25 April 2024

On 25 April each year, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day. It marks the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 of April 1915 and commemorates the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship that are still relevant today.

Today [25 April 2024] the Australian and New Zealand embassies in Thailand jointly hosted an Anzac Day Commemorative Service at Hellfire Pass, also known as the site of Thai-Burma railway in Kanchanaburi Province. Hundreds of people including families of the fallen soldiers gathered for the Dawn Service to commemorate the fallen and remember those who have served our nations in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Attendees included: Australian Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Rear Admiral Justin Jones CSC, RAN, Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand Mr Jonathan Kings, representatives from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force and various embassies in Thailand.

Australian Ambassador to Thailand Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, said:

“Today we honour all those who have served Australia, and all who continue to serve today. More than 103,000 Australians, across generations, have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and peace. Lest we forget.”

New Zealand Ambassadors to Thailand Mr Jonathan Kings, said:

“On this day of reflection, New Zealanders at home and abroad turn their attention to those generations, past and present, who have sacrificed so much in the pursuit of peace. Today, we honour their integrity, steadfastness, and courage.

“‘Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.’ — We will remember them.”

Rear Admiral Justin Jones, said:

“It is an honour to be at Hellfire Pass in Thailand for the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Hellfire Pass is a very symbolic site in the Burma-Thailand railway where 12,800 Allied prisoners of war and 90,000 Asian labourers lost their lives during World War II.”

“I would also like to note the ongoing efforts of Australia’s Defence personnel who are on operations and supporting operations to promote regional stability.”