Thread: Memory Lane (In my own language)

Originally Posted by nathanielnong

The River Kwai Bridge is actually a part of the Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway or the Siam–Burma Railway. It is a 415-kilometre (258 mi) railway between Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand and Thanbyuzayat, Burma.




The railway was built by the Empire of Japan from 1940–1944 to supply troops and weapons in the Burma campaign during the WWII. This railway completed the rail link between Bangkok, Thailand and Rangoon, Burma.




The Thai portion of the railway continues to exist but most of the Burmese portion of the railroad (the spur from the Thai border that connects to the Burma main line to Moulmein) fell into disrepair decades ago and has not seen service since.




Between 180,000 and 250,000 allied prisoners of war were subjected to forced labor during its construction. About 102,000 allied prisoners died.

I once spent a quiet afternoon walking a section of the tracks that looked like this. Very worthwhile, but darn hot!