How well do you know Chiang Mai and the North of Thailand?

Then check your score:

14-15 correct = A Lanna Expert, well done!
10-13 Correct = Not bad
Less than 10 = Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!

1. There is a famous institute on the river in Chiang Mai which, amongst other conditions, treats victims of Hansen’s disease. What is Hansen’s disease?

a) Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis
b) Malaria resistant to chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and mefloquine.
c) Tertiary syphilis
d) Leprosy

d) Leprosy.

It was named after the Norwegian doctor Armauer Hansen who identified that a bacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) caused the disease in 1873. Until then, the affliction was thought to be from a curse, or a punishment for sinful behavior.

2. Lanna is increasingly becoming a coffee-growing region and there are two main types, Arabica and Robusta. How do they differ? Only one of these statements is true - can you identify which one is correct?

a) Arabica thrives at lower altitudes than Robusta.
b) Robusta contains more caffeine than Arabica.
c) Arabica gives a higher yield per acre at a lower cost of production.
d) Robusta represents 70% of the world’s production.


b) Robusta.

Arabica coffee is harder to grow, needs a higher altitude, but is preferred by most coffee drinkers. Arabica represents about 70% of global production. Robusta contains more caffeine, tends to be bitter, and is often used in the manufacture of instant coffee.

3. The International Baccalaureate (IB) comprises three graded programmes for students aged from 3 to 19 to help “develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world” and currently involves 2,823 schools in 138 countries and over 778,000 students, including Prem. It has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities, and is a non-profit educational foundation. In which city was it founded?

a) Geneva, Switzerland
b) Lyon, France
c) Oxford, UK
d) Oslo, Norway


a) Geneva, Switzerland

The International Baccalaureate (IB) was founded by a group of teachers in Geneva in 1968 as a non-profit educational foundation named the IB Diploma Programme, designed for international students preparing for university. It has now been expanded into three programmes for students aged 3 to 19. It represents the solid pillar of instruction adopted by Prem Tinsulanonda International School. (More information at http://www.ibo.org)

4. AUA Chiang Mai is well known to residents not only as a language centre but as a valued source of educational and cultural activities including plays, musical performances, social activities and a library. Many know it best for its Thai studies department for foreigners which opened in 1985. When was AUA Chiang Mai originally established?

a) 1980
b) 1975
c) 1961
d) 1957

d) 1957

The excellent AUA Thai Studies Department, which many resident foreigners choose to learn the Thai language, opened later in 1985.

5. If you heard people discussing "Mae Ngat" what would you associate it with?

a) Stag beetle fighting
b) Rice whisky containing snakes, centipedes etc., reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities
c) A National Park
d) The winter arrival of waterfowl at Chiang Saen Lake


c) A National Park

The Mae Ngat Dam & Reservoir is less than an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, and located in the Sri Lanna National Park which covers over 1,400 square kilometers, bordered by Chiang Dao, Mae Tang and Phrao districts. This vast reservoir was created when a dam was built across the Mae Ngat river and flooded the valley. It’s a favorite place for locals to relax, swim or fish (Giant Catfish, Jungle Fish and Indian Carp) Houseboats can be rented for overnight stays and kayaks are available for hire. (Useful information at: http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/sri_lanna_national_park.html)

6. If you attended the annual "Poy Sanglong Festival" in Northern Thailand, what would you expect to see?

a) Induction of boys into the Buddhist novice hood. b) Fruit products, particularly Longans
c) Hand painted umbrellas and handicrafts
d) Herbal products and traditional Thai medicines.


a) Induction of boys into the Buddhist novice hood.

The festival is rooted in the strongly Buddhist customs of the ethnic Shans (Tai Yai) who migrated from northern Burma and inhabited most of Mae Hong Son. Young boys between the age of 7 and 14 are ordained as novices to learn the Buddhist doctrines and gain merit for their parents. It is celebrated in many towns and villages, particularly Mae Hong Son, and in Chiang Mai usually from 4-6th April.

7. ‘Santikhiri’ is the name of a village in Northern Thailand associated with a particular product. What is it?

a) Honey, royal jelly and propolis.
b) Tea
c) Fruit wines
d) Medicinal mushrooms and plants


b) Tea

Tea replaced opium poppies in this high altitude region (also known as Mae Salong) which is also now a tourist attraction.

