War Historyin SE Asia

Cambodia,Thailand,

Vietnam, andLaos have all

endureddevastating

periods ofconflict …

The infamous KhmerRouge period inCambodia’s troubledhistory saw around 25%of the country’spopulation die, throughexecution, starvation, orother preventable andunnecessary causes.

Cambodia

Today, many people in Cambodia are still tryingto rebuild their lives.

Cambodia’s S21Prison shows a

glimpse into thehorrors endured,

not only in thisnotorious formerprison, but in the

country ingeneral.

The so-called KillingFields are another

shocking reminder ofthe country’s dark past.

The Japanese invasion of Thailand duringWW2 saw many people perish during theambitious and relentless plans to create arailway between Thailand and Burma.

Thailand

The Bridge Overthe River Kwaiand DeathRailway inKanchanaburiare very prettytoday but havean extremelysinister past.

There are museums where you canlearn more about this period.

The war in Vietnam saw years of struggle betweenthe North and the South of the country, and the

subsequent involvement of American forces.

Vietnam

The shocking effects of substances such as AgentOrange are still having devastating impacts on thecountry today.

The War Remnants Museum inHo Chi Minh City offers a

chilling, albeit one-sided, lookat the war.

The claustrophobicCu Chi Tunnels

show the conditionsin which resistance

fighters lived.

Although never actually at war withanyone, Laos’ tale is perhaps one of themost heart-breaking.

Heavily bombed for a nine year period, huge parts ofthe country were devastatedThis period is often referred to as the Secret War.

Laos

Today, unexploded ordinance poses a veryreal daily threat to many local people,

especially in rural farming areas.

Large bomb cratersare a common sight in

Phonsavan.

Bomb remainders are used as poignantdecorations in Phonsavan.Metal from bombs and other devices isrecycled and helps locals to make a livingselling spoons, jewellery, and other items.