The Bridge on River Kwai, Kanchanaburi

The River Kwai or Khwae Noi flows in the western Thailand. It is also known as Khwae Sai Yok. It meets Khwae Yai at Kanchanaburi and is called Mae Klong. This continues and empties into the Gulf of Thailand.
Khwae or Kwai means a small river, tributary in Thai. This got to be used frequently giving the river its present name Kwai.

History:
In 1942, during World War II, Kanchanaburi came under Japanese control. Myanmar border is just 1 hour and 15 minutes from here.  Kanchanaburi thus became a very important outpost for Japanese to enter India, at that time, a British colony through Myanmar. A land route access to India was needed through Myanmar and the extension of this railway would solve the purpose.

A steel bridge was made over the river by Japanese with prisoners of war from US, UK, Australia, Holland and Thailand. Though, Thailand was never colonized, the credit of which goes to King Chulalonkorn, who was one of the most beloved monarchs of Thailand, but it continued to be occupied off and on by foreign powers. Chulalonkorn did a lot for the modernization of country, abolition of slavery, prostration ritual in front of the King and many social and government reforms which included introduction of postal and telegraph service.

But, why has it been called the Death Railway?
The number of lives lost in inhumane conditions and forced labor is said to be more than 13,000. The bridge was completed in 1943, and became operational for a short time, after which it was bombed in 1945 by British and American air forces.

Around 40 kms of track was destroyed thereby preventing access to Myanmar from Thailand.

The damaged portions of the bridge was renovated by Thai government in 1946, but it never again reached the Myanmar border.

Every year, in the month of November-December, the bridge on river Kwai memorial week is held where stage performances, carnival, shops are set up very close to the bridge. I have posted some pictures in my earlier post.

train crossing the bridge

The arched sections of the bridge are original. Some part of bridge was destroyed by Allied aircrafts. The bridge was bombed at least ten times.  The trapezoidal trusses were rebuilt by Japan as war reparations after the War.

river Kwai railway station

steel bridge

train approaching on bridge

train from Bangkok to Nam Tok

steel plates to make walking easier, I was overly cautious with my mobile, fearing it may slip and fall into the river:(

shops by riverside

viewing platform

Every time as the train approaches, the security personnel whistles to make sure visitors stand on the viewing platform.

Japan flag at entrance to bridge, this was a part of memorial week celebration

a wat close to bridge

actors taking their pictures, chairs on side for the event

pretty girls pose for a picture

Many people gathered at the entrance to see the light, sound and stage performances. We also made our way to chairs which were assigned to us. I was excited to take some pictures of the event. But, sadly they announced that we should not use any flash on our phones, which I feel is quite right or else it can be very disturbing to see flashes coming from all directions.

lighted up bridge

The anchors were good and spoke in english as well to make us feel welcome. I am posting whatever my camera could capture that evening.

daily life

torture of POW's

POW's making the bridge

torture of POW's

a video on train crossing the bridge during war

War begins, aircrafts fly by

bridge gets destroyed by Allied forces and end of WWII

Holy spirit, Ta Kien Tong

It is customary in Thailand to worship the holy spirits who protect you. This is situated very close to the bridge. Thank you Ms. Ploy for helping me understand what is written here.

It was a wonderful experience to watch the show.