8. If somebody gave you a "mon khwan" what would you do with it?

a) Use it to chop meat or fibrous vegetables
b) Wear it around your wrist
c) Use it as a cushion
d) Sweep leaves and garden areas with it


c) Use it as a cushion

Literally "axe pillow" (Mon = pillow Kwan = Axe) because of its triangular shape.

9. There is an interesting feature in the grounds of Chiang Mai Kindergarten (Anuban Chiang Mai) on Rachamangala Road. What is it?

a) A small bronze statue of King Mengrai riding a war elephant
b) An ancient brick-walled well which today still provides safe drinking water.
c) The remains of an ancient Chedi
d) A Banyan tree thought to be over 300 years old.


c) The remains of an ancient Chedi

This was an abandoned temple called Wat Kitti whose original structures and buildings were removed or crumbled, leaving only the Chedi behind. The temple was abandoned in 1946, and the school built in 1981. It is said that original teak pillars were used to build Wat Tung Yu on Ratchadamnoen Road. The chedi today is well maintained, respected by the children, and one of the most striking examples if its kind.

10. Khun Boonserm Satrabhaya, son of Chiang Mai’s first post and telegraph officer, is one of Chiang Mai’s best known and respected personalities. A former fertilizer merchant, newspaper reporter, and author of several books, he is probably best known for his superb collection of:

a) Postage stamps
b) Insects
c) Photography
d) Coins

c) Photography

We can do no better than refer you to the wonderfully illustrated web site of old photos at: http://library.cmu.ac.th/ntic/en_picturelanna/boonserm.php

11. Payap University in Chiang Mai holds the distinction of being the first private college in Thailand outside of greater Bangkok, granted in 1974, and became the first fully accredited private university in Thailand in 1984. Its origins date back to 1888 with the founding of the Thailand Theological Seminary. It is a household name today, but what does ‘Payap’ mean?

a) In recognition of Leonard Payap, an American missionary who played a significant role in funding the current main campus located at Mae Khao.
b) A peaceful place.
c) A north-west direction.
d) Wisdom in thought and action

c) A north-west direction.

12. If you were to compete against "The Lanna Tigers" what sport would you be playing?

a) Football
b) Motor racing
c) Ice hockey
d) Cricket

a) Football

It was first formed in 1999 as Chiang Mai United, and admitted to the Regional League Northern Division in 2009. It was renamed Chiang Mai Football Club in 2010 and nicknamed the ‘Lanna Tigers’

13. Located about 80 kms from Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao today is best known for its national park and wonderful limestone caves. It’s a favorite spot for visitors and an increasing number of foreign residents. Doi Chiang Dao is the third highest mountain in the Kingdom (2225 metres) and popular with bird watchers. But it has a secret history associated with less appealing things. Do you know what it is?

a) A centre for opium and heroin trading.
b) A place where people said to be possessed by evil spirits were sent.
c) The location of a ‘no escape’ prison
d) A secret military base built into one of the caves.

b) A place where people said to be possessed by evil spirits were sent

Unlikely as it may seem, this is true. Chiang Dao was formerly a place of exile for people with afflictions or illnesses (often malaria) ‘diagnosed’ by the authorities as being caused by evil spirits. These ‘possessed’ people slowly formed a community, inter-married and lived normal lives. Successive generations slowly restored things to ‘normal’ and the old stigma faded away. There is an interesting reference to this on the excellent web site at http://www.cpamedia.com/history/ghost_people/

14. If you heard local Chinese men discussing the English language equivalent of “Black Dragon” what is it most likely to be?

a) Coffee
b) Tea
c) Sesame
d) Pomegranate

b) Tea

Specifically Oolong tea, which is grown in Santikhiri (Mae Salong) The name is derived from the Chinese name O·-liông tê meaning "black dragon tea" - referring to the long dark and curly twisted shape of the dried leaves.

