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Plaek Phibunsongkhram's first term as Prime Minister commenced in 1938, following his instrumental role in the 1932 revolution that established a constitutional monarchy.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Plaek Phibunsongkhram was a key figure in the 1932 revolution that established a constitutional monarchy, his first term as Prime Minister actually began in December 1938.
Plaek Phibunsongkhram's birth name was Plaek, a name meaning 'strange' or 'weird,' bestowed upon him due to his unusual physical characteristics as an infant.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, Plaek Phibunsongkhram's birth name was Plaek, which translates to 'strange' or 'weird' in English, a designation given due to his distinctive appearance in childhood.
Plaek Phibunsongkhram's paternal grandfather was a Thai immigrant who relocated from the northern region of Thailand to the central provinces.
Answer: False
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's paternal grandfather was not a Thai immigrant from northern Thailand, but rather a Chinese immigrant from Guangdong province.
The appellation 'man-on-horseback' applied to Phibun following the 1932 revolution signified his substantial military influence and the potential for dictatorial authority.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'man-on-horseback' descriptor accurately reflected Phibun's rapid ascent and considerable influence in the military after the 1932 revolution, indicating a capacity for significant, potentially dictatorial, power.
The Boworadet Rebellion of 1933 was successfully suppressed by Phibun and his military allies, thereby consolidating the authority of the nascent constitutional government.
Answer: True
Explanation: The successful suppression of the Boworadet Rebellion in 1933 by Phibun and his allies was a critical event that solidified the power of the newly established constitutional government.
Who was Plaek Phibunsongkhram?
Answer: A key leader of the Khana Ratsadon movement who later became Prime Minister.
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram was a pivotal figure in modern Thai history, notably as a leader of the Khana Ratsadon movement and the third Prime Minister of Thailand, serving two significant terms during which he enacted substantial national reforms and navigated critical geopolitical events.
What significant political event in 1932 was Plaek Phibunsongkhram instrumental in?
Answer: A coup d'état that established a constitutional monarchy.
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram was instrumental in the 1932 coup d'état, a pivotal event that ended Siam's absolute monarchy and ushered in the era of constitutional monarchy.
What does the name 'Plaek', Phibunsongkhram's birth name, mean in English?
Answer: Strange or Weird
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's birth name, 'Plaek,' translates to 'strange' or 'weird' in English.
Phibunsongkhram's paternal grandfather was originally from which region?
Answer: Guangdong province, China
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's paternal grandfather was a Chinese immigrant originating from Guangdong province.
The description 'man-on-horseback' applied to Phibun after the 1932 revolution signified:
Answer: His rapid rise to power and potential for significant influence or dictatorship.
Explanation: The 'man-on-horseback' descriptor signified Phibun's swift ascent to prominence after the 1932 revolution, indicating substantial popular influence and the potential for dictatorial authority.
Which rebellion, successfully crushed by Phibun and his allies in 1933, helped consolidate the power of the new constitutional government?
Answer: The Boworadet Rebellion
Explanation: The Boworadet Rebellion, a royalist revolt in 1933, was successfully suppressed by Phibun and his allies, thereby consolidating the power of the new constitutional government.
Plaek Phibunsongkhram served as Prime Minister of Thailand for a total duration of approximately fifteen years across two non-consecutive terms.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material indicates that Plaek Phibunsongkhram served as Prime Minister for approximately fifteen years and one month, encompassing two distinct periods: 1938-1944 and 1948-1957.
The country's name was officially changed from Siam to Thailand in 1939, influenced by nationalist policies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official English name was changed from 'Siam' to 'Thailand' on June 24, 1939, as part of Phibun's nationalist agenda, reflecting a desire to use a name that emphasized the nation's identity.
Phibunsongkhram allied Thailand with Japan in December 1941, shortly after declaring war on the United States and Britain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram signed a military alliance with Japan in December 1941, and subsequently, Thailand declared war on the United States and Britain in January 1942.
The Franco-Thai War resulted in Thailand losing territories previously ceded by King Rama V.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Franco-Thai War resulted in Thailand recovering territories in French Indochina that had been ceded by King Rama V, rather than losing them.
Phibunsongkhram was ousted as prime minister in 1944 due to his unpopular alliance with Japan and controversial capital relocation plans.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1944, Phibunsongkhram's government was ousted by the National Assembly, partly due to his controversial capital relocation plans and his alliance with Japan, which had become increasingly unpopular as the war progressed.
