Why Visit This Place?

The JEATH War Museum offers a raw and intimate look at the lives of prisoners of war (POWs) and Asian labourers forced to work on the infamous Death Railway during World War II. Its name is an acronym for Japan, England, Australia, Thailand, and Holland, the nationalities of many who lived through the ordeal. The museum’s simple, almost makeshift style creates an immediate connection to the harsh conditions endured during the railway’s construction.

What to Expect

The museum consists of two main sections: the original bamboo hut display, recreating POW living quarters, and a newer concrete building with photographs, artefacts, and maps. Visitors can see personal belongings, letters, and wartime tools, alongside detailed explanations in English and Thai. The atmosphere is sombre and reflective, designed to preserve the memory of those who suffered and died.

Essential Info

Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Entrance Fee: Around 50 THB (2025)
Average Visit Duration: 30–60 minutes
Dress Code / Rules: Modest attire is appropriate; photography may be restricted in some areas

What’s Nearby?

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (approx. 1 km, 3 minutes by van) Main burial site for Allied POWs who died building the railway.
Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (approx. 1 km, 3 minutes by van) Comprehensive museum on the Death Railway’s history.
Bridge over the River Kwai (approx. 2 km, 6 minutes by van) The iconic steel bridge and surrounding market area.

Local Tips

Bring bottled water, as the museum is not air-conditioned in all areas. Combine this visit with nearby cemeteries and the railway centre for a fuller understanding of the region’s wartime history. Expect a modest, low-tech presentation, this is part of its authenticity.

Visit this attraction on a Private Day Tour in Kanchanaburi.