Tag: กาญจนบุรี

The Death Railway, also known as the Burma Railway or the Thai-Burma Railway, is a harrowing chapter in World War II history that illustrates both human suffering and resilience. Built between 1942 and 1943 by the Japanese Empire, the railway was intended to support their military campaign in Burma by connecting Thailand with Burma through dense jungle terrain. The project relied heavily on forced labour, including approximately 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and over 200,000 Asian labourers, often referred to as ‘romusha‘. Faced with brutal conditions, malnutrition, disease, and physical abuse, thousands perished during the construction, hence the grim epithet ‘Death Railway‘.

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a historical landmark located in กาญจนบุรี, Thailand, and stands as a poignant reminder of the forced labour and suffering endured during World War II. It was part of the infamous Burma Railway, often referred to as the Death Railway, constructed by the Empire of Japan to support its forces in the Burma campaign. The railway was built using the brutal exploitation of prisoners of war and Asian labourers, who faced appalling conditions including disease, malnutrition, and extreme violence. The bridge itself became one of the most iconic symbols of the hardship and human cost of the railway’s creation.