memorials

HELLFIRE PASS MEMORIAL MUSEUM, THAILAND

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum is located 17 kilometres from Sai Yok Noi Waterfall in the Province of Kanchanaburi. The museum is built upon Royal Thai Army land that encompasses a small village and a local primary school.

In January 2002 the first phase to arrest soil erosion was completed and 40 square metres of original creek line was recovered. A re-enforced stone wall was constructed to prevent further erosion into Konyu Cutting. Materials had to be transported by hand due to the limited access to the area. All work was completed within two months.

In February the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum building was re-rendered, and the exterior of the museum was re-painted.

In today’s Museum management environment, business development and marketing strategy is required to entice visitors and Thai and foreign tour operators to the Museum. In April initial sales of memorabilia commenced at the Museum, with polo shirts, a video and Hellfire Pass Memorial books being offered for purchase. Mail order requests from overseas visitors are also filled.

The Australian Manager and his staff at the Museum provide support to the village schools and regularly attend village elders’ meetings. These meetings keep the Museum staff informed of important local matters, including various bamboo-cutting operations along the Walking Trail, essential for the safety of visitors walking the trail.

	above: Entrance to the newly painted the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

	above: Contemplation deck and view, Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

…When I knew I was coming to Sandakan and began to tell people, it was surprising how many men told me that had fought here… had bombed Sandakan, had escaped being caught, had been commandos in boats offshore. My father fought in Papua New Guinea, but I have a more vivid picture of the heat and terrain he had to deal with, and how lucky he was to escape these horrors. The Memorial has made more meaningful my stay here, and I thank everyone concerned.

from an 85-year-old…

I visited Hellfire Pass on Anzac Day and found everything there very moving, the manager tremendous and the museum marvellous. I found some parts of the area difficult but ‘just think how the prisoners found it’. The occasional sitting down spot was much appreciated. The whole area is very worthwhile and congratulations to all.