River Kwai Bridge Week

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Schedule : 23 November - 5 December 2002

Venue : River Kwai Bridge, Tambon Tha Makham, Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi

Origin :
Kanchanaburi has a wealth of natural tourism resources, lifestyle, fine traditions and culture, as well as historical sites. In World War II, the Japanese army made an agreement with the Thai government to build a railroad from Nong Pla Duk junction in Ratchaburi through Kanchanaburi to Tanpi Susayat Station in Myanmar to transport war material to Myanmar and India.
In its construction, prisoners-of-war from the U.K., the Netherlands, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and hired Asian laborers were put to work. The line cut through mountains and dense jungles, resulting in many fatalities from disease. It is said that each wooden board of the railway represents one life lost.
The section that passes over Kwai Yai River is a bridge at Tha Makham. This is one of the costliest bridges ever built. It was opened on 25 December 1943 and was later damaged in some parts by Allied bombing.
To promote historical study that creates awareness in the importance of peace and to promote tourism in the province, as well as the overall tourism industry of the country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kanchanaburi Province and the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) have organized the "River Kwai Bridge, Death Railway" light-and-sound show as part of the River Kwai Bridge Week.

Activities :
- Light and Sound Show replicating the building of River Kwai Bridge and Death Railway in World War II (narration provided in English, Japanese, Chinese, and German).
- Floral floats procession and marching band on Day of Peace and Love.
- Miss Peace pageant.
- Stores selling products and exhibitions by public and private offices.
- Fun activities at the playground.

Nearby Tourist Spots :
- World War II Museum (Muang)
	keeps historical evidence from the war.
- Wat Tham Mangkon Thong (Muang)
	is on a mountain peak. The banisters are in shapes of large dragons running parallel to each other to the top (95 steps).
- Sai Yok Waterfall National Park (Sai Yok)
	is the site of the famous waterfall of Sai Yok or Khao Chon and Sai Yok Noi Waterfall that has a year-round supply of water. There are also lovely caves to see like Daowadung and Lawa.

For more information, contact :
- TAT.
	Tel. (02) 6941222 ext. 1962, fax (02) 6941384
- TAT Central Region Office: Area 1 (Kanchanaburi).
	Tel. (034) 511200, 512500, fax (034) 511200
- Kanchanaburi Provincial Office, Management Department.
	Tel. (034) 511778