The Death Railway

The Death Railway, or Burma Railway, is located in the Kanchanaburi Province of Thailand bordering Myanmar. The tracks, which were constructed under Japanese rule during World War II, pass through thick forests and steep mountains. It obtained the name of the Death Railway  the 90,000 civilian laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners who died during the construction of the bridge. 

Death rates

The total number of rōmusha working on the railway may have reached 300,000 and according to some estimates, the death rate amongst them was as high as 50%.

Country of origin  ----    POWs     ----  Number of deaths ---- Death rate 

UK, British India    --->      30,131     --->          6,904              --->   23% 

Netherlands            --->      17,990     --->          2,782               --->   15% 

Australia                 --->       13,004    --->          2,802               --->    22% 

United States        --->       686         --->           133                   --->    19% 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total                    --->       61,811     --->           12,621               --->    20%  

The death Railway is a haunting place but worth a visit. Located near an adventure ropes course and beautiful resorts and the most manicured lawns I’ve ever seen in Thailand. The railway runs along the mountainside and it’s breathtaking. Train comes twice a day. A lot of the bolts are missing and no handrails so it was scary walking along it!!! 

You will see some Really beautiful spots once you reach your final destination. You have to pass through a gauntlet of vendors selling the same cheap trinkets first though. You can walk down the railway to the other side of the bridge. There’s little to no security or safety measures so keep the kiddos close. Nice restaurant right before you get on the bridge has a good buffet. 

So, at the end. That is a great place to visit. More valuable from historical point of view. If you can ride on death railway train will be nice experience too.