RESIDENTS of Kanachanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district have discovered a mysterious tunnel that appears to have been built as a bomb shelter during World War II, Naewna newspaper said today (Mar. 31).
Mr. Manchai Watthanakaran and Mr. Sarawut Saisangsiriphong, residents of this district, took reporters to have a look at the tunnel believed to have been built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers when they constructed the Death Railway at the orders of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
The tunnel was found dug through the hillside about 100 metres from the roadside of Route 323.
An inspection showed that this tunnel is approximately two metres wide, 1.80-1.90 metres high, and around 35 metres long. At the rear it opens up to a pristine forest and inside the air circulation is very good, it is cool and comfortable with the average temperature being 24-25 degrees Celsius.
There are traces of tools such as axes, crowbars and hoes having been used to excavate it, clearly built by humans.
The overall condition is quite good, there are only traces of landslides at the entrance and exit of the tunnel.
It is initially uncertain how long ago this tunnel was built but local people suspect that it was probably used as a bomb shelter during the construction of the Death Railway.
There are also smoke stains on the tunnel wall, which indicate that lanterns were hung up to illuminate it.
Manchai and Sarawut asked relevant agencies and experts to come and explore this tunnel and ascertain the facts about its construction.
After that people should cooperate to preserve it as a source of learning for youngsters and tourists to come and visit with the latter generating income for the local community.
Mr. Phanom Phokaew, Pheu Thai’s MP for Kanchanaburi’s district 5, said in a telephone interview that he will be taking a team to explore this tunnel next month and if possible develop it into a source of historic learning and tourist attraction.
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The likely World War II tunnel was found in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Photos: Naewna
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