15. The semi-nomadic ‘Mlabri’ tribe is one of the rarest ethnic groups found in Northern Thailand, numbering only an estimated few hundred. Often called “Spirits of the Yellow Leaves” because they move on when their leaf dwellings turn brown, they are reputed to be highly skilled in the use of medicinal plants, offer the bodies of their deceased to the birds in treetops, and change marriage partners every few years. In which province below are you most likely to find them?

a) Nan
b) Mae Hong Son
c) Chiang Rai
d) Phayao

a) Nan

In Thailand, they are found only in the provinces of Phrae and Nan. They belong to the Mon-Khmer speaking groups.

Your score ratings:

15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!

1. Although a synthetic form is now common, indigo is a natural dye still used by quality silk and textile studios. From what is it obtained?

a) A plant
b) The bark of a tropical tree
c) The seeds of flowering shrub
d) The scales of an insect

a) A plant, namely Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo) is used to produce the dye. For those interested, Patricia Cheesman, founder of Naenna Textiles, is a local expert, and the indigo dyeing process is carried out at her studio in Soi Chang Khian in Chiang Mai. (see Studio Naenna)

2. A temple in Chiang Mai was once the home of the famous Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Which temple was it?

a) Wat Chedi Luang
b) Wat Phra Singh
c) Wat Chiang Mun
d) Wat U Mong

a) Wat Chedi Luang, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1545. The Emerald Buddha was subsequently moved to Luang Prabang in 1551, from there to Vientiane, and reached Bangkok in 1778.

3. Where in Chiang Mai can you see a statue of Britain’s Queen Victoria?

a) The Gymkhana Club
b) The Christian Cemetery
c) The British Council grounds
d) Under a tree in the Citylife Magazine grounds, facing the Canal Road.


b) The Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery was founded in 1898 when the land was donated by Royal Deed of Gift by King Chulalongkorn. For those interested, click here for a detailed history.

4. The company called ‘Creative Kingdom’ is planning a huge project in 175 acres of ground near Chiang Mai. What is it going to be?

a) A aqua-theme park with lakes, slides, waterfalls and high-tech animated musical fountains
b) A horse racing course and athletics complex
c) A movie studio
d) A school for advanced studies in art, design, and computer graphics.


c) A mixed-use movie studio and residential development scheduled for completion in 2014. Plans include restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues.

5. Which hotel in Chiang Mai is built on the site of a former foreign Consulate?

a) The Rachamankha
b) The Chedi
c) The Tamarind Village
d) The Ratilanna

b) The Chedi is constructed around what was once the British Consulate. The former consular building now houses the hotel’s restaurant.

6. Something unusual is under the water of the Phayao Lake. What is it?

a) A mini-submarine abandoned by the US military during the 1998 Cobra Gold exercise
b) A submerged temple
c) A volcanic outflow
d) A 3-metre giant catfish, protected and fed by locals

b) An ancient temple called Wat Tilok Aram dating back to the end of the 15th century, was submerged during the construction of this artificial lake in 1939.

7. Doi Inthanon is one of Thailand’s best locations for bird-watching. How many species have been recorded there?

a) 200-250
b) 251-300
c) 301-350
d) More than 350

d) Reports indicate up to 400 different species

8. A famous institution in Chiang Mai took the family name of lady whose first name was ‘Cyrus’ What is it?

a) McKean Centre
b) Montford College
c) McCormick Hospital
d) Payap University

c) It was founded as a small 8-bed facility by American missionaries in 1888, at that time called the American Mission Hospital. New buildings at the present location were built with funds donated by a Mrs Cyrus McCormick, and the new hospital was officially named after her.

9. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was born on 26th July 1949 in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. Which school did he attend?

a) Prince Royal's College
b) Grace International School
c) Dara Academy
d) Montfort College

d) Although raised in a Buddhist family, he was educated at Montford College, founded by the Roman Catholic Brothers of St Gabriel.

10. If you were being taken to visit "Kad Luang" what would you expect to see?

a) A large market
b) A museum
c) A sacred Buddha image
d) A handicrafts village

a) Especially used to refer to the large market of Warorot in Chiang Mai.

