Facts in history book were among the first knowledge fed to my mind about The Death Railway. The name says it all. The Death Railway - there were about 50% of 180,000 Asian laborers and 16% of 100,000 allied prisoners of war (POWs) died while constructing the railway link from Ban Pong to Thanbyuzayat during World War II.

The total original distance of the railway link was 415 km and 304 km were in Thailand and 111 km in Burma. Served mainly as Japanese occupation plan to access Burma and India, Thailand government agreed to allow Japanese to built the railway in Thailand with the condition that Thai government and Thai people would not participated in the railway project though some claimed that Thai government did form military alliance with Japanese in early 1942.

In June 1942, the construction of the railway was initiated concurrently from both end; Thailand and Burma. Upon completion, both railway links met at Kaeng Khoi Tha, about 18 km from Three Pagoda Pass in October 1943. The Death Railway took no more than 18 months to complete instead of the original estimation of three years.

Observed from geographically point of view, the railway link was built along a few rivers as they were reliable sources to provide drinking water to the laborers and allied prisoners of war that worked on the Death Railway project.

One of the most challenging and dangerous works was the construction of wooden viaduct by the cliff along the edge of River Kwai Noi near Tham Kra Sae. Railway track was built about 100 m height of three tiered wooden viaduct. This stretch of 400 m railway track only took 17 days to complete!

After the war, some link of the Death Railway was dismantled by British and 300 km of the railway track in Thailand was handed to Thai government in 1947. Due to costly maintenance, Thai government later decided to retain the original link only until Nam Tok or Waterfall (Nam means water, Tok means Fall in Thai).

Experience is the best teacher! If you travel to Kanchanburi or Gold City today (Kanchana means Gold, Buri means city in Thai), take a train ride from Tha Kilen to Nam Tok. Grab a window seat. If you wish to travel on the Bridge over River Kwai, hop on the same train from Bridge River Kwai station, right before the historic bridge. About 20 minutes after Tha Kilen station, the train will slow down along a wooden viaduct. If you are facing the train movement direction, on the left was a former prisoners of war (POWs) camp site by the river that had been converted to a beautiful resort whilst cliff will appear on the right window simultaneously. Catch a good view of train moving on wooden viaduct from the right window.

Then, go back to look on your left and there is a cave at Tham Kra Sae followed by a statue of reclining Buddha shortly after. After about half an hour ride, catch the view of a nunnery temple on mountain top through the right window.

Some tips for Death Railway train ride from Tha Kilen to Nam Tok:
* Cost of third class train ride is 50 Baht as of now. Upgrade to first class carriage will cost 150 Baht, which being given a special certificate cum ticket and is served with soft drink and snack with cold towel.
* Total length of time is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
* Total distance is approximately 70 km.
* Toilet is available on the train and it is free. Use only if you are desperate.
* Watch out of your head if you are putting your head out of the window!

Bon Voyage!

References:
1. Digger History
2. Burma Railway Wikipedia

Learn more about The Death Railway - visit Death Railway Museum opposite Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

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Comments (1)

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written by Dinsor , August 25, 2010

The Province of Kanchanaburi is locally known as Bangkok's Back Garden. Surrounded my magnificent hills and mountains contouring the breathtaking landscape any visitor will find it both tranquil and restful.

Yet turn the corner and you will find the Thailand Countryside of Kanchanaburi a vibrant place with a society of peoples mixed with old heritage and cultures blending in with the new.

Golf Courses with excellent par 5's and intimidating and inviting par 3's over the River Kwae Noi exilleratong.

Food and beverage aplenty as this Province boasts many variety of dishes hot hotter and tourist hot. (very mild)

History of Thailand: No other Province within Thailand can boast about it's History with the exception of the Province of Kanchanaburi. Wars and cultural exchanges going back 300 years and including the building of the infamous Burma Thailand Railway.

Ruthlessly built with a labour force of 250,000 people within a 18 month period both Allied Prisoners of War from Britain, Australia, Dutch East Indies and the United States of America. Together with Asian Labours known as Roshuma 200,000 Labourers(were cruelly put to work by the Imperial Japanese Military during World War II.

Museums in Kanchanaburi vary from shoddy to International Standard with authenticity. The most beautifully constructed museum is Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Designed by Australian Architects "Hewitt Pender Associates from the ROCKs of Sydney this museum provides an erry insight to all those whom worked and suffered on the Thailand Burma Railwau. This museum is situated some 75kms from the city and easily accessible by Taxi Bus or Train to Nam Tok Sai Yok and then by local carrier. Personal Tours operate out of Bangkok but watch for the hawkers.
Cost for a day trip should be around 4000 Baht for a private Mini Van includes everything including a sumtuous luncheon.

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