Chulachomklao bridge history

History of Phra Chulachomklao Bridge, Surat Thani
Phra Chulachomklao Bridge (Chulachomklao Bridge) is a historically significant railway bridge and a landmark of Surat Thani Province. It spans the Tapi River in Tha Kham Subdistrict, Phunphin District.

Historical Background:

• Construction Genesis: The construction of this bridge was part of the expansion of the Southern Railway Line. Mr. Henry Gittins, a British engineer, was the director of the Southern Railway construction from 1909. Foreign engineers were brought in to assist with the project. The bridge was situated along a section of the route that passed through Chaiya (which was where Surat Thani Province was located at the time) and needed to cross the Tapi River (formerly known as Mae Nam Luang), a major and wide river at Tha Kham Subdistrict.
  
• Initial Design: The bridge's initial design featured a curved steel structure, divided into three sections, with a total length of 200 meters. It was designed exclusively for railway traffic. At that time, building roads for carts would have been very costly and less essential than the bridges crossing rivers in Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi.
  
• First Opening: Phra Chulachomklao Bridge was officially opened for use in 1916.
  
• Role in World War II: In 1941, Japanese soldiers landed in Surat Thani and used the area at the foot of the bridge over the Tapi River as a base and prisoner-of-war camp. It also served as a crucial strategic route for transporting troops and equipment to Malaya, Singapore, and Burma. This made the bridge a prime target for Allied forces.
  
• Damage and Repairs: In 1943, Allied forces used aircraft to bomb and heavily damage the bridge. However, Japanese soldiers conscripted prisoners of war to repair it, allowing it to be partially used again.
  
• Reconstruction and Reopening: After World War II, Phra Chulachomklao Bridge underwent extensive repairs and reconstruction between 1952 and 1953. It was officially reopened on February 16, 1953. During this period, the bridge was used by both trains and vehicles.
  
• Current Use: Later, when a new road bridge was constructed, Phra Chulachomklao Bridge was converted to be used solely by trains.

Significance:

• Key Transportation Route: It is an extremely important bridge on the Southern Line, serving as a vital connection for entering and exiting Surat Thani city by rail.
  
• Local History: The bridge stands as a testament to significant historical events, especially during World War II, giving rise to numerous stories and legends.
  
• Symbol of the City: Today, Phra Chulachomklao Bridge is one of the important landmarks reflecting the history and identity of Surat Thani Province.
  Some parts of the original bridge structure, still in good condition, were later relocated and used as a bridge over Khlong Yan, on the Thung Pho Junction - Khiri Rat Nikhom railway line in Surat Thani Province.