Q 01/05

Before 1939, Thailand was known to the outside world by what name?

A) Burma

B) Siam

C) Malaya

D) Indochina

Answer · why

B) Siam

The word 'Thai' is usually glossed as 'free man', though some scholars say it simply means 'people'.

Q 02/05

Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been what?

A) Ruled by a monarchy

B) Invaded by a neighbour

C) Colonised by a European power

D) At war with Japan

Answer · why

C) Colonised by a European power

Kings Mongkut and Chulalongkorn traded territory to Britain and France to keep the heartland independent.

Q 03/05

Which of these countries does NOT share a land border with Thailand?

A) Myanmar

B) Laos

C) Cambodia

D) Vietnam

Answer · why

D) Vietnam

Malaysia is the fourth land neighbour; Vietnam is only a maritime neighbour across the Gulf of Thailand.

Q 04/05

How many letters long is Bangkok's full ceremonial name, listed by Guinness as the world's longest place name?

A) 168

B) 212

C) 250

D) 301

Answer · why

A) 168

Locals just say Krung Thep, 'city of angels', the opening words of the name inherited from Ayutthaya.

Q 05/05

King Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty, moved the capital to Bangkok in which year?

A) 1782

B) 1851

C) 1902

D) 1932

Answer · why

A) 1782

He replaced Thonburi, the capital King Taksin had set up after Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese.