As far as I know River Kwai became well known especially to the international tourists after the movie 'Bridge Over the River Kwai' referring to the WWII when the Japanese forced all prisoners of Wars (POWs) to build the bridge. Bridge over the River Kwai is an academy award winning movie in 1957 based on the novel Le Pont de la Rivi?re Kwa? by French writer Pierre Boulle . Many people watched the movie or read novel then inspired them to come and experience the bridge and pay tribute to those people who contributed in building this bridge. Not only that, it is also a good opportunity to remind human of our inhuman mistake. For some people, they just come to the bridge following other tourists and just don't pay much attention to it but they sured developed some sad impression and felt sorry for those who are gone during the war. All in all those who came to the bridge at least learned something out of this steel structure spanning over the calm and beautiful river.
I came to witness this bridge several times after several years of working as a tour leader. My job is to entertain people to understand and learn to understand our past inhumane mistakes before we could move on. I am not trying to blame and divide people into two extreme bad-good sides because of their conflict of interest. I am just looking at how we can reach peace in a peaceful manner instead of using violence to attain peace. The world does not seem to understand this fact…"hate breeds hates. As a tourist I need to make tourists see and trying to honor those whose lives are forced to involve with this affair.
I came to witness this bridge several times after several years of working as a tour leader. My job is to entertain people to understand and learn to understand our past inhumane mistakes before we could move on. I am not trying to blame and divide people into two extreme bad-good sides because of their conflict of interest. I am just looking at how we can reach peace in a peaceful manner instead of using violence to attain peace. The world does not seem to understand this fact…"hate breeds hates. As a tourist I need to make tourists see and trying to honor those whose lives are forced to involve with this affair.
Here again tonight I am sitting on a long tailed boat watching the
fireworks, lights and sound show organized by the local government to
order to commemorate the past events of war. The lights and sound plus
the story aimed at presenting human sad and depressed story and to
convince people to move on from past mistakes to love and peace. I
think everyone simply wishes this is only our previous misery which
hopefully will never happen again. The more I ventured into the old
sufferings of human in the past, the more I see Kanchanaburi was
related to battle fields.
However, the province has abundant natural resources. One of them is the Erawan waterfall which boats its natural beauty, spectacular view, and crystal clear water. Despite its location of 60 kms out of town into the jungle to the west, Erawan fall offers tourists a worth investment with pleasant atmosphere and good natural swimming pool. Kanchanaburi seems to be equipped with nice environment and peace after several years of war in the old days.
It would be good if the province wanted Kanchanaburi to be the land where people come to honor or pay tribute to the dead people. The lights and sounds festival really made me sad for the past event. I witness some of these things happening. People felt sad and sorry for what happened. Also the abundant natural resources keep the Kanchanaburi beautiful and charming to those young travelers and maintain its peaceful atmosphere for the dead.
Nevertheless, I am not quite sure if Kanchanaburi is heading to this direction. Right after the lights and sound finished, I heard noisy music echoing from several disco boats. It would be more appropriate to call "Disco Raft". Yes, over hundreds of Disco boats/rafts waiting to serve tourists sailed in the river. I can hear the music loud over the river from several disco tech not far from the bridge. These boats will travel upstream to about 5 to 10 km for tourists to enjoy the disco and food.
I don't know if this is good for environment?
I don't know if this is good for local people?
I don't know if this is good for those who are buried in the cemetery
I don't know if this is good for tourists themselves?
I kinda feel Kanchanaburi maintain that strong characteristics of peace and respect.
Kris Dhiradityakul
However, the province has abundant natural resources. One of them is the Erawan waterfall which boats its natural beauty, spectacular view, and crystal clear water. Despite its location of 60 kms out of town into the jungle to the west, Erawan fall offers tourists a worth investment with pleasant atmosphere and good natural swimming pool. Kanchanaburi seems to be equipped with nice environment and peace after several years of war in the old days.
It would be good if the province wanted Kanchanaburi to be the land where people come to honor or pay tribute to the dead people. The lights and sounds festival really made me sad for the past event. I witness some of these things happening. People felt sad and sorry for what happened. Also the abundant natural resources keep the Kanchanaburi beautiful and charming to those young travelers and maintain its peaceful atmosphere for the dead.
Nevertheless, I am not quite sure if Kanchanaburi is heading to this direction. Right after the lights and sound finished, I heard noisy music echoing from several disco boats. It would be more appropriate to call "Disco Raft". Yes, over hundreds of Disco boats/rafts waiting to serve tourists sailed in the river. I can hear the music loud over the river from several disco tech not far from the bridge. These boats will travel upstream to about 5 to 10 km for tourists to enjoy the disco and food.
I don't know if this is good for environment?
I don't know if this is good for local people?
I don't know if this is good for those who are buried in the cemetery
I don't know if this is good for tourists themselves?
I kinda feel Kanchanaburi maintain that strong characteristics of peace and respect.
Kris Dhiradityakul
Leave a comment