namkang tunnel: the cultural landscape management … · independent study title of “namkang...

NAMKANG TUNNEL: THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OF THE CPM TUNNELS

By Srilak Anutararoekwong

An Independent Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF ARTS

Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program)

Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY

2012

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NAMKANG TUNNEL: THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OF THE CPM TUNNEL

By Srilak Anutararoekwong

An Independent Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF ARTS

Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism (International Program)

Graduate School SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY

2012

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The Graduate School, Silpakorn University has approved and accredited the independent study title of “Namkang Tunnel: The Cultural Landscape Management of the CPM Tunnel” submitted by Ms.Srilak Anutararoekwong as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism

…………………………………………….. (Assistant Professor Panjai Tantatsanawong, Ph.D.)

Dean of Graduate School …………../…………../…….…

The Independent Study Advisor Assisstant Professor Pibul Jinawath, Ph.D. The Independent Study Examination Committee ……………………………………. Chairman (Assistant Professor Sathit Choosaeng) …………/……………/…………. ……………………………………. Member (Assistant Professor Pibul Jinawath, Ph.D.) …………/……………/…………. ……………………………………. Member (Assistant Professor Den Wasiksiri) …………/……………/………….

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53056303: MAJOR: ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM KEY WORD: NAMKANG HISTORICAL TUNNEL, CULTURAL LANDSCPAE MANAGEMENT, HISTORICAL TUNNEL SRILAK ANUTARAROEKWONG: NAMKANG TUNNEL: THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OF THE CPM TUNNELS. INDEPENDENT STUDY ADVISOR: PIBUL JINAWAT, Ph.D. 191 pp.

The Namkang National Park or Khao Namkang is located in Nathawi district, Songkhla province (in the Southern part of Thailand). It was declared as the 65th national park of Thailand in 1991 (2453 B.E.) with 212 square kilometers area. After the arrival of the Malayan communist insurgency, parts of the mountain were transformed into a maze of tunnels, which were neatly dug into the forest.

Khao Namkang was declared as the National park of Thailand. However, the national park is not only a site of natural environment excellence but also as a location that has historic value as well. Thus, the national park can be mainly divided into two main categories; the first is the natural site and the latter one is as cultural site. They are both blended in the same area and place but with different groups of manager. Looking around the Namkang tunnels, it can be assessed as the site that can be promoted internationally with the site potential on its wholeness history and surroundings.

Today, the Namkang Historic Tunnel is under the management of the old CPM members. They have established and manage the local souvenir shop and collect the entrance fee to the tunnel from tourists. However, the question arises as to whether the historic tunnel belongs to country in which it is located “Thailand”, to the country to whose history it is so central “Malaysia” or to “the CPM members”. The research project as well will study the impact and effect from humans broadly and from tourism more specifically on the Namkang Historic Tunnels.

Hence, the research project will focus on three main aspects. Firstly, the research project will examine the site’s significance and its value. Secondly, the tourism capacity will be assessed together with how it might be managed on site. Finally, the question of cultural landscape management plan will be addressed. The cultural landscape management plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnels is thought to be the final product that can emerge from this research project, together with the question of how it can be applied to other historic sites that have similar characteristics. Program of Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism Graduate School, Silpakorn University Student’s signature ………………………… Academic Year 2012 Independent Study Advisor’s signature ………………………

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Acknowledgement

This thesis could not have been successfully completed without the valuable assistance of many people. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the cordial assistance of all those people. Firstly, I wish to convey my deep gratitude as well as appreciation to my thesis advisor, Assistance professor Dr.Pibul Jinawath, whose help, stimulating suggestions and encouragement helped me in the research for, and writing of, this research project. I furthermore thank, Assistant Professor Sathit Choosaeng and Assistant Professor Den Wasiksiri as the Examination committee and Dr.Jaray Suwannachart and Prof.Ross King, who gave me valuable suggestions and comments on this research and also encouraged me to go on with my research project. I also wish to acknowledge and thank everybody who constantly supported and gave me endless moral support whenever I had difficulties. Without these people, this thesis would never have been concluded.

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Table of contents

Page

Abstract ......................................................................................................................... c

Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................... d

Table of contents ........................................................................................................... e

List of Figures ............................................................................................................... g

List of Tables ................................................................................................................. l

Chapter

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1

Background ................................................................................................. 1

Goals and objectives ................................................................................... 9

Scope and limitation of the study .............................................................. 10

Research methodology .............................................................................. 10

Sources of data .......................................................................................... 11

Process of the study .................................................................................. 12

2 Literature review .......................................................................................... 13

Cultural landscape ..................................................................................... 13

Whose heritage? ......................................................................................... 18

Cultural tourism ........................................................................................ 20

Dark tourism ............................................................................................. 22

Sustainable tourism ................................................................................... 23

Interpreting historic site ............................................................................ 25

The Communist ideology .......................................................................... 29

Case studies ............................................................................................... 32

3 Site Assessment .............................................................................................. 39

The original name of Namkang National Park .......................................... 39

The understanding of Namkang National Park .......................................... 41

Facilities and transportation ...................................................................... 43

The present situation of Namkang Historic Tunnel .................................. 48

The landscape of NK Mountain National Park and NK Historic Tunnel .. 54

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Page

The assessment of Namkang Tunnel, Namkang National Park ................ 59

Namkang Tunnel at the Present day ......................................................... 84 The comparison of NK Historic Tunnel and Cu Chi Historic Tunnels ... 105

The universal timeline ............................................................................. 112

4 Implementation ........................................................................................... 115

Cultural landscape analysis ..................................................................... 115

Statement of significance ........................................................................ 116

The SWOT analysis of Namkang Historic Tunnel ................................. 118

Implementation strategies ....................................................................... 120

Heritage contestation management ......................................................... 123

Future tourist analysis after the management of historic site ................. 124

The Namkang Historic Tunnel cultural landscape management plan .... 126

Limit of growing ..................................................................................... 153

5 Discussion, conclusion and recommendation ............................................ 154

Reference .................................................................................................................. 157

Appendix .................................................................................................................. 166

Appendix A .............................................................................................. 166

Appendix B .............................................................................................. 182

Biography ................................................................................................................. 191

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List of figures

Figures Page

1 Shows the territory of Qing Dynasty from 1800 – 1910 .............................................. 1

2 Shows the picture of Express Cixi .............................................................................. 2

3 Puyi, the last emperor of China ..................................................................................... 2

4 Shows the picture of Sun Yat Sen, the leader of Kuomintang ...................................... 3

5 Shows the Xinhai Revolution under Sun Yat Sen leader ............................................. 3

6 Chiang Kai-shek, the political descendant of Sun Yat Sen .......................................... 4

7 Chiang Kai-shek, the political descendant of Sun Yat Sen .......................................... 4

8 Mao Zedong, the leader of the CCP .............................................................................. 4

9 Mao Zedong, the leader of the CCP .............................................................................. 4

10 Show the Cultural Revolution propaganda poster, China Mainland ........................... 5

11 Show the Cultural Revolution propaganda poster, China Mainland ............................. 5

12 Show the Cultural Revolution propaganda poster, China Mainland ........................... 5

13 Shows the very first depiction of Chinese oversea people ........................................... 6

14 The Chinese oversea, who worked as lower-class labors in risky tasks ........................ 7

15 Shows the setting of Vinh Moc Tunnels in Vietnam .................................................. 34

16 Shows the map of Vinh Moc Tunnels ........................................................................ 35

17 Shows the setting of the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam .................................................. 36

18 Shows the area of the Cu Chi Tunnels at the present time ......................................... 37

19 Shows the map of the Cu Chi Tunnels ........................................................................ 37

20 Shows the map of Thailand and Songkhla Province .................................................. 39

21 Map of Songkhla Province .......................................................................................... 39

22 Shows the Nathawi District and the location of Namkang National Park .................. 40

23 Shows the land use of Namkang National Park .......................................................... 40

24 Shows the geographical map of Namkang National Park .......................................... 42

25 Show the transportation route to Namakang National Park ........................................ 43

26 Shows the Namkang National Park guard box and visitor center .............................. 44

27 Shows the Namkang National Park guard box and visitor center .............................. 44

28 Shows the Namkang Historic Tunnels entrance gate ................................................. 44

29 Shows the Namkang Historic Tunnels entrance gate ................................................. 44

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30 Shows souvenir shop operated by Namkang Tunnels manager .................................. 45

31 Shows souvenir shop operated by Namkang Tunnels manager .................................. 45

32 Shows the parking lot area .......................................................................................... 46

33 Shows the new public toilet for tourists ...................................................................... 46

34 Shows the new public toilet for tourists ...................................................................... 46

35 Shows the social characteristic of Piyamit 5th village, Namkang National Park ........ 48






41 Shows the South Thailand Insurgency area ................................................................ 49

42 Shows the landscape map of Namkang National Park ............................................... 53

43 Shows the Pruching waterfall ..................................................................................... 54

44 Shows Tondadfah waterfall ........................................................................................ 55

45 Shows Tonlad waterfall .............................................................................................. 55

46 Shows Tonmaipuk waterfall ....................................................................................... 56

47 Shows Tonsung waterfall ............................................................................................ 56

48 Shows Wangluangprom waterfall ............................................................................... 57

49 Shows the entrance of Namkang Historic Tunnels ...................................................... 58

50 Shows the atmosphere of the Tripartite Peace Agreement ......................................... 61

51 Shows the atmosphere of the Tripartite Peace Agreement ......................................... 61

52 Shows the entrance to the Namkang Historic Tunnels ............................................... 64

53 Shows the entrance to the Namkang Historic Tunnels ............................................... 64

54 Shows the staircase inside the tunnels ........................................................................ 65

55 Shows the interior function of the Namkang Historic Tunnels .................................. 65




59 Shows the section plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnels ......................................... 67

60 Shows the first floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnels ..................................... 67

61 Shows the second floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnels ................................. 68

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Page

62 Shows the third floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnels ..................................... 69

63 Shows the CPM basketball field located under a thick shade of green ...................... 71

64 Shows the CPM basketball field located under a thick shade of green ...................... 71

65 Shows CPM guerrilla troop operated in Thailand ............................................................. 71

66 The telegram room inside the Namkang Historic Tunnel ........................................... 73

67 The telegram room inside the Namkang Historic Tunnel ........................................... 73

68 The CPM food container in various sizes ................................................................... 74

69 Shows the CPM kitchen .............................................................................................. 75

70 Shows the CPM kitchen .............................................................................................. 75

71 Shows the food supply barrel buried under the ground .............................................. 75

72 Shows the operation room inside the historic tunnel .................................................. 77

73 Shows the figure of Chin Peng ................................................................................... 78

74 Shows the figure of Madam Zainon, Chin Peng’s wife .............................................. 78

75 Chin Peng was awarded the OBE by the Great Britain in 1939 ................................. 79

76 Chin Peng became Malaya’s public enemy no.1 ........................................................ 80

77 Chin Peng went to Beijing and was receive by Mao Zedong in March, 1965 ........... 80

78 Chin Peng and Gen. Dato’Kitti Rattanachaya in the Hat-Yai Peace Agreement ....... 81

79 Chin Peng and Gen. Dato’Kitti Rattanachaya in the Hat-Yai Peace Agreement ....... 81

80 Today, Chin Peng still lived in Thailand .................................................................... 81

81 The autobiography work of Chin Peng ....................................................................... 82

82 Shows an integral female member of the party .......................................................... 83

83 Shows an integral female member of the party .......................................................... 83

84 Shows the surgery and operation held in jungle .......................................................... 83

85 Shows the Namkang National Park officer’s management area ................................. 85




89 Shows the current development by the ex – CPM guerrilla ....................................... 87

90 Shows the current development by the ex – CPM guerrilla ....................................... 87

91 Shows Songkhla tourism maps proposed by TAT Hatyai office ................................ 90

92 Shows Songkhla Province tourism attractions ............................................................ 91

93 The entrance way to the historical museum ................................................................ 92

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Page

94 Shows the Namkang Historic Tunnels exhibition ...................................................... 93






100 Shows the printed brochure for visitor ....................................................................... 94

101 Signage and interpretation in Namkang Historic Tunnels ......................................... 94





106 Mr.Leong Yee Sing in the CPM uniform and in the present time ............................. 96

107 Mr.Leong Yee Sing in the CPM uniform and in the present time ............................. 96

108 Mr.Pang Min Sang dressed in the CPM uniform ....................................................... 97

109 Mr.Liang Chen in the present day .............................................................................. 97

110 Shows the CPM peace gate ........................................................................................ 98

111 Shows the CPM peace gate ........................................................................................ 98

112 Shows the inscription to the pass away fellow .......................................................... 99

113 The comparison between Namkang Historical Museum and the new museum ...... 101

114 The comparison between Namkang Historical Museum and the new museum ...... 101

115 Shows the memorial park of the CPM fellow .......................................................... 102




119 Shows the atmosphere of Term Rak Kao Namkang activity ................................... 103




123 The advertise poster of the tourism activity ............................................................. 104

124 The advertise poster of the tourism activity ............................................................. 104

125 Butler’s model of the tourism area life cycle ........................................................... 121

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Page

126 Shows the sustainable tourism idea ......................................................................... 122

127 Shows the planned tourism route of the Namkang Tunnels .................................... 130

128 Shows the mock up model of the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam ................................... 133

129 Shows the media room of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Viet Cong’s meal ................... 134

130 Shows the media room of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Viet Cong’s meal ................... 134

131 Shows the war time exhibition of the Cu Chi Tunnels ............................................ 135






137 The media work of the Cu Chi Tunnels ................................................................... 135

138 The media work of the Cu Chi Tunnels ................................................................... 135

139 The Cu Chi Tunnels construction ............................................................................ 136

140 Shows the present activity that promoted the heritage site (2011) .......................... 139

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List of tables

Table Page

1 Shows tourist statistic and tourism income in Songkhla Province from 2005 ............ 90

2 Shows the comparison detail between Namkang Tunnels and Cu Chi Tunnels ........ 105

3 Shows the SWOT analysis of Namkang Historic Tunnels ........................................ 118

4 Shows the onsite interpretation examining at the Namkang Historic Tunnels ............... 132

5 Shows the offsite interpretation examining at the Namkang Historic Tunnels .............. 132

6 Shows the proposed developments at Namkang National Park ................................. 140

7 Shows the proposed proposal in developing Namkang Historic Tunnels ................ 144

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1

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background

Since the 20th century, the world was continually changed to the new era.

