg of flour, 29 kg fectly blend into the original wonderful taste has been pre- These included efforts to trace a diver who was lost The brothers, along with their father, started work- of butter and more than seven dif- Russian recipe. served in Russia over a long peri- and spent 24 hours in the deep sea, as well as a case ing together 14 years ago. “Alexey and I have always been ferent spices. It took several bak- Pryaniks are becoming more od. involving a woman who was arrested for feeding fish together. We started at the bottom, carrying heavy ers seven days and seven nights to popular in Pattaya. Now, visitors to Pattaya can also in a protected marine park. things around as simple workers, slowly climbing up make this giant. People buy them for birthdays, sample this Russian delicacy. In recognition of his manifold efforts to help both the career ladder,” Igor adds. 8 in THE NATION Thursday, December 7, 2017 Asia World Cup 2018 6 REASONS to visit Russia TOMMY O’CALLAGHAN RUSSIA BEYOND Why it is worth going ahead and buying your tickets for football’s greatest event 1 Russia loves football! Russia’s obsession with football will national headlines in Euro 2016 visa-free travel over the course of the heart of Europe – just a one-hour flight es) are packed full of sights, entertain- Russia’s infatuation with the beau- only become more energised as next caught French police off guard, the tournament. from Berlin! ment, and culture. After watching a tiful game dates back to the Soviet era year’s World Cup edges ever closer. Russian government has made it clear Tickets and Fan IDs can also be pur- 4 Russia loves to put on a show! game you’ll be able to visit the when the traditional workers’ sport Thousands of fans will travel to the no such activity will be tolerated at the chased online, sparing you a trip to Just as we saw at the Sochi Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, was seen as a fitting national pastime. country in the summer so expect an World Cup. your nearest Russian Embassy. Olympics, Russia will use the tourna- Gorky Park in Moscow, the Kremlin in It’s even said that former NKVD head electric atmosphere and the same foot- The police (with the help of CCTV) Furthermore, the 2018 World Cup ment to impress the world. The event Kazan, the Azov Fortress in Rostov, or Lavrenty Beria played an active hand ball mania that gripped the nation in have proven that they take no prison- Transportation Directorate has is expected to cost 638 billion roubles, a beach in Sochi. So if you’re team loses, in the running of his favourite club, 2008, when more than 70 per cent of ers during domestic Russian football recently announced free train travel and Putin has already promised that it you’re still guaranteed a great time. Dynamo Moscow. The nation was at Moscow’s TV viewers tuned into the matches, and the same tactics will be between host cities for all Fan ID hold- will be held at the “highest standard”. fever pitch when the USSR defeated European Championship semi-final employed during the World Cup. So ers. The arrangement, organised by If the stadiums are anything to go by, 6. The weather’s not actually that Yugoslavia in the 1960 European between Russian and Spain. fans can rest assured - you will be safe. Russian Railways, may also save fans it will be a great show. bad, you know… Nations’ Cup Final. Soviet goalkeep- money on accommodation costs, as Those who’ve read any classical ing legend Lev Yashin echoed many 2 It’s safe! 3 It’s easier than ever to visit many journeys between host cities will 5 It doesn’t just have to be about Russian literature will know that the fans’ opinions when he famously said If you’ve read anything in the Russia! offer overnight sleeper cabins to pas- football… winter here can be long, freezing, and the victory was “the only thing that Western press about Russian football To make life easier for the expect- sengers. For many fans, it’s very possible that miserable. But fortunately, the 2018 superseded the joy of seeing Yuri culture, you might think the country ed 1.5 million World Cup ticket hold- Geographically speaking, the your World Cup experiences on the World Cup will be held in the summer. Gagarin in space!” is a cauldron of violence fuelled by ers, Russia’s strict travel bureaucracy World Cup in Russia will also prove the pitch will end in disappointment – In Moscow, you can expect tempera- Football remains the most popular ultras hell bent on beating up foreign has been greatly reduced for tourna- most convenient tournament for after all, only one team can win! So if tures to hover around the 26 degrees sport in Russia. The country’s top divi- fans – all under the nose of corrupt ment-goers in 2018. While incoming European fans since Germany 2006. you’re going to travel, wouldn’t it be Celsius mark in June and July, while sion enjoys an annual live attendance policemen. But in truth, travelling to tourists to Russia normally undergo Russia is just a couple hours’ flight better if the host country ensured you Sochi enjoys frequent highs of over 30. of over three million with teams Russia doesn’t require much more vig- lengthy and frustrating visa and reg- away from the EU, with hundreds of had a great time off the pitch too? Bring your shades! including Zenit St Petersburg and ilance than journeying to any other istration processes, those lucky enough flights available daily. Fans lucky Luckily, Russia has so much to offer CSKA Moscow making their mark in European country. Although the out- to have a ticket will instead receive a enough to be based in the host city of tourists and the host cities (all in First published by Russia Beyond. the Champions League over the years. break of hooliganism that made inter- Fan ID, affording them the privilege of Kaliningrad will be travelling to the Western Russia for logistical purpos- www.rbth.com Russian cities and stadiums hosting the matches