Plaek Phibunsongkhram's regime adopted fascist-style propaganda tactics, emphasizing nationalism and militarism, drawing inspiration from Benito Mussolini's Italy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, Phibunsongkhram's administration embraced fascist propaganda techniques, fostering nationalism and militarism, significantly influenced by the model of Benito Mussolini's Italy.
The term 'Bicycle Blitzkrieg' refers to a specific Thai military tactic employed during the Franco-Thai War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'Bicycle Blitzkrieg' does not refer to a Thai military tactic but rather describes the rapid advance of Japanese troops through Malaya during World War II, utilizing bicycles for swift movement.
The United States declared war on Thailand during World War II, classifying it as a primary Axis power.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the United States did not declare war on Thailand during World War II. While Thailand allied with Japan, the U.S. viewed Thailand more as a Japanese puppet state and later intervened to prevent punitive peace terms.
By 1941, Plaek Phibunsongkhram had attained the highest military ranks in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, by 1941, Plaek Phibunsongkhram held the supreme military titles of Field Marshal in the Army, Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy, and Marshal of the Royal Thai Air Force.
How did Phibunsongkhram consolidate his power after becoming Prime Minister in 1938?
Answer: By establishing a de facto military dictatorship and rewarding his army clique.
Explanation: Upon assuming the premiership in 1938, Phibunsongkhram consolidated his authority by establishing a de facto military dictatorship and strategically appointing members of his loyal army clique to key governmental positions.
Which foreign political ideology significantly influenced Phibunsongkhram's regime, evident in his propaganda and leadership style?
Answer: Italian Fascism
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's regime was significantly influenced by Italian Fascism, particularly evident in his adoption of propaganda techniques, emphasis on nationalism and militarism, and leadership style, mirroring that of Benito Mussolini.
Why was the country's official English name changed from 'Siam' to 'Thailand' in 1939?
Answer: To align with nationalist policies, as 'Siam' was considered a foreign exonym.
Explanation: The official English name was changed from 'Siam' to 'Thailand' in 1939 to align with Phibun's nationalist agenda, as 'Siam' was perceived as a foreign exonym and 'Thailand' better reflected the nation's identity.
How did Phibunsongkhram's government react to the geopolitical situation involving France and Japan in Indochina?
Answer: Exploited French weakness to recover ceded territories and eventually allied with Japan.
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's government strategically exploited French vulnerability during the Japanese occupation of Indochina to reclaim territories previously ceded by King Rama V. This policy eventually led to an alliance with Japan.
What was the primary outcome of the Franco-Thai War (1940-1941) for Thailand?
Answer: Thailand recovered territories previously ceded by King Rama V.
Explanation: The primary outcome of the Franco-Thai War (1940-1941) for Thailand was the recovery of territories in French Indochina that had been ceded by King Rama V.
In 1944, Phibunsongkhram's government was ousted primarily due to which factors?
Answer: His alliance with Japan and controversial capital relocation plans.
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's government was ousted in 1944 largely due to his controversial capital relocation plans and his alliance with Japan, which had become increasingly unpopular as the tide of World War II turned against the Axis powers.
Phibunsongkhram's government declared war on Britain and the United States in January 1942, following which action?
Answer: The signing of a military alliance with Japan.
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's government declared war on Britain and the United States in January 1942, subsequent to signing a military alliance with Japan in December 1941.
Phibunsongkhram returned to power in 1948 following a democratic election where he secured a majority.
Answer: False
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's return to power in 1948 was facilitated by a coup d'état orchestrated by the 'Coup Group,' which controlled the Royal Thai Army, rather than through a democratic election.
During his second premiership, Phibunsongkhram adopted fascist styling and aligned Thailand with the Soviet Union.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his second premiership, Phibunsongkhram presented a facade of democracy, abandoning the fascist styling of his first term. His foreign policy shifted towards alignment with the anti-communist camp, not the Soviet Union.
The 'Silent Coup' of November 29, 1951, reinstated the absolute monarchy in Thailand.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Silent Coup' of November 29, 1951, did not reinstate the absolute monarchy. Instead, it reinstated the 1932 Constitution, which effectively abolished the Senate and created a unicameral legislature.