10. What would you associate with the word 'Inthakin'?

a) A Buddhist amulet which protects against bodily injury
b) The centre of a city.
c) A rain-making festival, using bamboo rockets and firecrackers.
d) The orange cotton fabric from which Buddhist robes are made.

b) Refers to a wooden or stone ‘city pillar’ traditionally located at the geographical heart of the city. Different regions of Thailand use different names for these pillars, but in the old northern Thai language, the pillars were called ‘Inthakin’.

11. A Panda cub was born on May 27th Chiang Mai Zoo, and the name was chosen from 22 million postcard-votes. What was it?

a)Theh Deebeh
b)Tai Jin
c)Lin Ping
d)Ying Ying

c) In Chinese, Lin Ping means "forest of ice". In Thai, the name refers to the Ping River the river which traverses Chiang Mai. It received 13.2 million votes.

12. The new International Convention Centre for Chiang Mai will hopefully create much-needed revenue and project a higher global profile for the city. Where will it be located?

a)Adjoining the Ratchaphruek Royal Flora site.
b)Near the 700 year stadium, on the Canal Road
c)Integrated into the Chiang Mai Night Safari grounds.
d)Beyond Chiang Mai Zoo, left side, on the road leading up to Doi Suthep.

b) On a piece of land covering over 300 rai (about 120 acres) on the canal road near the stadium. Plans include office space for small and medium-sized enterprises and an area for semi-permanent exhibits. There will be a convention hall, meeting rooms, an 8,000-square-metre exhibition area. It is planned to make the centre's biggest convention room link with the exhibition area, creating a combined space for up to 12,000 people.

13.What would you associate with the term "Sop Ruak"?

a)A chilli and garlic prawn paste used in Northern Thai cuisine
b)The cremation ceremony of an important person
c)The "Golden Triangle" area in Chiang Rai province
d)A section of a chedi reserved for cremated remains or holy relics

c) Although the actual geographical ‘Golden Triangle’ refers to a large area reflecting the former opium trade and stretching into Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, tour companies conveniently pinpointed the small village of ‘Sop Ruak’ where the borders of the three countries meet at a scenic location on the Mekhong River.

14.What do you understand by the term "Niello"?

a)A type of rough cotton material mostly used for large items such as bed covers.
b)A triangular brightly coloured cushion or head rest.
c)A way of ornamenting metal objects.
d)A pestle and mortar made of a hard stone used to prepare food and crush spices

c) Black metallic alloys of sulfur with copper, silver or lead are used to fill an engraved design on the surface of another metal. Nielloware is one of Chiang Mai’s popular handicrafts.

15. If you go shopping in Chiang Mai’s Wualai Road, what would you be mostly likely want to buy?

a) Flowers. Plants, garden supplies, tropical fish.
b) Silver items
c) Custom-made and ready-made wooden items, mostly household furniture.
d) Electrical supplies, especially lamps and lighting equipment.

b) The centre for silversmiths, and also a colourful Saturday night market

On Friday 6th of November, we Grade 9s hosted the Whole School Assembly. The topic of our assembly was leadership and teamwork. We chose it as our topic because we recently had the opportunity to experience the leadership camp offered to all grade 9 students.

This two day and one night camp offered us the chance to do many activities together to improve our teamwork and leadership skills and to have fun. We learned a lot from it and have used the skills we've learned to enhance our learning ever since.

In the assembly we talked about how we've used leadership and teamwork in our classes. We have shown great teamwork skills in Art, Drama, Music and English, to name just a few.

We also presented the values that help teamwork such as open-mindedness, honesty and trust. Then we had a little skit which showed an example of bad teamwork, followed by some quotes about leaders and leadership.

Here are some of the quotes we selected:

  To be able to lead others, a man must be willing to go forward alone  

- Harry Truman

  Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success  

- Henry Ford

  There go the people. I must follow them for I am their leader  

- Alexandre Ledru-Rollin

  Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach  

- Rosabeth Moss Kantor

Although these are leadership quotes, they are appropriate for everyone and can be used in all areas of life. We thought you might like to consider them too.

Tanapat (Ice) Treyanurak 9J

They may have come back exhausted but Grade 12 girls, and then the boys, have given two thumbs up for this learning for a life time.

Fourteen sessions over three days focussed on learning strategies and practising skills in physical, emotional, social and financial resilience.

