Thailand

Question 1

What was Thailand formerly known as?

Answer 1

Thailand was formerly known as Siam before 1939.

Question 2

What does ‘Muang Thai’ mean?

Answer 2

‘Muang Thai’ means ‘Land of Free’.

Question 3

What is the capital of Thailand?

Answer 3

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.

Question 4

What is the land area of Thailand?

Answer 4

Thailand has a land area of 198,455 square miles.

Question 5

What is the dominant religion in Thailand?

Answer 5

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, comprising 90% of the population.

Question 6

What is the national language of Thailand?

Answer 6

The national language of Thailand is Thai.

Question 7

What is the total population of Thailand as of 1999?

Answer 7

The total population of Thailand was 62,773,000 in 1999.

Question 8

What percentage of Thailand’s population is Thai?

Answer 8

95% of Thailand’s population is Thai.

Question 9

What animal is considered a symbol of good fortune in Thailand?

Answer 9

The elephant is considered a symbol of good fortune in Thailand.

Question 10

What type of government does Thailand have?

Answer 10

Thailand has a constitutional monarchy.

Question 11

What is the role of the National Assembly in Thailand?

Answer 11

The National Assembly is responsible for legislative power and is composed of the elected House of Representatives and the appointed Senate.

Question 12

How many coups did the Thai military launch between 1932 and 1985?

Answer 12

The Thai military launched 16 coups between 1932 and 1985, of which 9 were successful.

Question 13

Who founded the Sukhotai kingdom?

Answer 13

Phra Ruang founded the Sukhotai kingdom in 1238.

Question 14

What significant event occurred in 1350 regarding the Ayuthia period?

Answer 14

In 1350, Rama Tibodi established Ayuthia as the capital after overthrowing the last ruler of Sukhotai.

Question 15

What was the first encounter of the Thais with Europeans?

Answer 15

The first encounter occurred in 1511 when the Portuguese sent an embassy to Ayuthia.

Question 16

Who was Constantine Phaulkon?

Answer 16

Constantine Phaulkon was a Greek soldier of fortune who became the Chief Minister of King Narai.

Question 17

What happened during the revolt in 1688?

Answer 17

The Thais expelled the French from Thai soil and deposed King Narai.

Question 18

What led to the fall of Ayuthia in 1767?

Answer 18

Widespread government corruption and disunity among Thai nobles led to the fall of Ayuthia.

Question 19

Who founded Bangkok?

Answer 19

Phya Tak (Taksin) founded Bangkok after the fall of Ayuthia.

Question 20

What was the Chakkri dynasty?

Answer 20

The Chakkri dynasty was founded by Chao Phya Chakkri (Rama I) and preserved Thai independence through diplomacy.

Question 21

Who were the two Chakkri rulers that began the westernization of Thailand?

Answer 21

Rama IV (Mongkut) and Rama V (Chulalongkorn) began the westernization of Thailand.

Question 22

What significant act did Rama V accomplish in 1905?

Answer 22

Rama V abolished slavery in Thailand in 1905.

Question 23

What was Thailand’s involvement in World War I?

Answer 23

Thailand declared war on Germany and supported the Allied cause during World War I.

Question 24

What political change occurred during Rama VII’s reign?

Answer 24

A constitutional monarchy was formally instituted during Rama VII’s reign.

Question 25

Who ruled Thailand as a dictator until 1944?

Answer 25

Pribun Songgram ruled Thailand as a dictator until 1944.

Question 26

What was Thailand's position during World War II?

Answer 26

Thailand allowed Japanese troops to pass through and became a Japanese ally during World War II.

Question 27

What happened after the war in 1947?

Answer 27

Marshal Pribun staged a political comeback through a military coup and ruled again as a dictator.

Question 28

What was the political situation in Thailand from 1947 to 1977?

Answer 28

Thailand experienced continuous political instability with frequent military coups during this period.

Question 29

What military alliance was Thailand a part of during the Cold War?

Answer 29

Thailand was a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO).

Question 30

What is Thailand's role in international organizations?

Answer 30

Thailand is an active member of the United Nations and ASEAN.