JEATH War Museum

Overview of JEATH War Museum

• Location: 2GR4+H36, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province.
• Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 18:00
• Entrance fee: 50 THB (~ US $1.4)

You can only purchase tickets at the main entrance of the museum and cannot purchase them online.

Founded in 1977 by the Buddhist Temple Wat Chai Chumphon, the JEATH War Museum was the first museum in Kanchanaburi.

The museum exhibits photographs and illustrations depicting the living conditions of prisoners of war (POWs) during the construction of the Death Railway in 1942 and 1943. Additionally, it showcases authentic items utilized in the railway's construction.

The Train That Once Operated On The Death Railway (Cre: thebear.travel)

Built on the surfaces of the temple and governed by the monks who lived there, the museum was expanded to educate new tourists to the area on the experiences of those who worked on the Thai-Burma Railway and honor those who lost their lives along the way.

The acronym "JEATH" stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland, representing the nationalities of the POWs involved in the process of building the railway.

Things to see when visiting JEATH War Museum

The museum is divided into two distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on the wartime experience.

One building houses a diverse collection of objects primarily sourced from the Kanchanaburi region. These artifacts include items related to the Prisoner of War camps, bridge construction sites, and the railway itself.

Visitors will encounter a range of exhibits, such as weapons, tools, uniforms, medals, and personal belongings, providing insights into the daily lives of both Allied and Japanese troops during the war.

Displays Of Items Used By Soldiers During World War II (Cre: thailandtourismdirectory)

Among the museum’s notable exhibits is a 500-pound bomb, originally intended to be dropped on the railway bridge as a deterrent to halt Japanese construction efforts.

However, the bomb failed to detonate and is now prominently displayed in the museum yard, serving as a powerful reminder of the past.

Illustrations Of Difficulties That Prisoners Have Contracted While In Detention (Cre: Richard Barrow)

The other section of the museum features a collection of small bamboo huts, meticulously recreated to replicate the living conditions of prisoners of war. Within these huts, visitors can view an emotional display of photographs, paintings, and portraits depicting the harsh living conditions endured by the men.

These visuals offer a glimpse into the challenging realities of daily life in the prison camps, including the meager food rations and the rampant diseases that plagued the imprisoned.

How to get there

• By Air

Kanchanaburi has no airport, and the closest one is in Bangkok. Bangkok has two international airports that you can fly into, including Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport.

It takes nearly 5 hours to get to Kanchanaburi via train or about two hours driving.

• By Taxi

Taxis are among the most popular ways to get around the city. The most common kind of taxi here is a Songthaew, which is a converted pickup truck typically colored orange or yellow.

Tuk Tuk is also widely used here, as are motorbike taxis. The price for Songthaew often ranges from  US $0.5 - $3, while Tuk Tuk takes US $1.5 - $4.  

• By Bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around town, and plenty of hire is available, including motorbikes, which are still far more efficient than a car.

The city is very bike-friendly, with many of the locals using their bikes as their primary means of transport. The price to rent a bike is about US $4 - $8 per day.

Visit nearby attractions

Death Railway

Visiting the JEATH War Museum is essential to honor the POWs who built the Death Railway, making it worthwhile to explore the railway independently.

The Royal State Railway of Thailand runs daily trains from Thonburi Station in Bangkok to Nam Tok Station, with the highlight that captivates tourists is the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, a renowned landmark of Kanchanaburi province.

The Death Railway From Above

Bridge Over The River Kwai

The steel bridge stands as a significant historical site and memorial in Thailand, representing a symbol of the province and featuring prominently in Kanchanaburi travel recommendations.

It was part of the railway lines in World War II and had seen its share of conflict and bloodshed.

Bridge Over The River Kwai

Hellfire Pass 

This indoor/outdoor walking destination is dedicated to those who died carving a path for Death Railway through the side of a cliff.

Tourists can walk through Hellfire Pass and enjoy a stunning cliffside view of the surrounding jungles. Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre is open from 09:00 to 16:00 daily. Entry is free.

Hellfire Pass

Erawan National Park 

Established in 1975, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province covers 550 sq km, boasting diverse forests and the famous Erawan Waterfalls.

Open year-round, it charges a 200 THB (~US $5.5) entrance fee for foreigners and offers amenities like public buses from Kanchanaburi and bicycle rentals.

Erawan Waterfalls

Local tips when exploring JEATH War Museum 

• Respectful behavior: Please keep quiet and avoid touching or handing the artifacts on display because many of these items are fragile and may be sensitive to touch.
• Respect cultural customs: Dress modestly when visiting the museum as a sign of respect for local customs.
• Seek guidance: Consider joining a guided tour or hiring a local guide to provide insights into the exhibits and the stories behind them. Guides can offer valuable context and help you understand the significance of the exhibits.
• Photography etiquette: Respect the museum's photography policy. Some exhibits may not allow photography, while others may permit it without flash. Always ask for permission before taking photos.