Revolutions, political ideologies and political conflictions were the main factors of all

those changes. The chain of political confliction in Asia especially in East Asia and South

East Asia region effected one and another like a momentum. From all those changes,

China was the starting point…

Qing Dynasty had ruled China for over 200 years. The dynasty was known as the

Manchu dynasty. In the very end of Qing Dynasty, China was ruled under the Empress

Dowanger Cixi’s power. However with the unsteady in political events and continually

rebellions, Qing Dynasty lost its power in 1911 in the reign of Kangde Emperor (Puyi)

after the Xinhai Revolution. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty)

Figure 1 Shows the territory of Qing Dynasty from 1800 -1910

(http://www.china-mike.com/chinese-history-timeline/part-10-qing-dynasty/)

2

Figure 2 Shows the picture of Express Cixi Figure 3 Puyi, the last emperor of China

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty)

Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命) in 1911 was the revolution that permanently

eliminated the last imperial dynasty, Qing. At that time, there was a short time civil war

between the revolutionist and the government. Mr. Yuan Shi Kai, the Commander of

Qing Dynasty and Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the leader of Tong Meng Hui had made a negotiation

to solve the social conflict.

The new republic government was the coalition between Yuan Shi Kai and Sun

Yat Sen. Yuan had retained his power tightly and leaded the Republic of China to another

social conflictions. After the revolution, Republic of China was established and the name

of “Sun Yat Sen”, leader of the revolution, became more well-known. Although the Qing

Dynasty stayed in the unsteady condition, the revolutionist took years to complete their

mission because the lack of revolutionist harmonious organization. Sun Yat Sen, later

known as the father of the nation, was the forerunner of democratic revolution and also

played the main role in overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Yat-sen) Moreover, Dr.Sun was also the founder of his

political party called the Kuomintang (KMT) (中國國民黨) in 1912 and was the first

provisional president of the Republic of China. He also provided his political ideology

known as “Three Principle of the People”. It was consisted of the ethnic nation (minzu),

the people's rights (minquan), and the well-being of the people (minsheng).

3

Figure 4 Shows the picture of Sun Yat Sen, the leader of Kuomintang

Figure 5 Shows the Xinhai Revolution under Sun Yat Sen leader

(http://www.china.org.cn/china/xinhairevolution/2011-

09/28/content_23510612_4.htm)

Through all his life, Sun Yat Sen tried to make a good connection and relationship

with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). After his death in 1925, Chiang Kai Shek took

the leader place of the KMT in 1926. He finally became the president of the Republic of

China. Unlike Sun Yat Sen’s political ideology, Chiang was not able to maintain a good

relationship with the CCP. The Chinese civil war finally broke out in July 1946. The CCP

came up with the reason that the KMT government was suffered from excess corruption

and the invasion from Japan.

4

Figure 6 – 7 Chiang Kai-shek, the political descendant of Sun Yat Sen

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Kai-shek)

Figure 8-9 Mao Zedong, the leader of the CCP

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_Zedong

http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=2537135)

The CCP could take the full control of the China Mainland on 10th October, 1949

under the leader of Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong was the president of Chinese Communist

Party from 1943 – 1976. He had contributed his ideologies from Marxism – Leninism,

which was known as Maoism. Through all his revolution time, Mao had decided to

depend on Chinese peasants, who he thought as the main supporters of his violent

revolution. He also stated on his works “On Practice” and “On Contradiction” that of a

5

revolutionary movement and stress the importance of practical will make grass-roots

knowledge obtained through experience. The idea was later become the root of Maoism

guerrilla.

Later in 1966, the new era of China revolution had occurred. This revolution was

called “Cultural Revolution”, which took 10 years long. The revolution had leaded to

more than the loss of 100 thousands lives as its aim, eliminating the capitalism and the

divided of social class. Chinese Cultural Revolution ended in 1976 after the death of Zou

Un Lai and Mao Zedong. (www.thaichinese.net/History/history-modern12.html)

Figure 10 – 12 Show the Cultural Revolution propaganda poster, China Mainland

(http://applianceadvisor.com/content/miele%E2%80%99s-mao-moment-and-canadian-cultural-

revolution7400

http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/graph/9wenge.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/26469/cultural-revolution/history.html)

The brief history of China above implied the flowing of Communist ideology in

South East Asia region. The influence of Chinese Communism ideology could be seen in

the region such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Chinese ideology in South East

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Asia region normally came from the Chinese oversea movement. From the history, the

immigration of Chinese people can be divided into 3 waves as followed;

The first wave of Chinese immigration was in Ming Dynasty around 1371 – 1435.

The objective of the immigration was for trading in South East Asia region and India.

Some of the merchants and explorers had settled down in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines

and Indonesia for prosperous and opportunity.

Figure 13 Shows the very first depiction of Chinese oversea people

(http://chineses-coming.exteen.com/20081207/entry-1)

Due to the colonialism in the 19th century, a huge wave of Chinese people had

decided to make a migration. Poverty and starving were the push factor for Chinese

people to escape from the unsteady political situation of Qing Dynasty. In the second

wave of migratory, most of the immigrant headed to South East Asia, North America,

Australia and other colonial countries.

7

Figure 14 The Chinese oversea, who worked as lower-class labors in risky tasks

(http://www.manager.co.th/China/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9540000128431&TabID=3&)

The third wave of Chinese people movement happened in 1984 after the UK

promised to return Hongkong back to China. Although they were looked as second –

class citizen, they were hard workers and talented traders. They finally succeeded and

stood in a main role that driven countries’ economic such as Singapore, Malaysia and

Thailand. (http://hakkapeople.com/node/1157)

The push factor to the oversea Chinese migratory came from the unreliable

political situation of the Qing Dynasty. Most of them immigrated to Nan Yang or was

known as South East Asia region. Even they moved to the new countries and started their

new lives; they never forgot China as their motherland. Chinese identities and cultures

could be clearly identified as the original Chinese people. Settled down in the new

countries, China’s political, diplomatic, economic, psychological and subversive

instrument was promoted in the Nanyang as well. (William B. Roop, 1966)

It was also found that most of Chinese people had migrated to other countries

between the ages of civil war. In general, countries in South East Asia; such as Thailand,

Burma, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore were their migratory destinations.

Most of Chinese people settled down in these countries and never came back to their

mainland. However Chinese people in Malaysia and Singapore were different from their

groups of people in other countries. They tended to settled down in group and retained

8

their identities. Fortunately, their different attitude didn’t obstruct good relationship

between them and local people because of the multi cultural society.

Oversea Chinese people also played the main role in political events in China as

well. In Xinhai Revolution (1911), the oversea Chinese sent their money back to the

mainland as to support the revolution. Moreover, some of them had to migrate for

political reason while some were the main investor in their mainland.

They also played their roles in the Malayan political situation. Receiving the

revolution ideology from Maoism, the Communist Party of Malayan operated their

mission under Mao’s tactic and political aspect. Their political role in Malayan could be

seen from the anti-Japanese movements in World War II and anti-British sentiment after

World War II. (Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007) The political wave later woke Chinese-Malay

peoples’ nationalism up.

The Communist ideology firstly came to Chinese Malayan people through the

propaganda of Kuomintang since 1924. The Malayan nationalism ideology was

penetrated in Chinese Malayan people, schools and associations. Later in 1927, the

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had sent the party’s representative to Malayan. The role

of the Communist Party of Malayan became more prominent in World War II from the

Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese army. After cooperation with the British to repell the

Japanese army, the CPM had dissension with the British government. They decided to

fight against the British as to release Malaysia from the United Kingdom’s imperialism.

The CPM followed Mao’s tactic by fighting back as Guerrilla warfare. After the British

gave the independence to Malayan in 1957, the CPM was looked as the illegal

underground movement that had to be eliminated for state’s peace. With the harsh

suppression from Malayan government, the CPM, which was the underdog, had to move

to the Thai – Malaysia border. The history of Kao Namkang had started since then…

The Namkang National Park or Khao Namkang is located in Nathawi district,

Songkhla province (in the Southern part of Thailand). It was declared as the 65th national

park of Thailand in 1991 (2453 B.E.) with the area of 212 square kilometers. From the

name Khao Namkang, “Khao” means mountain and “Namkang” means dew in English.

9

In the old day, the Namkang tunnel area was a fertile rainforest without human

habitation. After the coming of the Malayan communist insurgency, parts of the mountain

were transformed into a maze of tunnels, which were neatly dug into the forest. The

Namkang mountain and the surrounded area could be called as the restrict area for more

than 40 years since the age of World War II. The area was adapted as the base controlled

the Communist Party of Malaya. The entire communist insurgency incident ended up in

1989 after the Hat Yai Peace Accord.

Today, Khao Namkang was declared as the National park of Thailand. However,

the national park is not only a site of natural environment excellence but also as a

location that has historic value as well. Thus, the national park can be mainly divided into

two main categories; the first is the natural site and the latter one is as cultural site. They

are both blended in the same area and place but with different groups of manager.

Looking around the Namkang tunnels, it can be assessed as the site that can be promoted

internationally with the site potential on its wholeness history and surroundings.

Hence, the research project will focus on three main aspects. Firstly, the research

project will examine the site’s significance and its value. Secondly, future management

plan of the historic site must be able to conserve and retain the heritage authenticity and

integrity supporting with tourism. Finally, the question of cultural landscape management

plan will be addressed. The cultural landscape management plan of the Namkang Historic

Tunnels is thought to be the final product that can emerge from this research project,

together with the question of how it can be applied to other historic sites that have similar

characteristics.

1.2 Goals and objectives

The research has the main objectives as following;

- To understand the nature and the characteristic of the site as a basis on which

to plan the cultural landscape of the site

- To understand the thoughts of the local people toward Namkang National

Park and verify the existing data on site

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- To analyze the past and present management plan for the site so as to observe

the present situation of the national park

- To examine and evaluate the universal value of the Namkang Historic Tunnel

in order to promote a proper landscape management plan on the site in the

future for a tourism industry in the international level.

1.3 Scope and limitation of the study

The research project aims at the study of the Namkang Tunnels as the primary site

and the Namkang National Park and related areas as the secondary site. In addition, the

project also scopes at the formation of the Namkang Tunnels period of time until the

incident came to an end. The present situation of the tunnels was also brought to the

consideration as well since it is an indicator of the site management direction.

This research is focusing on the Namkang Historic Tunnel as the main monument

and its associated areas as followed:

- The Namkang Historic Tunnel

- The Piyamit village of the old Malayan communist people

- The related intangible heritage attached on the site

1.4 Research methodology

1.4.1 Literature review

The literature review will provide the details and the history and the origin of the

Namkang Historic Tunnels. In this section, the available information, images and other

visual data, together with the site geographical features will be analyzed. The details of

the literature review are as followed;

- Whose heritage theory?

- The Maoism idea toward the built of the historic tunnel

- The tourism in the historic site

- The interpretation plan of the historic site

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1.4.2 Comparison method of study

A comparative method will be invoked The Namkang Historic Tunnel, which is

the old CPM tunnels to underground tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.

Commonalities and differences between these emblematic sites of Cold War resistance

can reveal in sights for conservation, interpretation and tourist presentation.

1.4.3 Quantitative research

Questionnaire survey will be another method used in the study. The data will be

collected from people into 3 categories. The first group is local people, the second group

is visitors or tourists and the last group covers the related government section. It is hoped

that the questionnaire will elucidate how different groups of people see the Namkang

Historic Tunnel in the variety of its aspects.

1.4.4 In-Depth interview

Like questionnaires, in-depth interviews will seek the view of different groups of

people toward the Namkang Historic Tunnel. The results of the in-depth interviews will

be useful to the research project because they will show the different viewpoints,

opinions, aspects and information regarding the historic site.

1.4.5 Data analysis

The data analysis will bring together information from both primary and

secondary sources in the form of raw material. When analyzing the data with appropriate

methods, the synthesized information will be useful for drawing final lessons from the

research project.

1.5 Sources of data

The source of data will be basically separated into two categories. The first is the

primary source of data and the latter is the secondary data. The primary source of data

will be collected from the field survey, the interviewing of the tourists and the local

manager and from the aerial photographs. The secondary source of data is principally

from books, internet and related media of the site.

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1.6 Process of the study

Chart 1 The model used in this research project

(Drawn by Srilak Anutararoekwong)

The Namkang Historic Tunnel:

Cultural Management Plan

Research Project

Site examining Site evaluating

Cultural Landscape Significances Integrity and authenticity

- Cultural site on

natural site

- Story telling

- Believes

- Way of life

- Historic value

- Scientific value

- Social value

- Aesthetic value

Field survey (Monitoring)

Interviewing and questionnaire

Collecting information from source of data

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Chapter 2

Literature review

Related literatures and theories

2.1 Cultural landscape

Cultural landscapes are areas where the natural landscape has been transformed

by human actions and the landscape qualities have shaped the way of life of the people.