The term 'Thai Triumvirate' denotes an influential political alliance comprising Sarit Thanarat, Phao Siyanon, and Plaek Phibunsongkhram, active between 1947 and 1957.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Thai Triumvirate' indeed refers to the significant political alliance formed by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Police General Phao Siyanon, and Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, which dominated Thai politics during the period from 1947 to 1957.
During his second premiership, Plaek Phibunsongkhram faced criticism for usurping religious functions traditionally reserved for the Thai monarch.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, during his second term, Phibunsongkhram drew criticism for assuming religious roles traditionally held by the King, such as presiding over the 2500th anniversary of Buddhism celebrations.
Phibunsongkhram's return to power in 1948 was facilitated by which event?
Answer: A coup d'état carried out by the Royal Thai Army's 'Coup Group'.
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's return to power in 1948 was facilitated by a coup d'état orchestrated by the 'Coup Group,' which controlled the Royal Thai Army and removed the incumbent prime minister.
During his second premiership, how did Phibunsongkhram's foreign policy shift?
Answer: He aligned Thailand with the anti-communist camp and supported UN actions like the Korean War.
Explanation: During his second premiership, Phibunsongkhram significantly shifted Thailand's foreign policy towards alignment with the anti-communist bloc, notably supporting United Nations actions such as participation in the Korean War.
The 'Silent Coup' of November 29, 1951, resulted in which constitutional change?
Answer: The abolition of the Senate and creation of a unicameral legislature.
Explanation: The 'Silent Coup' of November 29, 1951, led to significant constitutional revisions, including the abolition of the Senate and the establishment of a unicameral legislature.
What was the 'Thai Triumvirate' that dominated politics between 1947 and 1957 composed of?
Answer: Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Police General Phao Siyanon, and Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram.
Explanation: The 'Thai Triumvirate' comprised Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, Police General Phao Siyanon, and Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, forming a powerful political alliance that significantly influenced Thai politics from 1947 to 1957.
In 1954, Phibunsongkhram played a role in establishing which international organization aimed at collective defense in Southeast Asia?
Answer: SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization)
Explanation: In 1954, Plaek Phibunsongkhram played a role in establishing the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), an international body formed for collective defense in the region during the Cold War.
The Thai Cultural Revolution aimed to modernize Thailand and promote nationalism through various government mandates.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Thai Cultural Revolution was a series of major reforms initiated by Phibunsongkhram to accelerate Thailand's modernization and foster a stronger sense of Thai nationalism.
During the Thai Cultural Revolution, citizens were mandated to learn Japanese and adopt traditional Siamese attire.
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the cultural mandates issued during the Thai Cultural Revolution encouraged the use of the standardized Thai language and the adoption of Western-style attire, rather than traditional Siamese clothing. There is no indication that learning Japanese was a mandate.
Phibunsongkhram implemented policies that favored the Chinese population in Thailand to boost economic ties.
Answer: False
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's administration implemented Sinophobic policies aimed at reducing the economic influence of the Chinese population, particularly the Teochew group, rather than favoring them.
Phibunsongkhram attempted to democratize Thailand in the mid-1950s by establishing a 'Speakers' Corner' and allowing new political parties.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the mid-1950s, Phibunsongkhram initiated reforms aimed at democratization, including the establishment of a 'Speakers' Corner' in Bangkok and permitting the formation of new political parties.
What was a primary objective of the 'Thai Cultural Revolution' launched by Phibunsongkhram?
Answer: To promote Thai nationalism, modernize the nation, and improve its international image.
Explanation: A primary objective of the 'Thai Cultural Revolution' was to foster Thai nationalism, accelerate the nation's modernization, and enhance its international standing by projecting an image of a progressive and civilized country.
Which of the following was NOT among the cultural mandates issued during the Thai Cultural Revolution?
Answer: Mandating the study of Mandarin Chinese.
Explanation: The cultural mandates issued during the Thai Cultural Revolution included encouraging the use of standardized Thai language, promoting Western-style attire, and encouraging saluting the national flag. Mandating the study of Mandarin Chinese was not among these directives.
What was the stance and actions of Phibunsongkhram's administration regarding the Chinese population in Thailand?
Answer: Implemented Sinophobic policies to reduce their economic power.
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's administration implemented Sinophobic policies aimed at reducing the economic influence of the Chinese population, particularly the Teochew group, rather than favoring them.