Moscow is Russia’s iconic capital city, known for beautiful architec- ture,incredible food and vast array of year-round cultural events.Moscow has two of the 2018 Fifa World Cup stadiums. Luzhniki Stadiumis Moscow’s leading sports stadium,with a rich his- tory of hosting historic sporting moments.Luzhniki will host the final of the 2018 Fifa World Cup. Capacity: 81,006 Spartak Stadium, with its familiar chainmail design representing the logo of the resident team, is one of Russia’s most loved stadiums. Spartak will host a number of the Moscow-based group matches. Capacity: 43,298. Rostov-on-Don lies to the southeast of the East European plain, alongside the Don River. It’s a key transport and cultural hub of south- ern Russia. Rostov Arena’s original design blends harmoniously into the pictur- The Luzniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final of Built in chainmail design, Spartak Stadium will host a number of The architecture of Rostov Arena in Rostov-on- esque landscape. The shape of the arena’s roof imitates the meander- the 2018 World Cup. Moscow-based group matches. Don imitates the meanderings of the Don River. ings of the Don River. Capacity: 45,145. Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad,is a key urban centre,nes- tled on the western bank of Russia’s great Volga River, which gives the town its name. Volgograd Arena’s design embodies the city’s history, with the lat- tice-like exterior of the stadium designed to echo a Victory Day fireworks display.The stadium is built close to the Mamayev Kurgan War Memorial. Capacity: 45,568. Saint Petersburg is known for its beauty,culture and rich history.The city’s legendary drawbridges over the grand Neva River and the famous White Nights in June draw tens of thousands of tourists every year. St Petersburg Stadium is one of the world’s most modern arenas. This seven-storey building is equipped with state-of-the-art luxuries such as a retractable roof and a sliding pitch,ensuring a top-class experience in 2018. Capacity: 68,134. Above: The Fischt Stadium in Sochi was built for Sochi is nestled between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, One of the most modern sports arenas, the St Petersburg the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 and is a favourite holiday getaway for Russians. The city rose to global Stadium. Winter Olympic Games. prominence after it was awarded the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.Fisht The Volvograd Arena’s design resembles ‘Victory Day’ fireworks. Stadiumwas built for the Winter Olympics and hosted the opening and the closing ceremonies.It draws inspiration from the astonishing scenery surrounding Sochi – the arena silhouette is designed to look like a snow- capped mountain peak. Left: The Saransk Capacity: 47,700. Stadium is Nizhny Novgorod is Russia’s fifth largest city, settled in 1221 at the located alongside meeting of two rivers, the Oka and the Volga. It is one of Russia’s most the picturesque traditional and beautiful cities, located 400 km to the east of Moscow. Insar River. Nizhny Novgorod Stadiumis set to be a masterpiece echoing the nat- ural influences of the region, in particular water and wind, which gives the design its light and expansive feel. The stadium is built in a pictur- esque part of the city, with excellent views of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Capacity: 45,331. Saransk is the capital of the Russian internal republic of Mordovia and the Saransk Stadium is an explosion of colour and energy, and is inspired by the local arts and crafts in the Mordovian region. The stadi- The Nizni Novograd Stadium um is located alongside the picturesque Insar River. Capacity: 44,442. Kazan, one of the oldest Russian cities, celebrated thousand years of experience in 2005.It is a city of theatres,International festivals,and Right: The Kalingrad business partnerships.Kazan is situated at the meeting place of the Volga Stadium in the and Kazanka rivers. beautiful port city Kazan Arena was built by the same architects as London’s of Kalingrad. Emirates Stadium in preparation for the Summer World University Games in 2013,when it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies. It has been designed to blend seamlessly with the unique sur- rounding landscape. Capacity: 44,779 Samara is a beautiful city south-eastern Russia, best known for its The Samara Arena, whose architectual design takes its inspiration from space and the night sky. long Western embankment alongside the Volga River. It is also famous as Russia’s aerospace centre. The city is the sixth-largest in Russia. Samara Arenatakes its architectural inspiration from space and the night sky, with the stadium shape resembling a glass dome, which will be lit at night to enhance the exquisite details in its design. Capacity: 44,807 Kaliningrad is a beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea,nestled between Poland and Lithuania.The region has been known from classical antiq- uity as one of the main sources of amber in Europe.Kaliningrad Stadium will be a completely unique venue and on the previously uninhabited Oktyabrsky Island, which is undergoing exciting new development for 2018. Capacity: 35,212. Ekaterinburg was founded by a decree of Peter the Great. Uniquely located on the geographical borderline of Europe and Asia, and at the foot of the Ural Mountains, the city is the fourth-largest in Russia. Ekaterinburg Arena is home to FC Ural – one of the country’s oldest football clubs. The stadium will retain its historical facade and architectural ele- ments, but a roof and temporary stands will be installed for the 2018 festivities. The Kazan Arena Stadium in Kazan, one of Russia’s oldest cities. Ekaterinburg Arena is home to FC Ural, one of Russia’s oldest football clubs. Capacity: 35,696.