(Kasermsri Ittiphong, 2007)

Conservation management aims to protect identified historic landscape values and

significances of a site from the various kinds of threats it faces over time. (Taylor &

Tallents, 1996) Therefore, understanding cultural significance is an important first step

before making any conservation decisions (UNESCO & Institute for Tourism Studies,

2007)

2.1.1 Definition and development of cultural landscape

Cultural landscape is the connection between people, places and events through

time. (Ken Taylor, 1998) Each evidence and material was positioned on representing the

relationship between human and their surroundings. The definition of Cultural landscape

was said in a 2004 paper Understanding Cultural Landscapes that “It is now widely

accepted that landscapes reflect human activity and are imbued with cultural values. They

combine elements of space and time, and represent political as well as social and cultural

constructs. As they have evolved over time, and as human activity has changed, they

have acquired many layers of meaning that can be analyzed through historical,

archaeological, geographical and sociological study.” (Ken Taylor, 2009) Since the idea

of cultural landscapes is everyday landscapes, it also relates to human reaction or

intervention and nature as well. As a result cultural landscape can be an evidence

showing people in each generation way of life and continuous living history.

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The origin of cultural landscapes came from the European tradition of landscape

painting in the 16th century but not until the early 20th century that the geographer, Otto

Schluter, came with the first formally used “cultural landscape” as an academic term. At

that time, he had defined two categories of science landscape (Landschaftkunde), which

are original landscape or natural landscape (Urlandschaft), which is the existing

landscape before generating by human and cultural landscape (Kulturlandschaft), which

is a landscape created by human. However it was believe that Carl O. Sauer was probably

be the most influential in promoting and developing the ideal of cultural landscapes. He

pointed that cultural landscape are made up of “the form superimposed on the physical

landscape”. He also gave the definition of the cultural landscape in his paper named “The

Morphology of Landscape” that “The cultural landscape is fashioned from a natural

landscape by a cultural group. Culture is the agent, the natural are the medium, and the

cultural landscape is the result". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_landscape)

The development of cultural landscape was continually developed since 1970. At

that time the idea of the interaction between human and nature was bring to the

consideration. In the same period, writers from different fields also stated that “landscape

preferences were much better explained by reference to the cultural preconceptions and

aspirations of human than by examination of the landscapes themselves” (David Jacques,

1995) 1980 was the year when people realized the pervasive influence of human action.

The International Association for Landscape Ecology was established in two years later.

(David Jacques, 1995)

W.G. Hoskins, the English historian, presented cultural landscape study in the

twentieth century that it was focused on “how to read the landscape” since it is the

evidence of the past to the present generation. As a result, the idea of everyday landscape,

related ideologies and rhythm of life over time are significant. (Ken Taylor, 2009)

From David Jacques’s point of view, 1990s was “the rise of cultural landscapes”.

The term cultural landscape was coincidental with a widening interest in the public

history movement and everyday landscapes. Moreover landscape also became imbued

with nationalistically religious and then scientific associations in Europe and North

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America. (Ken Taylor, 2009) In 1992, the term “cultural landscape” was widely used

internationally. Three categories of landscapes (natural landscape, cultural landscape and

mixed landscape) were declared for World Heritage. In the same year, the World

Heritage Convention became the first international instrument to recognize and protect

cultural landscape. Furthermore the recognition was also extended in 1993 to World

Heritage status with three categories of cultural landscapes of outstanding universal

value. (Ken Taylor, 2003)

The Hoi An Protocol (2001) also gave the definition of cultural landscape as a

geographical area including both cultural and natural resources, and the wildlife or

domestic animals therein, associated with historic events, activities and, persons or

exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.

Since cultural landscape reflects everyday ways of life, the ideologies that compel

people to create places and the sequence or rhythm of life over time are significant; it can

be the key indicator of how important these places have been. In the same time, cultural

landscapes can tell the story of people, events and places through time by offering a sense

of community and a sense of stream of time. (Ken Taylor, 2009)

The Thailand ICOMOS as well also gives the definition of cultural landscape in

the website as “The term of Thailand cultural landscape embraces a diversity of

manifestations of the interaction between humankind and its natural environment under

the limitation of setting and nature environment. Cultural landscapes often reflect specific

techniques of sustainable land-use, considering the characteristics and limits of the

natural environment they are established in, and a specific spiritual relation to nature.”

2.1.2 The criteria of cultural landscape

In determining cultural landscape significance, UNESCO had defined the

operational guidelines to implement cultural landscape sites in two kinds, which are

natural and cultural site or a mixture of both. The criteria will specify the outstanding

universal value, cultural and/or natural significance, which is as exceptional as to

transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future

generations of all community. The World Heritage Committee as a result had set six

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specific criteria for cultural landscape. Heritage that was nominated in the World

Heritage List must conform to one or more of these criteria. (World Heritage Paper, 1992

-2002)

Criterion i represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

Criterion ii exhibit an important interchange of human values; over a span of

time or within a cultural are of the world, on developments in

architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning or

landscape design;

Criterion iii bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural

tradition or to a civilization, which is living or which has

disappeared;

Criterion iv be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or

technological ensemble or landscape, which illustrates (a)

significant stage(s) in human history;

Criterion v be an outstanding example of a tradition human settlement, land

use, or human interaction with the environment especially when it

has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

Criterion vi be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions,

with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of

outstanding universal significance.

(The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be

used in conjunction with other criteria.)

Furthermore, more four criteria are used for the nominated natural site as follow;

Criterion vii to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional

natural beauty and aesthetic importance;

Criterion viii to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's

history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological

processes in the development of landforms, or significant

geomorphic or physiographic features;

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Criterion ix to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going

ecological and biological processes in the evolution and

development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine

ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;

Criterion x to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for

in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those

containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from

the point of view of science or conservation.

2.1.3 Cultural significance and authenticity of heritage

The Burra Charter is a guideline for the conservation and management of places

and cultural significance. The places in the Burra Charter context are places that come up

with cultural value and can be applied for natural, indigenous and historic places and it

also gave the principles and procedures for the conservation of the historic places.

According to the Burra Charter, the cultural significance of places means

aesthetic, historic, scientific and social or spiritual value for past, present or future

generation. (The Burra Charter, 1999)

By dealing with the understanding that the significance of heritage has the prior

important, the Burra Charter had also prescribed in the charter that any changes or

demolitions which may reduce the heritage significance are undesirable and

unacceptable. So the practitioners have to work in the concept of preserving the

significance of place in the same way as the reconstruction, adaptation and new work

which the charter also stated that they are all acceptable but only in the case of

incomplete through the damages and alterations and as the mean of retaining cultural

significance but has minimal impact to heritage.

The Nara Document on Authenticity is the applied form of The Venice Charter,

1964. However The Nara Document on Authenticity scopes on cultural heritage with

concern and interest in contemporary world. This charter is pointed out at the authenticity

in conservation practice as to collect memory of humanity.

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The diversity of culture in this world is another aspect and so many expressions of

this diversity, ranging from monuments and sites through cultural landscapes to

intangible heritage. Furthermore, authenticity also related to cultural heritage that was

rooted in specific cultural context and should be considered accordingly.

(http://whc.unesco.org/archive/nara94.htm)

The charter declared about values and authenticity of heritage that it cannot judge

by fixed criteria but it can judged by the cultural context to which they belong. One site

must have heritage value, credibility and truthfulness as the highest important. The

authenticity of one site need to have criterion in the list below;

- Form and design

- Material and substance

- Use and function

- Traditions and techniques

- Location and setting

- Spirit and feeling

Though the Nara charter has stated many details but authenticity is what this

charter most highlighted.

2.2 Whose heritage?

The word “heritage” in the ancient time means the property which parents handed

on to their children though the word can be used to refer to an intellectual or spiritual

legacy. In the nineteenth and twentieth century’s, the word “heritage” had changed to

“national heritage”. In the present time, this word was given in the term of valuable

features of our environment that we conserve and prevent it from deterioration and

development. (Graeme Davison 2005: 31) It was also stated by Patrick Wright (1985)

that national heritage is the historicized image of an instinctively conservation

establishment. Surely, the word “heritage” can also mean an event that related to events,

places and people. Moreover heritage also talked about the connection between the

ordinary places that can brought back the nostalgic feeling for the related people as well.

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As to signify the importance of a fabric, people tend to establish the heritage

significances and the long history of the site. Not until the establishment of the Burra

Charter, Australia was believed to be the very first country represented the “outstanding

universal value” of the heritage site.

Australia’s national heritage comprises of exceptional natural and cultural places,

which help give its national identity. The conservation process in Australia is

underpinned by the principle that change to a heritage place should not occur at the

expense of its special characters and qualities, by what is describe as its heritage

significances. This requires that approval be obtained before any action takes place which

has, will have or its likely to have, a significant impact on the national heritage value of a

listed place. Conflict in heritage management arises because there are many different

views on how different values are managed. It is the role of the architectural historian,

conservation architect and architect to creativity reveal the inherit values, to interpret

them and sustain the place into the future, never losing site of the fabric unique sense of

place. (Society of Architectural Historians, 2007)

Whose heritage can be rescued and revived only in a common effort to create a

new civilization for all mankind comprising the best tradition of each. There is in this

approach a heady mixture of pride and flattery; there is also, on a more practical level, a

most plausible argument for promoting cultural exchange of all kinds such as

governments, lecturers and students. In our sense, heritage is thing that we pay attention

to because it is still meaningful to us. It becomes the heritage not because it tells us the

great stories about the past but because we use them to tell stories about ourselves. People

use objects of heritage and practices of heritage to shape ideas about who we are as

nations, communities and individuals. (The Open University, 2009) Furthermore,

heritage can impact a sense of national identity and preserve memories and associations,

but it actually deserve of specific person? In some way people constitute “heritage”

depends on social and economic status, cultural and ethnical background and upon

geographic location. When people identify their heritage, it must come up with factors

behind. However, who has the right to decide that the fabric is worth keeping or not or

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who did the monument mean for? (Michael Hartfield, 2001) One heritage is not one’s

alone. Since the whole society bares the cost of archaeology through restrictions on

behavior as well as taxation and through additional costs pasted on to customers by

industry. Questions of heritage of ownership of discourses of past and present are

important elements in present-day. Nonetheless, the perspective of immigrant groups is

often overlooked when decisions are taken concerning preservation of heritage site.

(Geografiska Annaler, 2006) And because heritage does not belong to only specific

people, any decision made must come from the voices of all stakeholders. When talking

about park and cultural landmarks, they are part of the birthright. Park does not belong to

particular group of people but everyone. The minorities are counted as the heritage owner

as well. Referring to the local heritage, it is not given but is made and remade over the

course of time depending on the context of specific political and legal regimes. Thus, the

struggle over local heritage presented in the following reveals a conflict over different

normative understandings and legal practices of who has a right to ownership. (Anja

Pelekis, 2006)

2.3 Cultural tourism

Cultural tourism began to be recognized in the late 1970s. The contribution of the

cultural tourism was derived from tourist who would like to gain a deeper understanding

of the culture or heritage of destination. At the present time, cultural tourism has beaten

all kind of tourism and become the mainstream of traveling. Many destination points also

claim themselves as a cultural tourism places. Local culture and heritage asset have been

continuously presented until the significance is lessened. And most of the time, the

consideration of tourism impact is neglect. In some way, cultural tourism is a worldwide

trend of people that want to explore new culture. It was recognizing in 1980 as distinct

from recreation tourism. The new form of tourism was believed to be another way of

conserving and realizing the value of our heritage. The power of cultural tourism came

from the ability to satisfy the desire of travelling. It’s the fact that tourism is the world’s

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largest industry since 2000. As people travel more, they do not travel aimlessly but get to

know a particular place.

The World Tour Organization (UNWTO) had given the definition of tourism that

tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside

their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and

other purposes. (World Tour Organization, 1995) As to specific about the cultural

tourism, Lord Cultural Resources (a global professional practice dedicated to creating

cultural capital worldwide) had given the definition of cultural tourism that it is a

visitation by persons from outside the host community motivated wholly or in part by

interest in the historical, artistic, scientific or lifestyle/heritage offerings of a community,

region, group or institution. In the same time, Wisconsin Heritage Tourism Program also

gave the definition of the cultural tourism that it is the practice of traveling to experience

historic and cultural attractions to learn about a community’s heritage in an enjoyable and

educational way. (Gail Dexter Lord, 1999) The European Association Historic Towns &

Regions (EAHTR) gave the cultural tourism definition that it is the principle purpose of

which is to share and enjoy physical and intangible heritage and culture including

landscapes, buildings, collections, the arts, identity, tradition and language.

There stated some factors that maximized the power of cultural tourism which

are;

- Increase in short, get away trip means people who try to pack more activities

into more frequent trip of shorter duration.

- Gen-X tourist (born between 1965 - 1977) tends to be more independent

travelers, mobile, highly educated and looking for authenticity and adventure.

- More tourists are searching for meaning of nature, heritage and culture.

- Theme parks have created high expectations for cultural tourism.

- With highly educated tourists, they demanded for more sustainability tourism of

communities and natural environment.

(Gail Dexter Lord, 1999)

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In promoting one tourism site as a cultural tourism site, four main elements of

cultural tourism need to be concerned. The involving elements of cultural tourism are

tourism, use of cultural heritage assets, consumption of experiences and products and the

tourist. (McKerche Bob, Du Croc Hi, 2002) However, another major point is ‘how to

make the cultural tourism site sustained’.

