Thanbyuzayat – or “tin shelter” is 30 kms south of Mawlamyine. It was the western terminus of the infamous Burma-Siam Railway. dubbed the ”death railway” by the thousands of Allied prisoners of war (and Asians who were forced by the Japanese military to build it.
A kilometer west of the clock tower in the direction of Kyaikkami lies the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery. which contains 3.771 graves of Allied prisoners of war who died building the railway.
Most of those buried were British. but there are also markers for American. Dutch. and Australian soldiers.
Other places that record the historic events at this town are Japanese-built temples and a small museum with a locomotive. which marks the beginning of the “death railway.” Two miles outside the town is the ancient city of Waguru (13th century).
The walls are still plainly visible and the view from the hilltop is wonderful.
Other places that record the historic events at this town are Japanese-built temples and a small museum with a locomotive. which marks the beginning of the “death railway.” Two miles outside the town is the ancient city of Waguru (13th century).
The walls are still plainly visible and the view from the hilltop is wonderful.