First International Express

The year 1917 saw the merger of Northern and Southern Departments of Thai Railways. Then 1919, January 2, saw the First International Express from Thonburi to Malaya. Between 1922 and 1927, Rama VI Bridge was constructed. Until today, it holds the record of being the first and only Railway Bridge over and across the Chao Phraya River.

As time proceeded, many new extensions were made throughout the country. On 13th September 1926, Paknam Railway was electrified. Many Railway lines like Tha Ruea-Phra Phutthabat Railway and Bang Bua Thong Railway was closed. Soon came the Second World War (1942).

Japan at that moment had become a major force, capturing Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaya, Philippines and so on. The onslaught of Japan on these nation states led to the rise of numerous Prisoners of War (POWs). They were treated as worse than animals. Mere staying alive became a struggle in itself.