2.4 Dark tourism

Demonstrating a range of moral and ethical dilemmas, Dark tourism brings

tourists to confront with recent and past tragic history. The fascinating of the tourism

normally comes from provocative and emotive subject that arouse tourists’ emotion and

feeling. Interpretation, political and managerial responses and tourists’ experiences

become important tools.

Dark tourism is not a new theory. The early forms of Dark tourism are such as;

the Roman gladiatorial games, pilgrimages or attendance at medieval public executions.

Over the last century, Dark tourism has become widespread, diverse and gain more

popularity. (Smith, 1998: 205) Since being closed to a site associated with death and dark

corner of human’s mind, Dark tourism seems to appeal tourists in general. Even today

when technology shares parts of human lifestyle, death-related events are now allowed to

report in “real time” or repeated for viewing over and over again.

(http://www.citypaper.ee/dark_tourism/)

Being different with other type of tourism, “Dark tourism” is a pattern of

travelling and visitation in sites of death, disaster and the seemingly macabre. Dark

tourism or also called Black tourism or even Grief tourism, it can be referred as

“Thanatourism”, derived from the Ancient Greek word “thanatos”. By the late twentieth

and early twenty-first centuries, more theories of Dark tourism had been presented. In

1990, John Urry discussed about the nature of the Gestapo Museum in Berlin within the

context of Foucault’s “gaze”. Later in 1993, Rojek discussed about “Fatal attractions”,

modern pilgrimage sites. However not until the last decade, Dark tourism was first

labeled in academic world by John Lennon and Malcolm Foley (1996). They signified the

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definition of Dark Tourism as a “fundamental shift in the way in which deaths, disaster,

and atrocity are being handled by those who offer associated tourism ‘product’”.

(Lennon, and Foley, 2000: 3) Important factors toward events upon Dark tourism are

politics, economics, sociologies and technologies because they are central to the selection

and interpretation of sites and events which become tourism products. ”. (Lennon, and

Foley, 2000: 3)

The Dark tourism product can also be categorized as followed;

- Dark fun factories

- Dark exhibitions

- Dark dungeons

- Dark resting places

- Dark shrines

- Dark conflict sites

- Dark camp and genocide

(Philip R. Stone, 2006: 157)

2.5 Sustainable tourism

Since 1872, the number of national parks throughout this world was slightly

increased. However after the World War II, numbers of national parks were largely

increased. Due to the increasing number of national park, it can be assumed that more

people need more green space. It was also said that the growth of ecotourism came from

its activities (Elliott, 1992) while a small portion of international and domestic tourist

considered eco-tourist. (Durst, 1986)

The idea of “green” was being popular by 1980s and 1990s. It was the reflection

of the eco – friendly idea way of life. Today, the green idea is not only a fashionability

concept but it also talks about human responsibility over their activities. As to create a

green tourism destination, there are things that need to be established and considered,

namely;

- Eco – tourism is a kind of tourism relate to the well richness of nature.

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Destinations, which take pride in their abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, have successful

created travel experiences which make it possible to immerse in and involved with nature

as a tourism attraction, which can be seen, felt and even contributed to.

- Eco – friendly relates to the environmentally friendly practice on tourism site

and so does tourism residential area.

- Eco – policies has to deal with all impact from tourism industry over

environment. It aims at reducing of resources and energy in use.

- Eco – engineered is a way to bring more technology in the real practice for

development tourism industry assets. (Anita Mendiratta, 2010)

There are also definitions given for the idea of sustainable development. As it was

said in The Brundtland Commission (1987) that the sustainable development is the meet

of what is needed in the present without adjusting the ability of future generation to meet

their needs. Moreover the achievement of the effective sustainable management which

based on the sustainable diagram (the balancing of environment, social and economic) is

needed. (Swarbrooke, 2001) In 1993, the Europe’s natural and national Parks Federation

stated that sustainable tourism designates every form of tourist development, creation or

activity, respecting and preserving in the long term the natural, cultural and social

resources, and contributing in a positive and fair way to the economic development and

this of the individuals who live, work, and stay in the protected space. (SafeinHerit

network, 2001) Later in 2005, World Tourism Organization had stated that sustainable

tourism is a tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and

environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment

and host communities. (WTP, 2006) In another word, sustainable development is an eco

– friendly way of tourism. It is the integrating between natural, cultural and human

environment harmoniously and lasting its characteristic in a long term perspective. Not so

long after in 2010, the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance (GSTA) also gave the

definition of the sustainable tourism as well. They said that it is a kind of tourism

envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social

and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential

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ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems. (Milena S. Nikolova,

2010)

World Trade Organization also defined the objective of sustainable tourism that it

is to retain the economic and social advantage of tourism development while reducing

and mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural and social

environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the

destination.

As we knew that sustainable tourism is on the rising spot, more demanding from

tourism growing among tourists, tourism agents and local hosts are required. For this

reason, the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria pushes its effort on making clear

understanding of sustainable tourism effectively by separated them into criterions as to be

the standard practice in all forms of tourism. The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria are

as followed;

- Demonstrating effective sustainable management

- Maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize

negative impacts

- Maximizing benefits to cultural heritage and minimizing negative impacts

- Maximizing benefits to the environment and minimizing negative impacts

2.6 Interpreting historic site

The interpretation procedure has been widely developed. Freeman Tilden was

believed as one of the beginners of the interpretation theories. He set down the principles

and theories of Heritage Interpretation in his 1957 book, Interpreting Our Heritage. He

gave the definition of the interpretation that "Heritage interpretation is an educational

activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original

objects, by firsthand experience (learning directly from personal experience) and by

illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information.” (Tilden,

1977) He presented that the interpretation is the way dealing with personal experience.

By visiting, man can have difference experience comparing with reading books like a

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spiritual elevation. The interpretation process is another work of the custodians which

related to revealing message, servicing visitors and giving inspiration or spiritual

meaning to visitors’ sense of perceiving. Or in another word, “interpretation is a way to

describe of what they believed in a simple activity”. (Tilden, 1977) He mentioned that the

interpretater should not put a definition of this word as to lead his work. In the other hand

he should collect all information related and concentrate on the research system. Private

contemplation and contacting with public are another context that should be considered

as to enrich human mind and spirit in the interpretation work. In the interpretation

procedures, there are six basic principles, presented by Tilden as follow;

1. Interpretation which is not related to what they interpret or too personal has no

impact.

2. Interpretation is a study base on information. Only giving information does not

count as interpretation.

3. Interpretation is a combination between many arts such as scientific, historical or

architecture.

4. Interpretation’s aim is to provoke visitor not instruct.

5. Interpretation is a way to present a whole not a part of thing.

6. Children interpretation is difference from adult’s another program for them is

needed.

The related organizations are included ICOMOS who has a main role in Asian

charters such as The Nara Charter on Authenticity, The Hoi An Protocol where Asian

issue had brought to consider, the Xi An Declaration, the charter that conservation

principle had specified and ICOM, the international organization of museums and

museum professionals as well.

Somehow, The ICOMOS Charter on Interpretation seems to receive the idea of

interpretation from Freeman Tilden. However the intangible value was added as to serve

the Eastern world idea and the idea of public communication as well.

Interpretation was a new form of heritage preservation since it helps to connect all

visitors to that place and shows the relationship between them. If interpretation is a part

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of heritage preservation way, it can support tourism in the same time. However, it must

be done in sustainable way for heritage places and local communities. (Apinya

Arrunnapaporn, 2007)

It was emphasized in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter (1999) about the

interpretation in article 25 that the cultural significance of many places is not readily

apparent, and should be explained by interpretation. (The Burra Charter, 1999)

The UNESCO and Institute for Tourism Studies (2007) had suggested basic

guideline for interpretation historic site in order to develop the thematic interpretation as

followed;

- Know your site

Knowing your site is the realization of the heritage’s significances and its

importance. It is the basis for the interpreter to identify the thought of people from

different community to the heritage site.

- Know your audience

Tourist and visitor with different background have different expectation toward

heritage monument. The decision of making interpretation method also relates to

audience analysis. Target interpretation must start with a detailed understanding of the

audience. (Supawadee Lormahamongkol, 2007)

- Know the community

Local community is a part of heritage creativity. Assigned interpreter needs to

know host community’s heritage values and traditions as to avoid any conflictions. The

knowledge is another route making up interpretative interpretation activities.

- Identify constraints and resources

It shows the accessible visitor facilities and enough space for comfortable

movement throughout the site.

- Giving attention to interpretation method

Knowing the space, time and heritage value can be constrained by budget

limitations. (Kasermsri Ittipon, 2007)

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Today, the world of interpretation has been changed by technology revolution.

The revolution had completely changed the relationship between heritage site custodians

and their visitors. (Russel Staiff, 2007) Digital technology made a revolution in the world

of interpretation. It played an important part in heritage interpretation. It became more

daily and routine for people in the middle class to the upper class. This form of

development brought heritage interpretation to the new era. It was obvious that digital

technology in interpretation method can work efficiency. Now, interpretation does not

limit only in heritage site. It can also reduce the cost of signage. Moreover, visitors will

be able to know more information about the site before they really get to it. In another

word, interpretation form had moved from a written language mode to a spoken language

and visual mode instead.

Above all of the benefits from digital technology in interpretation, negative

impacts of it do exist. It cannot deny that local guides were demised with the use of

technology. Furthermore, high technology devices were restricted only for well-to-do

people especially in the third world countries, where standard of living among people is

distinctively different. Finally, unauthorized interpretations are hard to control, when

most of the people know how to access online information. (Russel Staiff, 2007)

Visitor’s experience in heritage site relates to interpretation method as well. It was

clear that experience over heritage place combines of three modes of experience, which

are a spatial experience, a social experience and an aesthetic experience. Somehow, each

visitor’s perception can be different based on their level of education, degree of curiosity

and cultural affiliation. (Russel Staiff, 2007) The limit to heritage interpretation and

respecting the rights of those who “own” their heritage is challenged by a host of forces

ranging from a lack of understanding through to the effects of the western Enlightenment

project and secularism. (Russel Staiff, 2007) In addition, interpretation can be harder

when it relates to contested area especially when there are more than one related parties.

(Apinya Arrunnapaporn, 2007)

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2.7 The Communist ideology

2.7.1 Marxism

Developed by Marx and Eagels from 1840’s into 1890’s, Marxism became the

principal thought, theory and idea of all “Leftist”. Since the ideology had been influenced

Leftist and socially critical theories, “communism”, which was the new term adopted, is

understood as the synonymous of “Marxism”. Marx drew up his “Manifesto” to satisfy

all parties. He entirely trusted to the intellectual development of the working class, which

was result from the combined action and mutual discussion. With a great extent of

Marxis Manifesto, it was a great history of the modern working class movement. (Karl

Marx, EBook# 31193, 2010)

Movement of working class became the main key of Marxism. Marx believed that

communist would empower to labor class of people. Marx was also written about the

communist future in his writing “The German Ideology” in 1845 that “In communist

society, where nobody has one exclusive sphere of activity but each can become

accomplished in any branch he wishes, society regulates the general production and thus

makes it possible for me to do one thing today and another tomorrow, to hunt in the

morning, fish in the afternoon, rear cattle in the evening, criticize after dinner, just as I

have a mind, without ever becoming hunter, fisherman, herdsman or critic” (Karl Marx,

1845)

2.7.2 Leninism

Interpreting and developing from Marxism, Leninism is the political theory

related to the establishment of socialism. The theory was developed by Lenin (Vladimir

Ilyich Ulyanov). Leninism was a practical application of the agrarian society of Russian

Empire of the early 20th century. (Townson D., 1945)

The Leninist theory proposed that vanguard party, supported by the working

class, would lead for the revolution. Then they would transfer power from government to

the working class. Socialism society would be fully developed. Moreover as to reduce

national industries from competing against each other, Leninism also established a

foreign-trade monopoly to allow the productive co-ordination of the national economy.

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The role of vanguard was also to educate working class of people from false

consciousness of religion and nationalism that were constituted by the bourgeoisie. (Carr,

Edward Hallett, 1979)

2.7.3 Maoism

Influencing by Marxist – Leninist, Maoism on the other hand can reach the

highest stage of development. The theory has contributed greatly in the fields of

philosophy, political economy, scientific socialism, military science, party organization,

united front and two-line struggle under the rubric of socialism and the revolution in

colonial and semi (neo) colonial countries are of great historical importance.

(www.mohanbikramsingh.com) It can be stated that the Communist ideology related to

Mao was the most practiced theory in the People’s Republic of China.

Mao Zedong (also known as Mao Tse-tung) had become the leader of the world

communist movement after the death of Stalin. He had also established his party as “The

Communist Party of China” (CPC) and developed the major contributions after Marxism

– Leninism as followed;

- New Democratic Revolution

The fundamental basis of Mao’s New Democratic Revolution (NDR) developed

and implemented these methods and the protracted people’s war encircling the city by the

country side. Peasants had played the main role and carried out the agrarian revolution.

The patriotic and democratic forces under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Part

of fulfill the task of NDR.

- Struggle against Modern Revisionism (MR)

Under the leadership of Mao, he had struggled against modern revisionism. His

struggle was occupied an equally important historical and ideological place in the history

of the International Communist Movement (ICM).

- Continuing Revolution in Socialist Period and the Great Proletarian Cultural

Revolution (GPCR)

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Mao Zedong had developed the Great Proletariat Cultural Revolution in a new

height after the age of Marx, Lenin and Stalin. The theory emphasized on building

proletarian outlook on all questions pertaining of life, society, family, party organization,

politics, culture and on necessity of uncompromising struggle against all kind of

opportunist and breaks off relations with them.