Which of the following was part of Phibunsongkhram's efforts to democratize Thailand in the mid-1950s?
Answer: Establishing a 'Speakers' Corner' for public discourse.
Explanation: As part of his efforts to democratize Thailand in the mid-1950s, Phibunsongkhram introduced reforms such as establishing a 'Speakers' Corner' in Bangkok to encourage public discourse.
The Employment Act of January 1957 introduced significant labor reforms. Which was one of these reforms?
Answer: Legalizing trade unions and regulating working conditions.
Explanation: The Employment Act of January 1957 introduced significant labor reforms, including the legalization of trade unions and the regulation of working conditions, holidays, and overtime pay.
The Manhattan Rebellion involved Royal Thai Navy officers holding Phibunsongkhram hostage on a warship.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Manhattan Rebellion in June 1951 was a coup attempt where Royal Thai Navy officers seized Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram aboard the warship 'Sri Ayutthaya'.
Public opinion turned against Phibunsongkhram in 1957 mainly due to his successful economic policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Public opinion turned against Phibunsongkhram in 1957 primarily due to suspicions of election fraud and accusations of disrespecting the monarchy, not because of successful economic policies.
Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat led the coup that overthrew Phibunsongkhram in September 1957.
Answer: True
Explanation: The coup that ousted Plaek Phibunsongkhram in September 1957 was indeed led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, a former subordinate.
Which of the following was a significant internal challenge Phibunsongkhram faced during his second term?
Answer: Multiple coup attempts, including the Manhattan Rebellion.
Explanation: Phibunsongkhram's second term was characterized by considerable internal instability, including numerous coup attempts such as the Army General Staff Plot, the Palace Rebellion, and the Manhattan Rebellion.
What was the outcome of the Manhattan Rebellion in 1951?
Answer: The Royal Thai Air Force bombed the rebel-held warship, leading to surrender.
Explanation: The Manhattan Rebellion in 1951 concluded when the Royal Thai Air Force bombed the rebel-held warship 'Sri Ayutthaya,' compelling the navy to surrender and ending the coup attempt.
What were the main reasons public opinion turned against Phibunsongkhram in 1957?
Answer: Suspicions of election fraud and accusations of disrespecting the monarchy.
Explanation: In 1957, public opinion shifted against Phibunsongkhram primarily due to widespread suspicions of election fraud and accusations that he disrespected the monarchy by usurping traditional royal religious functions.
Who led the coup in September 1957 that overthrew Phibunsongkhram?
Answer: Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat
Explanation: The coup that ousted Plaek Phibunsongkhram in September 1957 was led by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, a former subordinate.
After World War II, Plaek Phibunsongkhram was convicted of war crimes for collaborating with the Axis powers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although Plaek Phibunsongkhram faced trial for alleged war crimes related to his collaboration with the Axis powers after World War II, he was ultimately acquitted, partly due to public sentiment that he had acted in Thailand's best interests.
After being overthrown in 1957, Phibunsongkhram lived out his exile in Thailand.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his overthrow in 1957, Plaek Phibunsongkhram was forced into exile and eventually settled in Japan, as his requests to return to Thailand were denied.
Plaek Phibunsongkhram's visit to India in 1960 was primarily for diplomatic negotiations concerning a trade agreement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Plaek Phibunsongkhram's visit to India in 1960 was not for diplomatic negotiations but rather for personal and spiritual reasons, as he entered a Buddhist temple in Bodhgaya to become a monk following his exile.
What was the verdict of the post-World War II trial concerning Phibunsongkhram's alleged war crimes?
Answer: He was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Explanation: Following World War II, Plaek Phibunsongkhram faced trial for alleged war crimes related to his collaboration with the Axis powers. However, he was ultimately acquitted, partly due to public sentiment that he had acted in Thailand's best interests.
Where did Phibunsongkhram settle after being forced into exile in 1957?
Answer: Japan
Explanation: Following his overthrow in 1957, Plaek Phibunsongkhram was forced into exile, first in Cambodia, and subsequently settled in Japan after his requests to return to Thailand were denied.
Phibunsongkhram received high royal honors, including which of the following?
Answer: Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Order of the White Elephant
Explanation: Among the high royal honors bestowed upon Plaek Phibunsongkhram was the Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Order of the White Elephant, received in 1940.