Attraction Details :
The Death Railway was
built during the 2nd World War by the labor of the war prisoner and the
Asian labor forced by the Japanese troop. During that time, Thailand was
the alliance of Japan and also gave a big support to the Japanese army.
The Death Railway was a route to pass Myanmar and to invade India.
Japan was aware that by using the sea troop to fight with England, their
armies would be attacked by the alliances. From this reason, they
decided to build this railway. The railway was named after the event in
the history. There is a saying that “the numbers of the railway, is
equal to the numbers of the death labor used to build this railway”The Death Railway starts from Nong Pladuk station, Amphur Baanpong, Ratchaburi to Kanchanaburi crossing the Kwai Yai River to the west, passing Chedi Sam-Ong to the destination at Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar, which is 415 kilometers altogether with 37 stops. This railway was completed on 25th October 1943. During the building period, there were many labors who sacrificed their lives with sickness and by the torturing of the Japanese army. The bridge here was named “Kwai River Bridge”. This construction built a big motivation for the Japanese armies and also a big scar in the labors’ heart. The history was still unforgettable among the people’s heart.
Nowadays, the Death Railway was opened for the tourists to visit. However, there are some parts that were deserted since Japan lost the war. The State Railway of Thailand has offered the Thonburi- Namtok line for the tourists who wish to visit this place and a special line Bangkok-Namtok on the weekends and holidays. The most popular point is the Kwai River Bridge and the Krasae Cave, which is a curve bridge that follows the bank of Kwai Noi River. The train stops at Krasae Cave at 1.30 p.m. The tourists can travel in advance in order to be on time to see the picture of the train arriving at this station.