After all the Mao Zedong’s thought and idea can be concluded from his speech,

he said “It is an era in which the world capitalist front has collapsed in one part of the

globe (one sixth of the world) and has fully revealed its decadence everywhere else in

which the remaining capitalist parts cannot survive without relying more than ever on the

colonies and semi colonies in which a socialist state has been established and has

proclaimed readiness to give active support to the liberation movement of all colonies

and semi-colonies and in which the proletariat of the capitalist countries are steamily

freeing itself from the social imperialism influence of the social democratic party and has

proclaimed in its support for the liberation movement in the colonies and semi colonies

that is directed against imperialism, i.e. against the international bourgeois of

international capitalism” (Selected Works on New Democracy, vol-II: 342)

2.7.4 The spread of Communist in South East Asia Region

The return of the European colonial after the World War II brought countries in

South East Asia to the front line of the Cold War. The Cold War happened because of the

different political attitude between the Democracy and the Communist world.

During the Cold war era (1950s to 1980s), the domino theory was promoted by

the United States. It was believed by the American that if one state was influenced by

communism, the surrounding countries would automatically follow in a domino effect.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Southeast_Asia)

The Communist insurgencies broke out all across South East Asia or Indo China

in 1948. Even though the success of the movement could be seen only in some countries,

the communist party took more than thirty years to achieve with the lost of millions of

lives and the country devastation.

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After the North Korea had fallen under Soviet domination, the war between

Communists and the United States finally broke out in 1950. This war ended in 1953 with

the divided into two nations between North Korea and South Korea.

In Vietnam, the Communist party was believed to be the most effective

movement comparing to other countries in Indo China region. The Viet Minh defeated

French troops in March 1954 and took control of North Vietnam. The skill of the

Vietnam Communist movement was well known from the simultaneously nationalist and

Communist, and camouflaging the one behind the other when circumstances demanded

it. Then in 1975, the Vietnam War had come to an end with the victory of the Viet Cong

over the United States.

In Malaya, the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) had been formed in 1930 and

laid down its arms in 1989. The party had taken responsibility in Malaya, Singapore and

also active in the Southern part of Thailand. The CPM was also under the wing of

Guomindang, the motherland party, and also received the idea of Maoism on their

missions as well. It was noted that after the CPM offensive from the Malaya government,

the CPM had drove communist guerrillas into Thai – Malaysia border. A peace talks

between Thai local government, the CPM members and the representative from Malaysia

brought the hard time situation to an end.

It was noticed that a Communist insurgency is another choice for the operator to

achieve the independence. However not different from Mao’s understanding, communist

insurgencies in Asia succeed mostly in countryside.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domino_theory)

2.8 Case studies

After staying as a French colony, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV or

North Vietnam) had defeated over French at Dien Bien Phu in the North West corner of

Vietnam. Since the French colony could no longer maintain its colony, the Geneva Peace

Accords was signed in 1954. Vietnam was partitioned at the 17th parallel. The North

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Vietnam was called the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the South Vietnam was

called the State of Vietnam. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Vietnam)

In 1965, the US army and 6 other allies (Australia, New Zealand, Spain,

Philippines, South Korea and Thai) had sent their troop to South Vietnam. Tunnels were

dug followed the communist fighting ideology. Despite the huge budget on weapons

from the US, the war was ended with the defeat of the US army to the North Vietnam in

1973. In 1976, North and South Vietnam were united and was called the Socialist

Republic of Vietnam.

There are two tunnels chosen as case studies. The first case study is the Vinh Moc

Tunnels and the second case study is the Cu Chi Tunnels. The first tunnels have the

similar character as the Namkang Historic Tunnels while the Cu Chi Tunnels can

represent the tourism management in the dark tourism site well.

2.8.1 Vinh Moc Tunnels, Quang Tri, Vietnam: A similar character tunnels as

the Namkang Tunnels

Because of the similar character of the two tunnels, Vinh Moc Tunnel was chosen

to be the first case study. With the heritage similar functions, there are some different

parts too. Firstly, Vinh Moc is an underground tunnel while Namkang Historic Tunnel

was dug through a mountain. Secondly, the management patterns of the two sites are also

different. The Vietnam Government fully managed the site, while the self-proclaim

managers (former CPM members) manage the site on their own. Finally, the touring

program in Vinh Moc is professionally managed. The site can bring both domestic and

international tourists on site. The Namkang tunnel is different. They do not have clear

management plan and they have to face with the South Thailand Emergency incident.

There are only a few international tourist (from Malaysia and nearby area) and small

number of domestic tourists.

With the attempt to save the local villagers’ lives in Vinh Thach, the idea of

digging an underground network was brought into real practice. The Vinh Moc Tunnels

located on the South China Sea, North Ben Hai River; in another word it located in the

weapon free area. However, the area was believed to be the most bombed area.

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Figure 15 Shows the setting of Vinh Moc Tunnels in Vietnam

(http://adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/233/itinerary/18.aspx)

Vinh Moc Tunnels were built in 1966 and was used until 1971. The main

structure of the tunnels was dense clay, which harden after it touched the air. Because of

this reason, the tunnel had the perfect structure support. There are 3 floors and round

staircase inside the tunnels. The underground community’s length is nearly 2 kilometers

and the deepest section is 23 meters. It was said that even the strongest bomb could not

reach the tunnel. Inside the tunnels, there are a hall, clinic and living quarter. The genius

shown in the tunnels came from the adaptation of the benefit from its location. The linked

to sea side was used as the ventilators way. The tunnels have 13 exit ways; 7 of them

linked to the sea and the other 6 ways located near a hill. Surprisingly after the war

ended, no live was lost due to the strong structure of the tunnel; although it was hit by

more than 7 tons of bomb.

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Figure 16 Shows the map of Vinh Moc Tunnels

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinh_Moc_tunnels)

When the war ended in 1975, the tunnels were begun to rebuild for tourism.

Today, the tunnels were rebuilt for tourism. It is a historical evidence and tourist

destination. People from all over the world can experience the tunnels as a group tour or

an individual. Moreover, there is a mute guide, who was the one out of seven children

born in the tunnels.

At the present time, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are opened as a well – management

tourism site. The tunnels were interpreted with various approaches such as mocked up

model, maps and local guide. The local people can also earn a large amount of money

from tourism. With all these tourism approaches of the Vinh Moc Tunnels, it can be

adapted to the Namkang Historic site well. Since the two sites are almost similar in many

aspects, the management and interpretation procedures of the Vinh Moc Tunnels can

become a model for Namkang Historic Tunnels management pattern.

2.8.2 The Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon, Vietnam: A well – known dark tourism site

Being an important part of the Cold War and have similar characteristics to the

Namkang Historic Tunnel, Cu Chi tunnels were selected to be a case study of the site.

The historic site management plan and tourism management plan of Cu Chi Tunnels can

be good example of the Namkang Historic Tunnel. It can be said that Cu Chi Tunnels are

36

well known dark tourism site, where tourists can perceive the feeling of the warfare

incident.

Vietnam War happened in 1955. It was part of Cold War era military conflict on

political and administration aspects. The country, as a result, was divided in 1954. The

Northern part was ruled by the communist, which received the ideology from Maoism.

They were leaded by Nguyễn Sinh Cung (and also known as Nguyễn Tất Thành and

Nguyễn Ái Quốc) under the pseudo name Ho Chi Mihn. And the USA and allies

supported the Southern part. As to fight back, the underground tunnels network was dug

as the base for Viet Cong operations some of which was the infamous TET Offensive in

1968.

The Cu Chi Tunnels locate in the Northwest of Saigon. The Iron Triangle Area

was the name of the tunnels location. In the war era, tunnels were dug at approximately

200 kilometers long in the 40 square miles of jungle. The Cu Chi Tunnels were first dug

in 1948 and spent over 25 years in building process.

Figure 17 Shows the setting of the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam

(http://adventures.worldnomads.com/destination/233/itinerary/18.aspx)

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Figure 18 Shows the area of the Cu Chi Tunnels at the present time

(http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=th&q=cu%20chi%20tunnels&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,

cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=693&wrapid=tlif133969204538810&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il)

During the Vietnam War, approximately 200 km tunnels were constructed

underground. The dug underground tunnels had connected the Viet Cong villages,

districts and provinces altogether. The more the US army annihilated them, the wider the

tunnels were dug underground. The removed clay from the tunnels were used in the

basement of local houses, furrows for potato growing, banks for communication of

combat trenches.

Figure 19 Shows the map of the Cu Chi Tunnels

(http://www.carrieandjonathan.com/cu-chi-tunnels-of-the-viet-cong/)

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Cu Chi Base camp relied on local workers for support. The Cu Chi Base Camp,

the Viet Cong and the Iron Triangle had the strong connection with each other. The Viet

Cong in Cu Chi district and the Iron Triangle were consistently given a few days to a few

hours notice before any attack was carried out against them. The operation had stopped in

1975, when Vietnam War came to an end with the victory of the anti-American resistance

war.

Today, there is no more war or the sound of the bullet at Cu Chi tunnel. The

tunnels were adapted as a tourism site that related to the country’s history. In one of the

most bombed area, it has been managed into a war memorial park. Most tourists would

be able to visit the war museum, where interpretation theory and old elements from the

war period were shown. Tourists can feel like they are a part of the war memories by

traveling with the well trained local guide, who dresses in old guerrilla uniform or tasting

“guerrilla meal”.

With the above tourism plan and activity of the Cu Chi Tunnels, it can bring all

the tourists to the Cold War Era again. Tourist will understand the life and fight of the

Viet Cong and the hard time of the underground guerrilla. It can be said that the Cu Chi

Tunnels had raised the idea of experiencing their intangible heritage (food) to be another

activity of all visitor.

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Chapter 3

Site Assessment

3.1 The original name of Namkang National Park

Figure 20 Shows the map of Thailand and Songkhla Province

Figure 21 Map of Songkhla Province

(http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=th&q=songkhla&tab=il)

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Figure 22 Shows the Nathawi District and the location of Namkang National Park

(http://kanchanapisek.or.th/kp8/culture/skl/sklmap.html)

Figure 23 Shows the land use of Namkang National Park

(http://www.dnp.go.th/ims/wwwhome/Service2004/Park47/Park.html)

41

The Namkang National Park was first known in the local language as “Khao

Namkang”, which means Namkang Mountain. From the name of this mountain, “Khao”

means mountain and “Namkang” means dew in English.

It was told from the original legend that the temperature on hill top of the

Namkang Mountain is quite low throughout the year. In the old day, people, who climbed

up the mountain, said that they tended to find a web like dew on the grass even it was at

noon. Since the different perspective of the mountain, it was named after the natural

beauty of its own as the Namkang Mountain.

Later in 1991 (2534 B.E.), the Namkang Mountain was declared as “Namkang

National Park”, which is the 65th national park of Thailand with the 212 square

kilometers. (http://park.dnp.go.th/visitor/nationparkshow.php?PTA_CODE=1065)

3.2 The understanding of Namkang National Park

3.2.1 Geography

The Namkang National Park consists of long and high range of mountains along

the national border between Thailand and Malaysia. The famous hilltops are as followed;

Kuan saya, Kuan Kaomai and Kao Namkang, which is the highest hilltop (648 meters

from sea level). Moreover, all these forests are the headwaters of rivers such as; Klong

Nathawi, Klong Prick, Klong Tubchang and Klong Saikao.

Soil types in the national park can be categorized into three groups, which are

clay, loose soil and clay loam. And there are two kinds of stone type, which are lime

stone and granite.

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Figure 24 Shows the geographical map of Namkang National Park

(http://park.dnp.go.th/visitor/nationparkshow.php?PTA_CODE=1065)

From the figure above, it can be noted that the tropical rain forest covers most part

of the national park. However, some deserted field can be seen as well. The deserted field

was the result from Piyamit village’s farming and agriculture in the national park area.

3.2.2 Climate

Like other part of the region, climate in Namkang National Park is influenced

from the Northeastern and Southwestern monsoons, the rainfall level is high as a result.

With the same reason, it takes 9 months of rainy season (May - January) and only 3

months of summer (February - April).

3.2.3 Plant and wild life

Because the Namkang National Park is the fertile rain forest, there has biological

diversity of plants and animals. From the survey, there are varios kinds of plants founded

in the national park such as Hlumpa ,Iron Wood ,Meranti ,Mesawa ,Orange

Champak ,Bullet Wood ,Mangifera Caloneura Kurz ,Rattan ,Bamboo ,Orchid ,Fern and

Moss. Moreover, it was also recorded that boar, bear, gibbon, turtle, barking deer,

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chamois, tapir, panther, mouse deer, palm civet, lizard, hornbills, pheasant, arborophila,

peacock, hill myna and magpie are found in Namkang National Park.

(http://park.dnp.go.th/visitor/nationparkshow.php?PTA_CODE=1065)

3.3 Facilities and transportation

3.3.1 Transportation

The best transportation way for travelling to Namkang National Park is personal

car and private bus. Tourists can choose two access ways. The first option is by using

highway number 4113 (Nathawi - Baanprakob). And the latter option is by taking

highway number 4243 from Sadao District.

Figure 25 Show the transportation route to Namakang National Park

(http://www.tourismmart.com/storefront/zoommap_province.asp?countryid=1&pvid=490&lid=En&picid=1461&memid=5212)

With the benefit from road system expansion, the central budget had come in the

district. The new road has four lanes and asphalt top. Tourists and visitors can drive to the

center of the national park easier comparing to the past.

