Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Ready to Push Death Railway as UNESCO World Heritage Site Following Local Demand
Deputy Education Minister Akkanat pledged to accelerate efforts getting Kanchanaburi's Death Railway recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after local groups requested his support, citing potential tourism and economic benefits for the
Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Ready to Push Death Railway as UNESCO World Heritage Site Following Local Demand, Boost Kanchanaburi's Economy
On May 21, 2569 at the Ministry of Education, Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Kannitinant, serving as Member of Parliament for Kanchanaburi District 1 from the Pheu Thai Party, received a letter from a group promoting the Death Railway as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by Nontakorn Prasit, calling for accelerated efforts to register this important historical tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi province as a World Heritage Site.
Nontakorn stated that the Death Railway is a historical route that deserves elevation to a major national tourism landmark because it represents a well-preserved historical area still relevant to current generations and is worthy of promotion as a historical learning resource with international connections stemming from World War II events, continuously attracting foreign tourists.
While government agencies have continuously supported the initiative with allocated budgets for surveys and preparations for World Heritage registration, the matter has stalled without progress, prompting local residents to request follow-up. They have submitted the matter to the Ministry of Culture and are now asking Akkanat to assist in monitoring as their local MP.
Akkanat responded that as Kanchanaburi's MP, he fully supports elevating the Death Railway to World Heritage status. He grew up seeing the Bridge over the River Kwae and learned history from annual festivals held there, finding it surprising that such an important historical site remains unregistered with UNESCO, despite being world history, not merely Thai history.
Akkanat stated that UNESCO registration would bring tourism and business benefits, increasing income for Kanchanaburi residents. Given the province's low cost of living and easy accessibility from Bangkok via the M81 route in just one hour, he sees no reason not to pursue this initiative and committed to follow up and push for continued progress.
