Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to study the process of the construction of the railway to connect Nong Pla Duk junction of Rajaburi province with Thanbyuzayat of Burma. The operations were taken by the Japanese troops during the Pacific War 1041 - 1945 The repercussions of the war were elso thoroughly investigated. According to the study, The Thai Government under Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkarm, the Prime Minister, and the Japanese Forces made a mutual agreement to construct the railway in September, 1942.
The agreement stipulated that the Japanese troops should be responsible for the construction while the Thai Government provided
the tools, equipment and necessary meterials. While the construction was going on the Thai Government, realizing her weaker position, tried hard to bargain. However many unpleasant incidents between the Thai and the Jananese troops happened during the onstruction of the railway. At times, there were even fightings and unrests. None the less the two Governments were able to calm down the hostile attitudes in order to accomplish the construction. The Japanese brought into Thailand hundred thousands prisoners of war and the natives from the occupied countries in Southeast Asia as force labour. As a result, widespread epidemics and crimes arising from smuggled weapon became apparent causing hardship to people in the area. The study also shows that the construction of this railway brought about a big boom in business for several Thai, Chinese and Japanese Businessmen. After the Japanese troops surrendered in 1945, the Thai government bought the railway lines from the British in October, 1946 for 50 millions baht and later on torn down the line on the Burmise side, having the rest of 77 Kilometers long from Tarsow to Kanchanaburi. This line was reptired and put into use from 1952 onwards.