Khao kho memorial, Phetchabun Province, Thailand

4desi d 5:00 PM Sep 30, 2015

Interesting facts.
After I read some reviews on this I was in 2 minds if I should take time to visit this monument but I decided I would. Thankfully my Thai friend was able to explain things and point out the relevance of this monument to Thai people and now I’m really glad I did. A bit underwhelming on the approach road as much is hidden by the contour of the ground and I parked outside a shopping area only to find the entrance is about 100 metres further up and parking was available there also. A short walk up steps brings you to the front of the monument and again the relevance is not there but approach the monument and you will see a small Thai sign which asks you to remove your shoes, please do. When you are entering inside please look at the tiles to your right and left and you will see symbols or some might say squiggles with some Thai writing, there is 5 in total. Right hand side on entering, top left is the symbol of the King and signed personally as all of them are. To his right is the Queens, below left is the Princess Pra Tap and to the right the Prince Fai Chai, sorry if the spelling is incorrect. On the opposite wall is the symbol and signature of the Kings sister. This goes some way to understanding the importance and relevance of this place which is visited not just by some dignitaries but by the many and most important of the Thai Royal family. Inside on the walls are plaques with the names of all the civilians, policemen and army who died during this “War”. In each of the 2 alcoves there is a Buddha where people can pay respect. The triangular monument “1 side for each of the above mentioned” is 24 metres high and contains the bones of the departed. There is a spiral staircase inside but I was advised not to enter and it was pitch dark anyway. As my Thai friend was explaining things I sat on a step inside the monument and I was politely informed it was very disrespectful and Thai people would never do, so my advice is threat this place with the greatest respect and if you see a Thai frown at you, well you are probably doing something wrong, smile and move on. There is a small pond located there also and further on you will see where the Thai’s entrenched themselves with pill boxes and trenches running between them, I believe this is the highest part of the mountain. A well maintained place with easy access but poor sign posting. A part of recent Thai history.

3David S 5:00 PM May 14, 2019

Tall impressive structure to honour those killed in this war
Don't get confused, there is the Weapon Museum พิพิธภัณฑ์อาวุธ, then about 1 kilometre further along the road is the Khao Kho Memorial อนุสาวรีย์ผู้เสียสละ เขาค้อ. The Memorial is very tall and underneath are the names of those who died. There are covered seating areas to enjoy the quiet and views. At the other end is a basic weapon pit layout but no museum. From this point there are good views of the valley below.