Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is situated on the banks of which major river?

Introduction / Context:
Capital cities are often located on important rivers, and many geography questions test your ability to match a city with the river on which it stands. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a major example from Southeast Asia. This question checks whether you know the name of the river that flows through Bangkok and plays a central role in the life and economy of the city.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The city mentioned is Bangkok in Thailand.
• Four river names are given: Kizil, Spree, Karnaphuli and Menam (Chao Phraya).
• The task is to select the river on whose banks Bangkok lies.

Concept / Approach:
Bangkok is located on the Chao Phraya River, which is sometimes referred to by the older name Menam in traditional geography texts. Menam literally means mother of waters in Thai, and the term Menam Chao Phraya was used for the main river. The river flows into the Gulf of Thailand and has long served as a transport route and cultural focus for the city. The Kizil flows in parts of central Asia, the Spree runs through Berlin in Germany, and the Karnaphuli flows through parts of India and Bangladesh, so those rivers clearly do not match Bangkok.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Bangkok is in Thailand and is often called the Venice of the East due to its canals and river based life.Step 2: Remember that the main river crossing Bangkok is the Chao Phraya, historically also named Menam Chao Phraya in some books.Step 3: Identify Menam in the options and note that it refers to this river system.Step 4: Check other rivers: Kizil is not in Thailand, Spree is in Germany, and Karnaphuli flows in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh.Step 5: Conclude that Bangkok lies on the river Menam or Chao Phraya.

Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of Thailand and Bangkok show the Chao Phraya River running north to south and passing through the heart of the capital before entering the Gulf of Thailand. Travel guides, photographs and news reports on Bangkok frequently mention the Chao Phraya as the city main river. Traditional geography questions also pair Bangkok with Menam, reflecting the older naming practice. Both references point to the same river system, confirming Menam (Chao Phraya) as the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kizil: A river located in central Asian regions, unrelated to Bangkok or Thailand.Spree: The river that flows through Berlin in Germany, not appropriate for a Southeast Asian capital.Karnaphuli: A river in the Chittagong region crossing parts of India and Bangladesh, not connected with Bangkok.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be confused by unfamiliar river names and choose randomly. Others may know that Chao Phraya is correct but not recognise Menam as an alternative name. To avoid this, it is helpful to memorise common city river pairs and also note older names that appear in traditional exam material. When you see Menam in connection with Bangkok, you should immediately think of the Chao Phraya River in Thailand.

Final Answer:
Bangkok in Thailand is situated on the river Menam (Chao Phraya).