Route no. 4113

(Nathawi – Baanprakob)

Route no. 4243

(Sadao District)

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3.3.2 Information center and security

The Namkang National Park and the Namkang Historic Tunnel were separately

managed. At the first arrival point for tourists, they will see the security box of the forest

officers. The box uses for collecting the national park entrance fee and providing basic

information for tourists in case they need. If tourists wish to stop by the national park

area, they can park their cars or vehicles in the parking lots area. However, if the tourists

also intend to go to the historic tunnel, the entrance fee at the first entrance does not

include. For the tunnel’s detail and information, tourists can ask from indigenous local

guide or the heritage manager.

Figure 26 – 27 Shows the Namkang National Park guard box and visitor center

(Taken by Srilak A., 2012)

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Figure 28 – 29 Shows the Namkang Historic Tunnel entrance gate (before and after renovation)

(Taken by Srilak A., 2011, 2012)

3.3.3 Residents and facilities

- Housing and resident

Today, the Namkang National Park office had provided camping ground in

various places around this national park. Besides the camping ground, rooms and

bungalows were also available. However, they were in a deterioration state since there

were fewer tourists, who stayed overnight.

- Shop

Souvenir shop is also available in Namkang National Park. There is only one shop

provided. It is located at the historic tunnel area. Tourists can buy local souvenir such as

postcard, book and CD and local herb at this shop.

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Figure 30 – 31 Shows souvenir shop operated by Namkang Tunnel manager


-Parking lot

Both of the national park and the historic tunnel had provided parking lots for

tourists. The parking lot also supports all kind of vehicles including personal car, bus and

motorcycle.

Figure 32 Shows the parking lot area


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- Public toilet

Public toilet for tourists is available at the Namkang Historic Tunnel. The new

public toilet located opposite to the historic tunnel office. It was built from the ex –

guerrilla’s budget.

Figure 33 – 34 Shows the new public toilet for tourists


3.3.4 Activities related

Knowing that Namkang National Park consists of natural and cultural tourism

site, there are various categories of activity related as a result. Those activities are as

followed;

- Sun rise spot

For the sleep over tourists, they can appreciate nice and beautiful atmosphere of

the Namkang Mountail hilltop. Moreover, they can feel natural cool breeze while the sun

rises in the middle of the sky.

- Tracking along fertile rain forest

In a day time, tourists can also enjoy tracking along Namkang National Park rain

forest. Except the beautifying of the nature, tourist can also study the diversity biological

life and plant in the provided route.

- Learning from the history

Namkang Historic Tunnel is the representative evidence of the Cold War era

where communist ideology had infiltrated in Thailand. Both international and domestic

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level visitor can surely learn the site history while tracing back part of this world crucial

incident.

3.4 The present situation of Namkang Historic Tunnel

3.4.1 Social Character of the Piyamit Village

After the Agreement of Peace Talks was signed between Internal Security

Operations Command Region #4 and the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) was signed

up in 1989, there are actions and agreements that the two parties had to follow. Referring

to the agreement, the CPM members would be provided with four villages, building

materials and tools and farmland in every family. Each family of the former CPM

member was given 15 Rai1 (Thai area unit) of land per family around Namkang Mountain

to do their living with specific condition. The land was later developed by the members

of the CPM and was allocated by the Thai authorities. The member of the CPM could

also choose to live in one of the four allocated villages. It was known from the

interviewing that most of the CPM members scattered in the three main areas, which

were Piyamit 5th village, Hatyai district and nearby areas and Malaysia.

At the present time, there are approximately 50 households or 150 villagers living

in the Piyamit village. From those villagers number, there are 80 – 90 people, who were

the former CPM members. And the rest are labors using in rubber plantation. It was

known from the interviewing of Mr.Leong Yee Sing that the CPM guerrillas had asked

1,250 Rai (2,000,000 Square Meters) piece of land from the Thai government. The area

was divided into two sections. The first section is the historical tunnel area (550 Rai) and

the latter section is the Piyamit Village area (700 Rai).

For the Piyamit Village population surveying, it was found out that most of the

villagers are the elderly people. There are only a few middle aged people because most of

them went for further education in a bigger town like Hat Yai or Bangkok. There are few

of them, who decided to come back to the village to take care of their parents, while other

1 1 Rai equal to 1600 Square Meters or 400 Square Wah 1 Rai equal to 0.395 Acre 1 Acre equal to 4,046.856 Square Meters

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decided to live and work in towns. With the reason that most of them were Malaysian -

Chinese people, their main communicating language was Chinese. However, most of

them can also use Thai and Bahasa in the communication level. The main income of the

Piyamit Villagers comes from the rubber plantation. Except the rubber farm, they also

earn a living from tourism and trading as well.

Figure 35 – 40 Shows the social characteristic of Piyamit 5th village, Namkang National Park

(Taken by Srilak A., 2012, Google Earth)

The Piyamit Village

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Moreover with the condition that the given piece of land from Thai government

cannot be sold but it can be inherited to the ex – CPM members, some of those people

had to adopt their foster children or give their rubber farm to their children. In the present

time, the former guerrillas are at the age about 50 – 75 years old and all of them already

got Thai nationality.

3.4.2 Economic and tourism situation

Tourism situation in Namkang Tunnel at the present time is different from the

past when the area was full of peace. Since 2004, an ethnic separatist insurgency was

taking place in three southernmost provinces of Thailand. Violence bomb and ambush

had increasingly spilling over into other provinces. Today in 2012, car bomb and other

violence incident continually happened and never declined although it has occurred for

decades in the region. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Thailand_insurgency)

Figure 41 Shows the South Thailand Insurgency area

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Thailand_insurgency)

The economic and tourism situation in the specific and nearby area had stopped its

growth. Less number of tourists, less income and less tourism promoting can demonstrate

the decline of tourism site popularity well.

Coming up with the idea that tourism was not the only source of their income; the

Piyamit 5th villager’s living standard did not decline. Most of them earn their living from

rubber plantation in the given land. Some of them do their own business around the Thai

– Malaysia border.

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3.4.3 Whose heritage does the Namkang Tunnel belong to?

The Namkang Tunnel were constructed in the second Malaya Emergency period

of time. The Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) consisted of Chinese and Malay-

Muslim people, although it was mostly identified with the Chinese. With the hard

suppression from the (colonial) Malayan Government, the CPM guerrillas had fled to the

border of Thailand. From the records, it was found that the CPM guerrillas first appeared

in the area of Thailand’s border in 1949. Although the CPM had settled down in

Thailand, their operations still took place in the Malayan and border areas.

The Namkang Historic Tunnel is believed to be the longest man-made tunnel

system in Thailand. The labourers, constructing the historic tunnel, were the CPM

guerrillas. They were definitely not Thai people. After the end of the Malayan

Communist insurgency, the next question over this historic heritage site was “Who owns

the fabric?” or “Which country has the priority over the fabric?” It was an interesting

question that raises both legal and more philosophical issues.

As to answer the questions, there are various things that need to be considered. It

is obvious that the Namkang Historic tunnel did not only deal with the international

relationship matters between Thailand and (British) Malaya, but it also deals with the

political aspects of the internal uprisings and disputations in both Thailand and Malaya in

that era. As stated above, the Namkang Tunnel was designed, built and constructed by the

Malayan Communist guerrillas. Their intention in building their housing, shelter and base

was so as to fight the colonial Malayan Government and this finally became the

Namkang Tunnel. However, the historic site has been located in a country that did not

directly relate to their insurgency and fighting history. Thailand, at that time, neither

expressed support for the CPM guerrillas nor did they express tolerance for their

existence in the territory. It is significant that Thailand, in that era, was also in a state of

Communist insurgency.

At the international relationship level, it cannot be concluded whether Thailand or

Malaysia should ‘own’ the heritage. With the fact that it was built by Chinese-Malayan

communist guerrillas, an illegal force in Malaya but located in the deep forest of

52

Thailand, the question cannot really be resolved since the nationalities, the location, the

political ideology and the push factor of the CPM in constructing the tunnel came from

different agencies and agendas. Furthermore, the Namkang Tunnel was also evidence of

the spread of Communist ideology in what were believed to be democratic countries.

Today, the Namkang Mountain and associated area have been declared as a

National Park of Thailand. Normally, all national parks are under the control and

management of National Parks Thailand. The Namkang National Park is different. Unlike

other national parks, the Namkang Tunnel National Park was divided into 2 parts with the

different managers. The national park is under the management of the Thailand National

Park Department, while the Namkang Tunnel and the Piyamit village are under the

management of the old members of the CPM. The present situation was the result from

the Hat Yai Tripartite Peace Accords. The contract was made between the Thai

Government, Malaya Government and the CPM representatives. The aim of the contract

was to disarm the CPM and to bring eternal peace to the Southern part of Thailand. The

Thai government had promised to give them pieces of lands for purposes of agriculture.

So the old CPM members have possessed the land in the Namkang National Park since

then.

3.4.4 The land evolution of the Namkang Mountain

Different from other forests, the Namkang Mountain had changed its form and

pattern through time. The way people reacted to the area made the unique characteristic

to the rain forest. From the in-depth study and interview, the evolution of Namkang

Mountain can be divided into periods as followed;

In the earlier time, Namkang Mountain was a typical rain forest in the Southern

part of Thailand. It was fertile with diverse biology.

However, the warfare time in Malaya had made a major change to the site. The

Namkang rainforest was not just a typical rainforest anymore. With the insurgency of the

CPM army, the mountain later on became a suited place for the Communist Party of

Malaya (CPM) members to settle down. This major change happened in 1972. It was the

time that the Namkang Tunnel was first dug. Since the CPM had settled down on this

53

site, Namkang Tunnel and the border area was a battlefield between the CPM troop and

the Malayan government troop. It took more than decades to bring the warfare to an end.

At that time, the forest was known as a restricted area for the outsider and so did the local

people.

In 1987, there was an attempt to bring the peace back to the area. The Thai

government, the Malaya government and the representative of the CPM had made a Tri-

Partite Peace Accord at Hatyai, Sonkgkhla Province, Thailand. After the Peace accord

was signed up, the Thai government gave each CPM family 15 Rai piece of land. The

former CPM member had a chance to do their living in the provided area with specific

conditions. They had built their own village called the Piyamit Village and planted rubber

tree.

In 1991, the Namkang Mountain including the area of Piyamit Village, the rubber

plantation and Namkang Historic Tunnel was declared as the 65th national park of

Thailand. However, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

(DNP) still allowed the CPM family to do their living in the national park according to

the signed peace accord. After the declaration, Namkang Historic Tunnel stayed under

the management of the DNP.

In 1996, the former CPM member had asked the tunnel back from the Department

of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). They had the attempt to

manage the historic site themselves following the head men decisions.

In 1997, the developed tunnel had a grand opening as a tourism site. It was so

popular that there used to be hundreds of people came on site each day. There was a

record of the tunnel manager claimed that tourism number could reach to more than a

thousand tourists on peak day, which is doubtful considering the caring capacity of the

existed car park, catering and W/C.

In 2004, the emergence of South Thailand Insurgency was dramatically decreased

the tourist number in the Namkang National Park and Namkang Historic Tunnel. The

number of tourists went from hundreds of people to no more than a hundred people per

54

day during weekend. However, the self-proclaim heritage managers still wish for the

better outcome when the present situation resettles itself in the future.

In 2012, the active members of the CPM have made a full development on site

with the attempt to correct the tourism situation. However from the interview, it seems

that the funding of the whole venture came from only a few members namely; Mr.Leong

Yee Sing, Mr.Pang Min Sang and part employee business partner Mr.Liang Chen.

3.5 The landscape of Namkang Mountain National Park and Namkang Historic

Tunnel

Being different from other national parks, Namkang Mountain National Park can

be divided the landscape into 2 main sections, which are natural landscape and cultural

landscape. The latter one used nature as the hiding place and they looked after their

hiding place well; hence natural landscape was conserved and fertile as a result.

Figure 42 Shows the landscape map of Namkang National Park

(http://www.thaitripdd.com/webboard/index.php?topic=110.0)

68 km. from Hat Yai District 88 km. from Muang

Songkhla District

35 km. from Sadao Immigration

36 km. from Baan Prakob Immigration

N

55

3.5.1 The natural sites attractions in Namkang Mountain National Park

Namkang Mountain National Park is a fertile forest. Moreover, it was neatly

conserved since the age of the cold war. Although some part of the mountain was dug

into tunnel, most part of it stays fertile through times.

The natural tourist attractions in Namkang Mountain National Park are as

followed;

3.5.1.1 Pruching waterfall

Pruching waterfall is the highest waterfall in Namkang Mountain National Park. It

was set among various species of plants and animals. Tourists, who interested to visit the

waterfall, must contact the park’s officers since they have to track in the forest.

Figure 43 Shows the Pruching waterfall

(http://park.dnp.go.th/dnp/ptascene/1065scene100311_110019.jpg)

3.5.1.2 Tondadfah waterfall

Tondadfah waterfall is also located in Namkang National Park. From the

waterfall’s name, “dadfah” means deck in English. It has got this name since it is about

20 meters high. Travelling in this waterfall, tourists will enjoy and relax with the

surrounded nature and wild life.

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Figure 44 Shows Tondadfah waterfall


3.5.1.3 Tonlad waterfall

The distinctive of Tonlad waterfall out of the others comes from water that flows

along a long stone ramp. After the arrival, tourists can have fun playing and walking

around and up on the waterfall, where is a wide stone court. In these days, not so many

people had arrived at the waterfall; hence nature around this waterfall stays in good

condition.

Figure 45 Shows Tonlad waterfall


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3.5.1.4 Tonmaipuk waterfall

Located in the very deep forest, adventurous tourists have to take one day for

tracking to the waterfall. The name of the waterfall “Tonmaipuk” (the lunged stick) come

from the landscape itself. Like Pruching waterfall, tourists have to contact the park’s

officer before tracking to Tonmaipuk waterfall.

