Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)’s Deputy Secretary Alison McLaren visited the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre in Kanchanaburi as part of her official visit to Thailand from 6–9 September 2026. The visit formed part of DVA’s ongoing commemorative responsibilities and provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and strengthen cooperation with organisations supporting educational and commemoration activities in Thailand.
This was DS McLaren’s first visit to Hellfire Pass, providing an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of the site and the Centre’s important role in preserving and sharing the history of the Burma–Thailand Railway. The visit also reinforced DVA’s ongoing commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of those who suffered and died during the construction of the railway in the Second World War.
As Deputy Secretary of Veteran, Family and Stakeholder Experience, Alison also has responsibility for DVA’s Commemorations portfolio, which includes the Overseas Projects program under which the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre operates. Her visit also offered valuable firsthand insight into the Centre’s operations and its important role in preserving the history and legacy of the Burma-Thailand Railway.
During her time at Hellfire Pass, Alison met with Mick Clarke OAM, the Centre’s Manager, and members of the Centre team. Discussions covered the Centre’s day-to-day operations, visitor services and its ongoing role in supporting historical education and remembrance. She also paid a courtesy call on Colonel Suphat Klinchat, Commander of the military base where the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre is located. The meeting further strengthened the close relationship and cooperation between DVA and the Royal Thai Armed Forces in supporting the preservation and commemoration of this important historic site.
As part of her visit to Kanchanaburi, Alison attended a presentation at the Bankao National Museum, where Royal Thai Armed Forces Preparatory School cadets received a briefing on Hellfire Pass and the history of the Burma–Thailand Railway. The presentation provided an opportunity to share this significant chapter of history with the next generation and reinforce the importance of remembering the experiences and sacrifices of those who endured the railway’s construction. Complementing this focus on preserving the legacy of those who served and suffered, Alison also visited Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, where she paid her respects to the Allied service personnel who lost their lives as prisoners of war.
In Bangkok, Alison met with representatives from the Australian Embassy, including the Ambassador, Defence Attache and Public Diplomacy Unit (PDU), to discuss current and future commemorative activities and areas of cooperation, including the delivery of Anzac Day commemorations at Hellfire Pass. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between DVA, the Australian Embassy, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Thai counterparts in preserving Hellfire Pass as a place of commemoration, learning and historical reflection for visitors from around the world.
DS McLaren deliver an address to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Preparatory School cadets
