The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Assistant Secretary and Director of Overseas Projects visited the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre from 14–19 September 2026 as part of a visit to support the recruitment of a key management position and engage with stakeholders on future plans and projects for the Centre.

During their time in Bangkok, Ms Sarah Kennedy (front row, second from left), Assistant Secretary Commemorations, and Ms Belinda Bastiaans (second row, fourth from left), Director of Overseas Projects, attended a series of meetings at the Australian Embassy Bangkok to discuss the future management of the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, policy directions, and preparations for the 2027 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Hellfire Pass.

In Kanchanaburi, AS Kennedy and Director Bastiaans visited the Centre and met with the team to gain a closer understanding of its day-to-day operations, the set-up and facilities of the complex, and the work carried out behind the scenes to support visitors and the Centre’s commemorative and educational functions. The visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about the stories and history associated with the Burma–Thailand Railway and how these are presented to visitors.

A courtesy call with the Deputy Base Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces unit responsible for the area where Hellfire Pass is located was also part of the visit. Assistant Secretary Kennedy took the opportunity to express her appreciation to the Royal Thai Armed Forces for their longstanding and continued support of the Centre, its operations, and the many VIPs and official delegations whose visits require their assistance and coordination.

During the visit, both executives also participated as members of the selection committee in interviews with shortlisted candidates for the position of Hellfire Pass Operations Manager/Deputy Manager. Over three days of interviews, the committee had the opportunity to meet and assess a strong group of candidates who may join the Hellfire Pass team in this important management role.

Overall, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation between DVA, the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and the Australian Embassy Bangkok, while advancing discussions on the Centre’s future strategic directions and projects. It also reaffirmed the longstanding and important partnership between the Centre and the Royal Thai Armed Forces in supporting the Centre’s operations and commemorative responsibilities.

Assistant Secretary Sarah Kennedy and Deputy Base Commander Colonel Somyot Muensunthon