Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure

Hellfire Pass staff taking arborist training

As part of the annual maintenance closure in May 2026, Hellfire Pass ground staff participated in arborist training to refresh and strengthen their knowledge and skills in the care and management of large trees.

Located in Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass complex is surrounded by dense forest and mature trees. Regular tree maintenance, including trimming and the removal of dead or hazardous branches, is essential to maintaining a safe environment for staff and visitors while preserving the natural beauty of the site.

The training provided staff with practical instruction in the use of climbing and rigging equipment, safe working practices at height, and the fundamentals of tree biology and health. Participants also learned techniques for assessing tree conditions and carrying out maintenance work that supports both safety and long-term landscape management.

The refresher training helps ensure that members of the Centre’s arborist team maintain their skills and confidence, enabling them to carry out tree maintenance safely, effectively, and in accordance with best practices. Such training plays an important role in supporting the ongoing care of the Hellfire Pass grounds and ensuring the site remains safe and welcoming for all visitors.

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Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure

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Australian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Pablo Kang, recently visited the Centre to meet his staff and gain overview of the Centre’s commemorative mission and daily operations.

VDO source: Australian Embassy Bangkok

The visit was welcomed by the Centre’s Manager, Mick Clarke OAM, who provided a guided tour and an overview of the Centre’s day-to-day operations, including visitor services, staff responsibilities, operational priorities, and the ongoing support and commitment by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

As part of the visit, the Ambassador also laid a wreath at the Hellfire Pass Memorial in remembrance of all those who endured hardship and lost their lives during the construction of the Burma–Thailand Railway during the Second World War.

Following the tour, staff gathered for morning tea, providing an opportunity for the Ambassador-Designate to meet the entire team in an informal setting. The occasion allowed staff to introduce themselves, discuss their roles, and share their commitment to the Centre’s work.

The visit was a valuable opportunity to strengthen the close relationship between the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. It also reaffirmed the shared commitment to preserving the legacy of Hellfire Pass and ensuring that the stories of those who suffered here continue to be remembered by future generations.

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure

20 Jul 2026    •    1 min