Figure 46 Shows Tonmaipuk waterfall

(http://park.dnp.go.th/dnp/ptascene/1065scene100311_105343.jpg) 3.5.1.5 Tonsung waterfall

Tonsung waterfall is a 14 stories high waterfall. Tourists visiting the waterfall can

appreciate the pureness nature all around.

Figure 47 Shows Tonsung waterfall


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3.5.1.5 Wangluangprom waterfall

Wangluangprom waterfall is a small-sized waterfall. In the middle of the waterfall

locates a big rock that divides water into two streams. One of the stream becomes a big

and deep trough, where is the habitat of aquatic animals.

Figure 48 Shows Wangluangprom waterfall


From the natural site attraction above, it can be noticed that most of the waterfall

names are beginning with “ton” (โตน). The word “ton” is the Southern local language,

which means waterfall.

3.5.2 The cultural landscape sites: The Namkang Tunnel

Namkang Historic Tunnel and Piyamit 5th village is the historic site of Namkang

Mountain National Park, where stories has been told. It was believed that Namkang

Historic Tunnel was the biggest CPM base in the region.

Before entering the historic tunnel, tourists have to walk through the exhibition

about the communist village, where photos, information and old weapons are provided.

The exhibition will make a basic understanding to tourists. Moreover, if they come to the

tunnel in groups, the old CPM members, who later became the tunnel officers, will make

an informal lecture about the history of the tunnel and related people to tourists.

59

The admission fee for visiting Namkang Historic Tunnel is excluded from the

Namkang National Park fee. It charges 20 Bath per person.

Figure 49 Shows the entrance of Namkang Historic Tunnel


3.6 The assessment of Namkang Tunnel, Namkang National Park, Nathawi district,

Songkhla Province, Thailand

3.6.1 The history of Namkang Tunnel

The Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) was established in 1930. Most of the

party’s members were Chinese, came from the mainland. The members were labeled as

the guerrillas. They harbored different attitude toward political matters with Great

Britain, the Japanese and later the Malaysia government and also believed that the

communist ideology would be the best way for initiating a revolution aimed against the

British. They had moved to the border of Thailand and started building their hiding place

from Thailand, Malaya and the British armies. The tunnel was 1,000 meters long with 16

exists. It was located harmoniously with its surrounded natural environment. The tunnel

became the guerrillas’ residence for some 10 years then it became, somewhat

incongruously, a tourist attraction in the present day.

After the Malaya’s independence period, some of the Malayan communist

60

guerrillas did not accept the condition of independence from the United Kingdom.

However, they all ended up with confronting the suggestion of “surrender” after they

issued a statement calling the resumption of Peace Talks. Finally, the Communist Party

of Malayan (CPM) became an illegal force. The number of the guerrillas’ members

decreased from up to 12,000 men to only 1,800 men. From the number, 450 – 500 men

had fled into Thailand. When the Malaysian communist guerrillas entered to Thailand,

they established themselves around the border area of the country and started to spread

communist teachings and ideas.

The Namkang Tunnel was dug in 1972 as the hub from where the CPM could

fight back against their enemies. The Namkang Historic Tunnel is the biggest and longest

man-made clay tunnel in Thailand. It took two years to finish building operation. In the

three stories tunnel, there are clay staircases connected every sections altogether. Inside

the tunnel or the Malayan communist guerrilla’s camp, rooms were divided in a three

stories high tunnel; there was a commander’s room, the weapon room, hospital, radio

room, the school where they taught about the Russian Communist theory and Mao Zhe

Tong, basketball field, shops and guardians. In addition to the interior of the tunnel, the

surrounding area was cleaned up for the guerrilla’s lifestyle as well. A bamboo forest was

planted and bunkers were dug. The bamboo forest was planted to conceal themselves

from the air force bombers. Many bunkers were dug scattered all around the tunnel’s

area. The CPM had lived in Namkang Mountain for 17 years (1972 - 1989) before the

Fourth Army Area and the Royal Thai Army solved the confliction in the area. The long

story of the CPM later on ends up and becomes part of Thailand’s faded history.

After the hard history of the CPM, some of its erstwhile leftist members now still

live in the national park and settle their own community called “Piyamit village”. They

all live in the distributed area from Thai government and do the agriculture for living

there. The Namkang Historic Tunnel was also proposed as the tourist attraction that

represented the history of Cold War in the South- East Asia region.

Today, the Namkang Historic Tunnel is under the management of the old CPM

members. They have established and manage the local souvenir shop and collect the

61

entrance fee to the tunnel from tourists. However, the question arises as to whether the

historic tunnel belongs to country in which it is located (Thailand), to the country to

whose history it is so central (Malaysia) or to the CPM members. The research project as

well will study the impact and effect from humans broadly and from tourism more

specifically on the Namkang Historic Tunnel.

3.6.2 The tripartite Hat Yai Peace Agreement

Because of the permanent peace of the Southern flame, tripartite peace

negotiations were continually held in Thailand especially in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province.

Track back to the age of the CPM invasion, the government had chosen to work on

military approach more than political. Unfortunately, it did not work as aspect. There

were two approaches that Thai government used to disarm the CPM. The first way was

using military backed up by political action. The second approach was using politics

backup by military.

Figure 50 – 51 Shows the atmosphere of the Tripartite Peace Agreement

(Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007)

In the first approach, military utilities and various tactics were used by the Armed

forces. Although the CPM were blockaded, attacked and ambushed, they were not

defeated. The government, as a result, had to bring new approach to the real practice.

Starting in 1980, the state government tried to defeat the guerrilla by political means. The

second approach used political means over militaries. They also helped people, applied

psychology, upsetting the conditions of war in society, using the power of the people in

the fight. Fighting through peaceful means and also creating the understanding could help

eradicating contentions, negotiating to find ways of preventing contentions from

62

occurring and stopping the use of weapons. It was believed that the second warfare

approach was the effective way to ease the Southern flame permanently after they have

fought each other for over 40 years.

In order for the Thai operators to solve the Southern flame, they have to

understand the CPM and their ideology first. The main philosophies of the CPM were

“from the bottom to the top, from sympathizer to activist, from activist to party member”

and “taking one bite at a time”. (Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007) From those reasons, all plans

must follow the CPM ideology as to achieve the plan. Not only planning all the solution

by themselves, Thai government also worked with Malaysian government as well. For

the Thai side, they believed that the negotiation was the best way out, which could

disband the CPM by peaceful means and bring them to participate in the development of

the Thai Nation.

The extinguishing of the Southern flame started from 1985 and succeeded in

1989. Go back to 1988; the representation of the CPM came to Hat Yai District,

Songkhla Province, Thailand, to claim that the party had agreed with Thai proposal for

Southern peace. However, the headperson, who could make the final decision, was Chin

Peng, the CPM party Secretary General.

In the basic conditions of the Peace Talks, the CPM had purposed 5 basic

conditions. The details were as followed;

1. All CPM members must be released of political prisoners and must be freely

allowed to come back to Malaysia.

2. The CPM and the People’s Revolutionary Malaya Party of Melayu Party of

Malaya (PKMRM) must be recognized.

3. The CPM, PKMRM and the People’s Army must be returned their freedom

form arresting, interrogation and detention if they were well co-operated.

4. The CPM and the People’s Army must be given identity card in case they

would like to return to Malaysia. The same rights and privileges had to be

given back like normal citizens.

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5. All actions of the People’s Army in bring about an independent Malaysia had

to be recognized. Moreover, all seized property belonging of the CPM must be

returned.

In the last tripartite negotiations meeting, it was the fifth meeting, which intended

to manage the agreement on every problem of all sides. The conclusion of the meeting

came out with the approving of establishing the three sides’ agreement, a draft of the

leaders’ speeches and the other related matters. For over 40 years in the warfare era, the

fight between the democratic systems and the communist system came to its historic day,

which brought all contestation to an end, on 2nd December, 1989.

In addition, all success could come from reasons, which can be summarized as

followed;

- Developed accurate strategy was the good start for creating peace. Thai

government had planned to use the politics backed up by military and applying all

those plans in suitable time.

- Applied the principle of freedom by gave a free hand to perform one’s duty,

develop idea, plan, supervise and assess results.

- Set a small number of personnel as a maintaining of one’s confident.

- Well co-ordinate work between officers by assisting each other without envy

made all problems became well organized tasks.

- Efficient emissaries from all three sides preceded the negotiations smoothly and

brought all contestation to a successful conclusion.

3.6.3 The Namkang Tunnel analysis

3.6.3.1 The history and character of Namkang Historic Tunnel

Namkang Tunnel was located in the deep forest of the Namkang National Park,

Nathawi District, Songkhla Province, Thailand. It can be counted that the Namkang

Historic Tunnel was the precious evidence demonstrating the existence of the Cold War

era. The site was strictly received the communist ideology from the China mainland. Its

function also had the similarity to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon, Vietnam. Both of the

tunnels were able to protect the guerrillas from their enemies and air bombs. The historic

64

place also represents the international relationship between Thailand and Malaysia as

well. The difference between the two tunnels is that one was dug underground while

another was dug through a selected mountain. Anyhow, the two historic sites had the

same purpose and aim in constructing.

A maze of tunnel was dug in 1972 by the members of Communist Party of

Malaya (CPM). It was used as a house, a hub and a hiding place for the CPM guerrillas

from Thai and Malaya army. The CPM had spent 2 years digging the whole tunnel with

their hands and other basic tools found in the area such as; shovels and spades. The

tunnel as a result could be stated as one of the masterpiece of hand – made work of

mankind.

Figure 52 – 53 The entrance to the Namkang Historic Tunnel


The CPM guerrillas used their skills chosen the best location out of the Namakang

Mountain ranges with their highly experienced from the jungle life. Out of their basic

tools used, the outcome was astonishing, surprisingly effective and functional. After all

the construction process, a mountain was transformed into a complicated tunnel network.

The Namkang Historic Tunnel was 40 meters deep and 1 kilometer long. It was divided

into 3 stories high with 16 exist ways, 7 guardhouses, 13 turrets. The turret location was

carefully chosen by the CPM member. Each gun house must be reachable within 5

minutes and had to support the reinforce ability in each fight.

65

Figure 54 The staircase inside the tunnel


The interior of the tunnel gave the most comfortable feeling for the guerrillas at

their best. There were about 200 guerrilla soldiers living in this tunnel at that time. The

average temperature inside the tunnel was around 25 Celsius degree. Moreover, they

were facilitated with the commander’s room, weapon room, medication room, operation

room, radio room, conference room, kitchen, shooting practice room, motorcycle practice

area and toilet compiled in one tunnel.

66

Figure 55 – 58 Shows the interior function of the Namkang Historic Tunnel


Furthermore as to conceal the tunnel from the aerial arm force, the guerrillas also

planted bamboo forest in order to cover them under the greenery of the forest and

surrounding nature. Besides all attacks from Thai and Malaysia army, the guerrilla

soldiers had to fight with the local disease such as Malaria as well. Their toughness and

strength in living in an extremely hard place and time could be able to show their strong

believe in fighting for their ideology of changing Malaya into Communist country.

67

3.6.3.2 The Section and Plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnel

Section

Figure 59 Shows the section plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnel

(Drawn by Aphichat Kantacha, 2012)

Plan

- First floor

Figure 60 Shows the first floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnel


ไมสามารถแสดงรปได คอมพวเตอรของคณอาจมหนวยความจาไมเพยงพอทจะเปดรปน หรอรปอาจเสยหาย เร มการทางานของคอมพวเตอรข องคณใหม จากนนใหเปดแฟมอกคร ง ถาเครองหมาย x สแดงยงคงปรากฏอย คณอาจตองลบรปน แลวจงแทรกใหมอกครง


The main entrance

Staircase to the second floor

First floorSecond floor

Third floor

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- Second floor

Figure 61 Shows the second floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnel



From the first floor To the third floor

Exit 6

Exit 5

Exit 4

Exit 3

Exit 2

Exit 1

Kitchen

Administration room

Leader room

Radio room Operating room

Meeting room

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- Third floor

Figure 62 Shows the third floor plan of the Namkang Historic Tunnel


3.6.4 Life of the guerrilla in Thai – Malaysia border

- The guerrilla’s life at Thai – Malaysia border

Temporary encampment and long – term concealment were the words describing

situations of Thailand’s border at a time. Their objective of being struggle in Thailand

was for an attempting to settle down and survive in the jungle of Thailand. They seriously

did not want to expand or develop their communist ideology in Thailand. The basic

policies, which were unwritten policies of self – disciplinary, were as followed;

- Operate only in unpopulated areas in the jungle;

- Do not become involved in the local social and political struggles;

- Have no political and territorial intentions in Thailand;

- Be friendly to the Thai population, obtain the sympathy and support of the rural

people;


From the second floor

Motor bike area

Exit 7

Exit 9

Exit 10

Exit 8

70

- Strive for the understanding and forgiveness of the Thai government.

(Fong Chong Pik, 2008)

For more than 30 years, all these policies were well respected among the guerrilla

of Communist Party of Malayan members. Until December 1989, the Haadyai Peace

agreement was signed up and the guerrilla’s activities in the border of Thai – Malaysia

did come to an end.

The Communist Party of Malayan (CPM) had retreated from the Malaysian state

government to the border of Thailand. The party also divided the ruling area and duties to

each guerrilla troop as followed;

- The 8th detachment named “The committee of Kedah - Perak” (คณะกรรมการผสมรฐเกดะห

– เปอรลส) had operated their missions in Sadao district, Nathawee district and

Sabayoi district, Songkhla Province, Thailand. The detachment contained of

Chinese (60%) and Muslim people out of 500 – 600 people. The detachment was

commanded by Mr.Yi – jiang Sae-ung (นายอเจยง แซอง).

