Thailand Moves Toward UNESCO Bid for Historic Death Railway

Thailand Moves Toward UNESCO Bid for Historic Death Railway

Thailand is preparing to nominate part of Kanchanaburi’s historic Death Railway for UNESCO World Heritage status. The proposed area passes through Sai Yok National Park, Thong Pha Phum National Park and the Sangkhlaburi region. Officials believe the designation could strengthen protection of the surrounding landscape while preserving the railway’s importance as a major Second World War heritage site. The lengthy application process would require Thailand to add the site to UNESCO’s Tentative List before submitting detailed conservation and management plans. Historians supporting the proposal said recognition would help commemorate the prisoners and forced labourers who died during the railway’s construction.