Travel news - destinations in Central Thailand

Death Railway

The Tourism Authority of Thailand in association with Kanchanaburi's provincial administration is showcasing the tragic events that occurred during the construction of Death Railway or the bridge over River Kwai to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of Second World War.

An exhibition dome has been built at Kanchanburi's 36 Phansa Siamrachakumari Stadium to offer spectators 360-degree view together with a documentary complete with live footage of the traumatic events of war, backed by multi-media presentation.

The exhibition, which runs until December 5, has been themed "From Past.... Peace on the Death Railway". Chaloemyos Tawarorit, the project manager, said the documentary is one of the most comprehensive made to date.

"We were thrilled to be able to gather all the data from the start of the River Kwai saga to the finish. The audience would be able to get the entire picture of the events that took place in one sitting. Most places show just excerpts, so this is probably the first time that visitors can view the entire story.

"People can view the documentary surrounded by props of the bridge, a military camp and even a fighter plane. We have made it like a mini-light and sound show, complete with special effects of bombs being thrown and a train crossing river Kwai.

The old as well as young will enjoy it. They will leave with a better understanding of that period."

After December 5, people can view part of this documentary and sketches by PoWs at the museum located at Home Phutoey Resort in Kanchanaburi.

Remembrance services are also planned at the annual "Kanchanaburi: A Historical Land" fair on Sang Chuto Road which leads to River Kwai Bridge.

Part of the 26-rai venue has been transformed into an exhibition site with sketches by Jack Chalker, an English PoW. The drawings bring to life the torture and beatings meted out to Allied prisoners by their Japanese captors.

On the other side of the exhibition area is a display of medical equipment build with rudimentary materials PoWs were able to muster to make an orthopaedic bed, surgical suction and physiotherapy apparatuses, among a long list of hospital equipment used to treat patients with malaria and cholera.

The fair depicts the province from pre-historic times through Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods until present day.

On show are traditional Thai houses, community life and cuisine. Large props displaying different historical monuments in the province are also on show. Another area of interest is a pre-historic cave with a grave.

The "Light and Sound: Bridge over River Kwai and Death Railway" show caps a memorable 60th anniversary of the end of Second World War.

Churdvit Ridhiprasert, the governor of Kanchanaburi, said that aside the exhibitions, a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the dead soldiers was held on November 28 at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

"We hope visitors will enjoy the new highlights. The exhibits are a reminder of the futility of war."

As usual, fireworks and light-and-sound presentation feature at River Kwai Bridge nightly until December 5.
Bangkok Post December 2005 www.bangkokpost.com