Guest presenters and Prem staff supported this pre-tertiary preparation camp where students were encouraged to know who they are, what they want and how to strengthen and protect themselves, through resilience strategies, to realise their dreams.


Here’s what our students had to say:

  I think it is a great opportunity to learn what challenges we will face when we leave our school and also learn about yourself  

  The weekend was amazing. It was fun and interesting. I also learned A LOT about university and also about people in our class who I normally don’t hang out with  

  It’s a very good weekend. You learn many things that are not only good for university but that will be helpful for your entire life. The accommodation was really good too  

  I would like to thank the school for giving us the opportunity to learn about university as it is a new place we are going to and we have no experience about it  

  It was awesome, educational and a life-saving (in the future) weekend. We enjoyed it so much that the time went so fast. I think Prem should do it next year  

Thank you
Thank you to all presenters: David Adams, Marie Baird, Richard Bell, Linda Buck, Vivien Dapp, Fiona Dawson, Jon Hartmann, Sarah Kate Hawkins, Kris MacMahon, Riki McDermott, Relle Maxwell, Grace Nutter, Craig Rodgers, Claire Russo, Rocky Rounthwaite, Trish Rounthwaite, Leslie Temple-Nguyen, Richard Thomas

Thank you also to all our student participants, their parents and staff supporters. Special thanks to Linda Buck for her enthusiasm and encouragement in her support of this project. Thank you also to Fiona Dawson and Jon Hartmann from our Student Support Team sourcing some excellent presenters and resources.

Craig Rodgers
Senior School Principal

The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the small, isolated nation of Bhutan is tucked away in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. It is a land of pristine environments and a rich culture protected by strict tourism laws which support sustainable living and traditional values against a greedy outside world.

During the October break, Director of Boarding, Linda Buck, and Senior School Principal, Craig Rodgers, had the privilege and pleasure of making presentations to Bhutanese dignitaries as well as many prospective and existing Bhutanese parents.

Linda, Craig and other Prem staff had an audience with Her Royal Highness, Princess Ashi Pema Dechen, to discuss our school and boarding programs with a view to her granddaughter studying at PTIS next year.

From these presentations, we have secured five new enrolments for next year to join the 14 Bhutanese currently at Prem.

Others are considering Prem as their preferred school and boarding option largely due to our demonstrated caring boarding environment, recognised curriculum, exciting co-curricular program and successful entry into tertiary study courses.

We would like to thank all existing parents for their kind support during our travel and presentations in Bhutan.

Teachers and educators from around the region headed to Prem Center over the weekend to find out more about the AtKisson Tool Kit to accelerate sustainability and the newest AtKisson initiative, Compass Schools.

Facilitated by AtKisson Associates, Robert Steele and Lister Hannah and Toolkit trainers Lynda Rolph and Joel Bacha, teachers were introduced to Compass as a teaching tool to use with students and a framework to develop whole school involvement in becoming a more sustainable school community.

After an introduction to sustainability, consideration of Education for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s Decade of Education for Sustainability, participants worked through scenarios using compass, the pyramid and amoeba, tools designed to promote and increase understanding of how to bring about change which can lead to sustainability. A presentation was made which highlighted ways in which Compass has been gradually introduced to the Prem Community, since an initial workshop, two years ago.

Four P.T.I.S teachers and a member of the parents committee joined the Compass Schools training. They left motivated to help Prem Center adopt Compass and determined to move our community further along on its journey to be a more sustainable Compass School .

Want to learn more? Join the next workshop:
Becoming a Compass School Feb 6 - 7 2010. details to be announced soon

Last Thursday’s Senior School assembly welcomed Mr Glenn Croston.

Glenn came to Prem to introduce his children’s home, Croston House, which was set up in 2005 in Lamphun with the aim of providing a brighter future for children who come from less privileged backgrounds.

These children may come from families that have been seriously affected by drugs, illness or a simple inability to take sufficient care of the child.

The house is run by Glen and his wife Rosjana, who have three children of their own. Their tireless efforts are responsible for the continued growth of the center, which to this day has provided a brighter future to many local children since it was opened.

