Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
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The Hellfire Pass Memorial in Thailand is a tribute to the Allied prisoners of war and local labourers who suffered and died on the Burma-Thailand railway during the Second World War.
The 2025 Anzac Day Dawn Service will be open to the public and the details are as follows:
| Venue | Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Trail, Kanchanaburi, Thailand |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 25 April 2025 |
| Time | 03:00 hrs (03:00 am) – site opens. 05:00 hrs (05:00 am) – all public attendees must be seated. 05:30 hrs (05:30 am) – Commemorative Dawn Service commences and lasts approx. 40mins. |
Advice for those visiting Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi for the first time
- Extremely hot weather conditions (well above 40°C) normally prevail in the province of Kanchanaburi during late April.
- Complimentary drinking water will be available at all locations throughout the event.
- Access to the old railway cutting at Hellfire Pass is difficult for people with mobility issues. The Centre will provide golf buggies on request to the public who are elderly and or incapacitated (one carer or family member may accompany as a passenger, if required)
- 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 on the 20 minute walk to the Memorial.
- Bring a small torch for the walk to the site of the Dawn Service.
- Toilet facilities are limited along the rail bed with none at the Memorial site itself.
- Smoking is not permitted once leaving the Interpretive Centre area due to the extreme risk of bushfires.
Laying of private wreaths/tributes
Please note: Attendees wishing to present a private wreath or floral tribute at the Anzac Day Dawn Service, will have an opportunity to do so towards the end of the service.
For further information on this service, please visit the Australian Embassy in Thailand website.
DVA Email: Overseas.Memorials@dva.gov.au