Page 54 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND
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The next morning, we gathered for a and memorials there honored the fallen.
physically and emotionally challenging visit One recalled the selfless work of doctors.
to Hellfire Pass. A museum and trail serve “Lest we Forget” flags, weathered photos
as memorials to the many who perished and red poppies remembered others, in-
building this notorious section of the rail- cluding many Australians. An annual cere-
way, known as Konyu Cutting. Here, starving mony at dawn on April 25 keeps their
and sick prisoners carved through solid rock memories alive.
with rudimentary tools under horrific condi- Above the trail is the Hellfire Pass
tions. The name "Hellfire Pass" originated Memorial Museum, which documents the
from the eerie sight of emaciated laborers railway's construction and the immense suf-
working at night by torchlight, resembling a fering endured by those forced to work on
scene from hell. it. Exhibits feature photographs, personal
Joe led our group down steep stairs and accounts, and a brief film that vividly re-
a rustic trail to the granite gorge, eerily calls the harsh life and labor in jungle
quiet on this weekday morning. Artifacts camps. A very moving experience.
54 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025