There are currently twenty children in care at the foundation, all of whom are there to complete their education to maximise their possibilities of a better quality of life once they leave.

Whether it was Glenn’s uplifting and touching presentation or a general desire to help in any way possible, the response from Prem staff and students was impressive.

On a Saturday in early September, hordes of runners and walkers wound their way along the path through the farm and up past the rice fields just outside the Prem campus. Their destination was the starting line of a fund-raising fun run, where all competitors huddled for space hoping to get off to a good start.

Once Sebastian’s whistle blew and the competitors spread out, it was clear that there was a huge variety of people running the race. I found myself by the side of the track taking photos of children from Croston House, boarding students, Prem Interns, Prem Staff, children being pushed in buggies by their parents, and even children carrying younger children.

As the pack spread out across the route it was good to pass everyone on the way and see the many smiles on the faces of those competing, whether running or walking.

The race came to an end inside the Prem campus where water, ice cream and fruit punch was available, or for those who required it, a nice soft football pitch to lie exhausted on! It was a great day for all who took part, and hopefully it was also a day which bought with it the added bonus of lots of funds raised for Croston House.

Glenn’s ultimate aim is to raise enough money to build a permanent home for the children on land that is owned by the foundation. Prem School would like to wish Glenn the best of luck with this goal, and hope that the fun run went some way in helping to achieve it.

Your score ratings:

15 Correct Exceptional!
13-14 correct A Lanna Expert, very well done!
10-13 Correct Not too bad
Less than 10 Never mind, try another quiz in the next issue!

1.Most foreign residents in Chiang Mai are familiar with Chang Phuak. What does Chang Phuak mean?

a)The main entrance gate to a city
b)An entry gate reserved for skilled tradesmen
c)A white elephant
d)A war elephant

(c) Chang = elephant Phuak = white. A full history of Chang Phuak is given on CPA Media’s excellent web site. Chang Phuak also can refer to the galaxy called the Milky Way.

2.The old town in Chiang Mai is home to a number of temples. How many are there within the city walls?

a)11
b)19
c)30
d)More than 30

(d) According to pundits, there are a total of 38 temples in the old city. Chiang Mai is said to have over 300.

3."Saa" paper is used to make many decorative and useful items. Where does it come from?

a)Elephant manure
b)Mulberry
c)Banana
d)Hemp

(b) It is made from the bark of the Mulberry tree. When the bark is peeled off, it grows back again so the tree is not destroyed. Silkworms also feed on the leaves of the tree, and so two important Thai industries - Saa paper and silk - flourish thanks to this tree, whose uses were reportedly first discovered by the Karen hill tribe group. The berries are also highly nutritious. Yet another of Mother Nature’s wonders……

4.If you followed the River Ping to its source, which country would you end up in?

a)Burma
b)Laos
c)China
d)Thailand

(d) The Ping River originates in Chiang Mai province, in the mountains of Chang Dao. After passing through Chiang Mai city it continues through the provinces of Lamphun, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet joining the Nan River at Nakhon Sawan, where it forms the “River of Kings” the Chao Phaya, which flows through Bangkok.

5.Travel+Leisure Magazine in the US recently published the results of an impartial survey that allows its readers to vote for their favorite travel destinations around the world. Which position did Chiang Mai take in the ‘World’s Best Cities’ category?

a)Took 42nd place
b)Took 23rd place
c)Took 12th place
d)Took 5th place

(d) Since the awards began in 1995, readers of the magazine are polled both online and offline during February and March of each year, and are asked to judge according to specific criteria including: sights, culture and arts, restaurants and food, people, shopping and value. The top ten 2009 placings were as follows: (1) Udaipur, (2) Cape Town (3) Bangkok (4) Buenos Aires (5) Chiang Mai (6) Florence (7) Luang Prabang (8) New York (9) Rome and (10) San Francisco.

