The first railway in what was then Siam opened in 1894 between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, a distance of 66km. It was contructed to metre gauge, as were all subsequent lines in the country.
The rail network has international connections with Laos and Malaysia. A link to Cambodia was severed in the latter half of the 20th century but is in the course of reinstatement.
There was also formerly a line to Burma. Japanese forces constructed this line during World War II using the labour of Allied prisoners of war, many of whom lost their lives. The line fell into disuse at the end of the war, but a section of it (from the junction at Nong Pladuk as far as Nam Tok, including the famous - or infamous - Bridge over the River Kwai) has subsequently been reopened as part of the State network.
© 2005-2012
Glyn Williams
Flag image from CIA World Factbook
