The Australian and New Zealand embassies in Thailand yesterday jointly hosted an Anzac Day commemorative service at Hellfire Pass, part of the Thai-Burma railway in Kanchanaburi province.
More than 1,000 people, including families of fallen soldiers, gathered for the dawn service to commemorate the fallen and remember those who have served the nations in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, according to a statement from the Australian embassy.
"Today we honour all those who have served Australia and all who continue to serve today," Angela Macdonald, Australian ambassador to Thailand, said. "More than 103,000 Australians, across generations, have sacrificed their lives for our freedom and peace. Lest we forget."
Anzac Day marks the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915, and commemorates the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship that are still relevant today, the statement 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," said Jonathan Kings, New Zealand ambassador to Thailand, in the statement.
Australian Deputy Chief of Joint Operations R Adm Justin Jones said: "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."
R Adm Jones worked with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, particularly the navy, early in his career, which started in 1991. He has worked with Thai counterparts several times since then.
"It is important to collaborate with regional partners in this region. This is Australia's front yard. We live in the region too, and over 50% of our trade is accessing through this region," he said. "So, we have a national interest in this region, and we came to partner with like-minded nations," he added.