6.What is the predominant feature of Chiang Mai City’s Municipality Emblem?

a)An elephant
b)Doi Suthep
c)A flower
d)A tree

(b) The city emblem shows the Chedi on top of Doi Suthep in its center, signifying the most important place of worship of Chiang Mai. Clouds below this are clouds referring to the moderate climate in the hills of northern Thailand. Below is a Naga, the mythological snake which is said to be the source of the Ping River. Above the heads of the naga are rice stalks, reflecting the fertility of the area. You can see it at http://www.cmcity.go.th/images/emblem.jpg

7.In Chiang Rai province, what would you associate with the word Kuomintang?

a)A type of small leaf Oolong tea grown at higher altitudes
b)Descendents of Chinese refugees.
c)A Chinese festival to remember ancestors
d)A government opium poppy substitution programme

(b) The descendents and a few remaining survivors and of the 93rd Division of Chiang Kai Chek’s Nationalist Army, the Kuomintang, who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory. They number about 6000 and settled here after they helped the Thai government fight communist insurgents. In return for the Kuomintang’s military help, the ex-soldiers, their families and their descendents were given ID papers that permitted them to live in this beautiful area located on the alpine slopes of Doi Mae Salong. It has become a popular tourist attraction.

8.The Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club is the oldest club in Thailand. In which year was it formed?

a)1892
b)1898
c)1902
d)1909

(b) According to their web site: "The club was formed in 1898 by teak loggers and British expatriates who at that time defined the objectives of the club as being the encouragement of sport in Northern Siam. It is the oldest club in Thailand and one of the oldest clubs in Asia " Located on the old Chiang Mai-Lamphun road it has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, tennis and squash courts, library, snooker room, bars and restaurants.

9.If you were given a "Mo Hom " what would you do with it?

a)Use it to dispel odours in closed spaces.
b)Cash it in a bank
c)Use it as a spice in the kitchen
d)Wear it

(d) It is the familiar dark blue collarless cotton shirt worn by villagers in Northern Thailand. Phrae is a major production centre for Mo Hom.

10.If you were invited to attend a Poy Luang what would you expect to experience?

a)A monk’s ordination
b)A village festival
c)The cremation of a very important member of the community
d)A longboat race on the Mekong River

(b) A northern Thai term for a "Grand Celebration" usually following alterations or improvements to a village temple. It lasts several days, which each village household participating with offerings to the temple and entertaining guests with food, beverages, dancing and much merry-making..

11.Which ethnic group in Northern Thailand celebrates an annual Swing Ceremony?

a)Akha
b)Lisu
c)Hmong
d)Lahu

(a) The Swing Ceremony, held in mid-August and September, is the best known of all Akha celebrations. It is performed when the rice and corn have matured and are almost ready for harvest. In essence, this is a sacred thanksgiving ritual and an expression of respect and gratitude to ancestors. Feasting, singing and dancing continue for several days throughout the celebration.

12.Chiang Mai’s provincial flower comes from a tree. Which tree is it?

a)Golden Shower
b)Frangipani
c)Flame of the Forest
d)Bougainvillea

(c) Flame of the Forest is one of the most spectacularly beautiful trees in Thailand. With fiery red blossoms, it flowers profusely during the dry season.

13.If you saw Buatong in the North of Thailand, what would it be?

a)Giant catfish from the Mekong River
b)Offerings of lotus flowers
c)A string of ceremonial flags at a festival or celebration
d)Wild flowers

(d) The "Dok Bua Tong" is also called the Mexican Sunflower and indigenous to Central America. It is most commonly associated with Mae Hong Son province, where it was originally planted by missionaries. It now grows wild over large areas of Mae Hong Son, flowering in the cool season, the bright yellow carpets of brilliant colour attracting tourists from all over the world.

14.The railway reached Chiang Mai in 1927. When was a fully paved road into the city completed?

a)1919
b)1946
c)1954
d)1972

(d) The last stretch of fully paved road into the city was not completed until 1972, three years after man landed on the moon!

15.What would you expect to see at a Poy Buat Louk Kaew?

a)An exhibition of jewellery and precious stones
b)Herbal medicines, soaps and cosmetics
c)The ordination of novice monks
d)A masked drama performed by children

(c) A ceremony to celebrate the ordination of novices in Lanna. Characterized by a colourful procession displaying offerings to the novices, it is considered that the pure thoughts of a child have more spiritual significance than the ordination of an adult monk. Offerings made to them are therefore perceived to carry a higher degree of merit.