- The 10th detachment named “The Malaya committee” (หนวยปฏบตงานกลางชาวมาลายา)

was the detachment that operated by Malayan people. They had operated their

missions in Wang district, Sukeerin district, Rueso district and Ra – ngae district

in Narathiwat province, Bunnangsata district in Yala province and Yarang district,

Pattani province. Most of the guerrillas in the detachment were Muslim people

and the rest were Chinese. The detachment was commanded by

Mr.Abdunlaseedee (นายอบดลลาซด). There were approximately 350 guerrillas in this

detachment.

- The 12th detachment was the largest unit operated in Thai – Malaysia border. It

was regarded as the main force, which carried out their missions in the Betong

District, Thailand’s southernmost area. Most of the guerrillas were Chinese (90%)

and the rest was Muslim and others. The 12th detachment was ruled by Mr.Arzi

(นายอาซ) or so called Mr.Ar-ze (นายอาเซอะ). There were approximately 650 members

in this detachment.

71

- Activities

- The underground bunker

The communist party bunkers were scattered around the border of Thailand and

Malaysia. With the similar pattern and scale, each bunker normally had large classroom,

eating halls, dormitories and family huts. Moreover, facilities were also provided for

instance; basketball court, ping – pong table, firing range and also the swimming pool

constructed in the valley.

Figure 63 – 64 Shows the CPM basketball field located under a thick shade of green

(Kitti Rattanachaya, 2007)

- Guerrilla warfare

Basic strategy of defensive war of the guerrilla warfare was “Main force diverts,

small unit attack”. (Fong Chong Pik, 2008) The strategy could explain as to make a small

number of persons per troop. In each troop, a small combat had to swiping, ambush and

mine – laying as defensive actions.

Figure 65 Shows CPM guerrilla troop operated in Thailand


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With complex topography and dense forest in the Southern tropical jungle, a large

troop of guerrilla soldier activities were difficult and dangerous. The guerrilla troop as a

result had to work in a small troop so that it would be flexible and mobile, hidden and

fast for them. “Know oneself and one’s enemy, fight a hundred battles and win a hundred

victories” was also one of their defensive action tactic. Followed their own basic tactics, a

guerrilla troop could be able to control and initiative their attack easier.

Battles along a march were also unavoidable. However, vanguards would be the

person who took control of each battle. Another advantage of a small unit troop was the

high percentage of successfully withdraw. In addition, ambush surprise attack and night

raid were all tropical forest guerrilla warfare tactics. Small group attack seemed to be

basic for warfare tactic; nevertheless it had high succession with compact organization ad

certain condition for any supports.

- Food supply

Food supply chain was another matter to be considered. Because each unit could

carry only limited amount of food supply, which can last only 2 – 3 days for each person,

the location of food storage became vital. In the planning process, combat areas had to be

able to link with the food supply storage. In each small unit, there must be at least one

person, who can recognize the location of food storage site. “Food storage site map” had

to be equipped before any combat mission. This map would be a stock supply warehouse

for those, who were a knowledgeable person. In the same time, this map would be just a

completely unintelligible and useless for those, who were uninformed.

- Communications

Because the main tactic of the guerrilla warfare was to divide troop into small

unit, each group as a consequence had to communicate between each unit. Each unit’s

headquarter needed to keep contact with small unit and each small unit had to contact

with one another.

The communications among each guerrilla unit aimed at obtain an understanding

and control of the situation, providing mutual support and organizing complementary

activities. Communications among each unit made their mission of giving direction,

73

making special assignment and receiving instructions became possible. The absence of a

communication system could only be compared to the derivative of the nervous system

from the body, completely paralyzing the entire body. (Fong Chong Pik, 2008)

Figure 66 – 67 The telegram room inside the Namkang Historic Tunnel


Food and material supply

- Food transportation

Food was another living factor for all those guerrillas. In the guerrilla warfare

period, food had to be purchased, transported stored, taken control, inspected and

replaced. Food operation was also called “food management” since it had been operated

all the supply and handled by the entire department. The definition of “food” had covered

the entire principle item such as; grain, sugar, cooking oil and salt. Not only “food” that it

needed to be managed carefully but military materials, medical supplies, communicating

equipments, reading materials and stationeries were also needed to be operated as food.

After the purchased of food, it needed to be transported to the campsite. Every

soldier was responsible for this task. Each soldier had to carry food, which was normally

weight around 50 – 60 kilograms, on his or her back. The food transportation might take

one or two day if it was a short distance. But it may take more than ten days for long

74

distance. Especially during the emergency, guerrilla soldiers needed to carry their supply

in the inner core of the jungle called “Deep Forest Camp”.

It was noted that food transportation routes were basically determined by the

location of the food storage sites. The food and materials that were needed for daily

consumption by the troops would be moved directly to the camp. Usually, the daily

amount of food consumption was only a fraction of that stored.

- Food storage

Food storage was the process of burying and hiding food and materials

underground. It was found after fifteen to sixteen years after the buried date that food

quality did not change much. Rice and sugar still stayed in the edible level. The secret of

food preserving came from “folk technique” that they adopted and developed for more

than ten years.

Storing food in the metal container might sound simple however; it did need life

time experiences and skills. Containers were made from metal in difference sizes. They

had to be coated with a layer of bitumen – like substance made by boiling a mixture of

diesel oil, lubricating oil and damar tree’s oil. The secret weapon that enabled the stored

food to preserve food quality over long period of time was a plastic sheet covered the

container exterior for insulation and to prevent the face of the container from coming into

contact with the soil and its moisture.

Figure 68 The CPM food container in various sizes


75

When all containers were ready to use, food would be carefully packed in each

container. The food packing specialize would determine the amount of food to be added

in each container. Too much amount or too little amount might cause “loss supply”

because of food expansion and underground pressure. The process as a result needed to

be done by experienced person.

There were three main steps for food burying. Firstly, the specialize man needed

to allocate the burying area. Secondly, he needed to calculate the amounts of each food.

Thirdly, he had made sure that all food would be able to recover.

Figure 69 - 70 Shows the CPM kitchen

(Taken by Srilak A., 2011, Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007)

Figure 71 Shows the food supply barrel buried under the ground


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Filling food in each container and burying them might sound simple in theory.

However, each food item needed correct proportion and the correct proportion for each

food was difference. The duty as a result needed to be accomplished by specialize soldier.

- Inspection and recover of buried food

As to avoid any mistake, food recovery came into consideration of each troop.

Maps were drawn up and indicated the exact location of storage site, quantity of stored

food, location of various containers and responsible person’s name. In every two or three

years, inspector team would be sent out to dig out the storage site and take stored food

out. After all food was taken out, related records would be obliterated.

Unrecoverable food were minor incidents happened in the jungle. If there was a

continually inspection, minimal losses would happen. Nevertheless, land transformation,

soil erosion, overgrown wild grasses and fallen trees were responsible for land

transformation. For those amateurs, it would be impossible to find the food storage

underground. However with more than 10 years experiences, those professionals were

able to point out the site easily without any hesitation.

Medical service

All the doctors in the guerrilla armed forces were Western – trained and female.

They were regarded as “higher intellectuals” group of people. Normally, they were

usually young but also possessed professional qualification and higher level of

knowledge and culture. The guerrilla doctors might not physically labor like other

soldiers but they had to deal with mentally. It was found that the guerrilla soldiers toward

their doctors were sometimes very rash, sulky and full with complaints. Hence, medical

contradiction could be the reason from human relation between doctors and patients.

- Injury and surgery

Landmines incidents were another cause of injury found in guerrillas. Pieces of

shrapnel had to be taken out by surgery. This group of patient had to be well taken with

intensive care, which covered reduce infection, antibiotic shot, herbs and cleaning

wounds with boiled water. Sometimes injuries caused from accidents like got hurt from a

falling tree. Sometimes sickness caused from patient’s body mechanism like stomach

77

ulcer. But there were not so many times that the jungle camp had to face with irregular

operation like removing of tumor. For this case of operation, it might take times to

operate. Anyway jungles doctors could prove themselves and complete the operation

though they lived in the very deep part of the forest.

Figure 72 Shows the operation room inside the historic tunnel


Although doctors in the campsite learnt their doctoral skill from Western, they

could apply Chinese approach as the curing way too. Surgery, prescribe drugs, give shots,

prepare medicinal soup, perform acupuncture, treat internal and external injuries, repair

muscle damage and bone dislocation and therapeutic massage were all their curing

techniques.

- Dentistry

Dental clinic in the jungle camp was a hard work. Dentists’ tasks in the clinic

included taking out and repairing teeth. All techniques used also came from their

experiences and book, which were in Chinese and English. (See more in Appendix B)

3.6.5 The left memories of a long history

3.6.5.1The role of Chin Peng, Secretary – General of the CPM

Chin Peng was a leader of the Communist Party of Malayan (CPM), who had the

main role in leading to the communist guerrilla insurgency in the Malayan emergency

during 1948 - 1960. He was born in October, 1924 in a middle class Hokkien Chinese

78

family. His father came from China mainland in 1920 and opened his bicycle business

with his relative from Singapore. In the early education, Chin Peng joined a Chinese

language school. He did not attend the communist army at the time yet but he was a part

of the Chinese Anti Enemy Backing Up Society (AEBUS), which was the project aimed

at helping China mainland from Japanese invasion. Until 1939, he had embraced

communism ideology. The main push factor for Chin Peng to be the most outstanding

role in Malayan history was the unequal of social class between Malay people and

Chinese – Malay. (Kunha Sangraya, 2008) It was known that Chin Peng had married

Madam Zainon or Ah Yan, who was as well the CPM member. Madam Zainon played

part of the main role in fighting with the Malayan and British army. It could be counted

that Madam Zainon was another significance leader of the CPM. Ching Peng also had a

daughter and a son. His daughter, Lily, had worked in a private firm in Penang. His son,

Ong Boo Kok, was a well known lawyer in Kuala Lumper. (Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007)

Figure 73 Chin Peng Figure 74 Madam Zainon, Chin Peng’s wife

(Kitti Rattanachaya, 2007) (Namkang Historic Tunnel Museum)

Chin Peng became a full – time revolutionist after he left school. The first

succession in the communist‘s life of Chin Peng was in the end of January, 1940. He was

finally admitted to the Malayan Communist Party as a candidate member. His role in

CPM became more dominant after the Japanese Army invaded Malaysia Peninsula.

79

Inspired by the Communist Party of China (CPC), his army was named as the “Malayan

People’s Anti – Japanese Army” (MPSJA). At that time, Chin Peng was the liaison office

between the MPAJA and the British Army operated in South East Asia.

Figure 75 Chin Peng was awarded the OBE by the Great Britain in 1939

(http://muhdhazrie.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/chin-peng-pemimpin-kejam/)

After the invasion of Japanese army, the Britain had proposed “Officer of the

Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” (OBE) award to Chin Peng, which was later

withdrawn by the British government. Not so long after the incident, Chin Peng had

succeeded Lai Tek and turned to be the Secretary General of the Communist Party of

Malaya. (Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007) However, the relationship between the CPM and the

British Empire government came to an irretrievable confliction. Chin Pen was accused of

order the CPM members to kill three European plantation managers at Sungei Siput.

Later, the Malayan colonial administration declared a state of emergency on 16 June,

1948. The CPM was banned in July.

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Figure 76 Chin Peng became Malaya’s public enemy no.1

(http://links.org.au/taxonomy/term/370)

The Malayan Civil War (also known as the Malayan Emergency) lasted for 12

years and ended in 1960. During the Malayan Civil War, Chin Peng had to withdraw his

army to the Thai – Malaysia border. Followed his plan as to fight to control Malaysia,

Chin Peng had moved to Beijing in 1961 where he stayed as his base for years.

Figure 77 Chin Peng went to Beijing and was receive by Mao Zedong in March, 1965

(http://www.ipohworld.org/blog/?p=627)

He also established an office of the CPM and continued to act according to the plan that

had been laid. After an absence for 28 years, he decided to return to Thailand in 1989. He

came back to Thailand again with his important duty in extinguishing Southern flame. He

had come to sign the tripartite agreement that would follow the Fifth Tripartite Peace

Talks between Thailand – Malaysia and the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). (Kitti

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Ratanachaya, 2007) His appearance in the Fifth Tripartite Peace Talks played an

important role in the succession of the peace talks, since he had built up feelings of trust

and gratitude towards Thailand for the future.

The CPM laid down its arms in 1989 after the contract of peace agreement was

signed in Haat – Yai, Thailand. The Tri-Partite Peace Accord was believed to be the very

last role of Chin Peng on international political matter.

Figure 78 – 79 Chin Peng and Gen. Dato’Kitti Rattanachaya in the Hat-Yai Peace Agreement


At the present time, Chin Peng mainly stays in the Southern Part of Thailand.

Although his application to return to Malaysia was rejected, he still tries and never gives up.

Figure 80 Today, Chin Peng still lived in Thailand since he was rejected to return

to Malaysia (http://www.loyarburok.com/2009/10/28/chin-peng-a-question-of-honour/)

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Figure 81 The autobiography work of Chin Peng

(http://www.socialistworld.net/doc/1604)

His life and work was revealed from his autobiography book, “My Side of

History”. And a film, inspired from his action, directed by Malaysian director Amir

Muhmmad. The film was “The Last Communist” however; it was banned by Malaysia

government. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Communist)

3.6.4.2 Women warier of the CPM

The role of women in the Communist Party of Malayan (CPM) was the forgotten

part of Malay Peninsula history. Women status in Chinese culture could not compare

with men’s. They lived like an invisible objects to people perceptions. