Anzac Day In Kanchanaburi, Thailand

[Rooo]

As supplied by member Kan Win.

Lest we forget.

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Title: ANZAC Day in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Monday, 25 April 2011

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Each year on 25 April, ANZAC Day in Thailand is commemorated by conducting a Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast at Hellfire Pass and a Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery.

Details for these events are:-

Dawn Service – Hellfire Pass

Time: Memorial Service commences at 0530 (5.30am) and

lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Venue: Konyu Cutting, below the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Kanchanaburi Province. The trip from Kanchanaburi town to Hellfire Pass is approximately 80 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes by road.

Notes: Walking into the site takes approximately 20 minutes via steps and along the old railway line. The track along the old railway line is rocky and uneven in areas and suitable footwear is highly recommended.

Gunfire Breakfast – Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

On completion of the Dawn Service in Konyu Cutting enjoy a complimentary tea / coffee with traditional ANZAC Biscuits and a tot of Bundaberg Rum at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.

Point of contact for Hellfire Pass service is:-

Mr William Slape Manager, Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

E-mail: hellfirepassoawg[at]gmail.com

FOR SECURITY REASONS BAGS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO

BE TAKEN INTO HELLFIRE PASS

Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony – Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery Time: Memorial service commences at 1000 (10am) and lasts

approximately 50-60 minutes.

Venue: Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery, Kanchanaburi. The journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is approximately 175 kilometres and takes about two hours by road.

Drinking water is available for attendees and light refreshments are provided after the service.

Point of contact for Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery service is:-

Mr Rod Beattie Manager, Thailand-Burma Railway Centre

E-mail: rbeattie[at]access.inet.co.th

E-mail: hellfirepassoawg[at]gmail.com

Notes

Services at both locations follow the same format as those conducted in Australia. For those visiting Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi for the first time, the following additional information is provided:-

Extremely hot weather conditions normally prevail during late April;

Access to the old railway cutting at Hellfire Pass is difficult for disabled persons;

Insect repellent should be worn when visiting Hellfire Pass for the dawn service;

Sensible footwear is recommended as there are numerous steps and loose rocks at Hellfire Pass;

A small torch should be brought for walking into the site of the Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass;

Toilet facilities at both sites are scarce and rudimentary at best;

Smoking is prohibited in the cutting and along the path to Hellfire Pass.

An umbrella or sun protection and bottled drinking water is highly recommended for the memorial service at Kanchanabui;

Mobile phones are to be switched off when entering Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery when attending the services;

FOR SECURITY REASONS BAGS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE TAKEN INTO HELLFIRE PASS

For visitors from Australia, the RSL generally coordinates tours to Thailand for ANZAC Day activities. Your local branch should be able to assist you with travel and accommodation inquiries, perhaps as part of a group tour.

The Australian Embassy and/or Defence Section in Thailand is unable to assist with personal travel arrangements. However, the table below provides a list of hotels located in Sai Yok and Kanchanaburi and some transport operators.

The list is not exhaustive and is not to be taken as a formal Embassy recommendation. Members of the public should carry out their own research before booking hotels or transport. The Australian Embassy and/or the Defence Section cannot accept responsibility for individuals who use one of the hotels or operators listed.

http://www.austembas...te%20Update.pdf

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