What happened at Hellfire Pass?
Kanchanaburi, Thailand (CNN) — The steep rock walls of Thailand’s Hellfire Pass symbolize the slavery, starvation, torture and lost lives of thousands of POWs and Asian civilians during World War II, when Japan forced them to build the infamous Death Railway to boost its invasion of Burma.
Why was Hellfire Pass built?
It lays in the western part of Thailand in the province of Kanchanaburi. This pass has been built with forced labour during the Second World War, mainly built by allied prisoners of war from a multitude of countries. The labour was done in harsh conditions, with heavy loss of life suffered by the prisoners of war.
Is the Burma railway still in use?
The Thai portion of the railway continues to exist, with three trains crossing the original bridge twice daily bound from Bangkok to the current terminus at Nam Tok. During the railway’s construction, around 90,000 Southeast Asian civilian forced laborers died, along with more than 12,000 Allied prisoners.
Was there a bridge over the River Kwai?
The real bridge on the River Kwai was never destroyed, not even damaged. It still stands on the edge of the Thai jungle about three miles from this peaceful town and it has become something of a tourist attraction. The bridge was erected by Allied pris oners during the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II.
How long did it take to build Hellfire Pass?
12 weeks
At least 69 Allied POWs – of the 400 who died – were beaten to death by their Japanese guards, during the 12 weeks it took to build Hellfire Pass.
How many people died in WW2 in Thailand?
Thailand in World War II. Thailand suffered about 5,569 military dead during the war, almost entirely due to disease. Deaths in combat included 150 in the Shan States, 180 on December 8, 1941 (the day of both the brief Japanese invasion and the failed British assault on the Ledge ), and 100 during the brief Franco-Thai War.
Why did the Allies bomb Thailand in WW2?
Allied Bombing of Thailand. Since the Empire of Japan was using the country as a staging area for its invasions of both Malaya and Burma, Allied planes began bombing raids on the Thai capital city of Bangkok. With this added pressure, the Phibun Government decided to declare war on the Allies.
Who was the king of Thailand during WW2?
Thailand in World War II. (First) Plaek Phibunsongkhram, Chief of the Thai Army and Prime Minister from 1938 until 1944. (Second) King Ananda Mahidol. During the war he stayed in neutral Switzerland.
What is the National WWII museum educational travel program?
The National WWII Museum’s educational travel programs bring the Museum’s tradition of inspiration, excellence, and thoughtful inquiry to travel destinations around the world, with tours designed by leading historians and led by Museum curators and expert local guides.