Central Thailand / Kanchanaburi / War Cemetery

Photo: War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi

This cemetery contains the remains of 6,982 prisoners of war who lost their lives during their captivity in the camps of the Japanese Army that forced them to build the Bridge over the River Khwae and the Death Railway. The Japanese following their invasion of Thailand during World War II, brought British, Dutch, Australian and American prisoners to Thailand by the southern route. Impressed laborers were also used to complete the rush construction of the railroad which was planned as an alternative to the sea route to Rangoon via Singapore and the Strait of Malacca. The Japanese considered the railroad a necessity since the sea route was subject to attack by Allied submarines and aircraft.