Today marks the 68th anniversary of the Japanese landings in Thailand during WWII which corresponded with the attack on Pearl Harbour. Locally the beach at Ao Manao along with the larger Prachuap Bay were the sites chosen for landing the Japanese forces that were to later be responsible for the Thai Burma Railway(Death Railway) construction.
Its easy to see why these bays were chosen, the beach is free of obstacles like coral reefs and slopes gently into the bays. History records a brief, but bloody resistance, by the Thai forces, airman from the nearby Wing 53, police and local militia, before they were ordered to surrender by the Thai government in Bangkok. At Ao Manao this surrender was only completed when a government representative actually visited the scene of the fighting.
To commemorate the battle of Ao Manao and HM the Kings birthday the local air force base is holding a week long celebration with relevant displays to mark the battle. Since Thursday is another school holiday here in Thailand we are all going to go along to check out the event.
Today's image is actually a photograph I took of an aerial photograph I have framed in my home. The bay nearest the right foreground is Ao Manao, with Ao Prachuap and the distant bay of Ao Noi also visible. In the centre foreground you can also see the runways of the air force base and the surrounding areas where the battle took place. My home although not in the photograph is about 2km back out of shot in the centre of the frame.
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6 comments:
Mike that is one beautiful picture postcard photo, you wouldn't imagine such scenes took place there when the Japanese landed years back. It looks stunning. A few close up photos are due I think.
I'm assuming Ao Manao and Prachuap Bay are not far from your home because I think you've just saved me emailing you. I'll explain.
I've just been reading My Jungle Life's latest post and in it she mentions a relatively unknown bird watchers haven called Talay Noi in southern Thailand. Your post mentions Ao Noi, is this the same place or area because I was going to mail you about it.
Martyn the photograph is an original from the Thai air force, you see them all over town. I just took a photograph of my framed copy.
Ao Manao is 4km from the house, Ao Prachaup is the bay on which the town of Prachuap Khiri Khan sits and is 8km from the house.
I am fairly certain Talay Noi is way down south its definetly not connected to Ao Noi. In Thai Ao means bay, hence the bay at Manao or the bay at Noi.
Hi Martyn,
Visited Prachuap two years ago and went over to Ao Manao and loved it, also because I'm a bit of a WWII buff and never knew about the Japanese invading Thailand until I read your blog a year later or so.
A great place to visit with some interesting history. Too bad that the museum at Ao Manao was closed during my visit.
Prachuap is also a very nice city, we enjoyed our short stay very much.
Mike I look forward to your post about the diplays. The whole Japanese thing is not something Thais talk (or know) about very much. I didn't know the battle was ever celebrated or commemmorated here.
I used to teach in England with a guy (English) who was posted at Don Muang to guard Japanese prisoners there at the end of the war. Of course I didn't know then that I'd end up here.
Mike that photo is amazing. If you live near there I am a jealous guy!
Hard to believe that such a beautiful spot could have been the beginning of so much pain and suffering.
No doubt I've got to make my way south of Bangkok and check out Ao Manao and Prachuap Bay.
Camille, Prachuap certainly has its attractions in a non-touristy sense. I like it that way. I was reading a post yesterday on Jungle Girl and she was talking about undiscovered Thailand. There are places here no one ever visits.
Lawrence although I have not worked in a Thai school I fancy history (if it is taught) might have a slightly different flavour regarding WWII?
Interesting about the teacher you met in the UK too.
Hopefully I can get some info and photos on Thursday about Ao Manao.
As for other "celebrations" for WWII it has just been the Kwai Bridge festival week with the sound and lights show depicting the bridge in WWII.
Steve, hi thanks for stopping by, how come I haven't read your blog before??? I have taken the liberty of adding you to my Thailand links.
Many Bangkokians do travel down here at weekends and holidays, its about 4-5 hours from the capital.
The main attraction with this area is its laid back non touristy feel. Out of season I rarely see other foreigners.
I would describe Prachuap as a quiet English or US seaside town. Lots of nice beaches nearby and a couple of lesser known National Parks at Wannerkorn and Khao Sam Roi Yot close too.
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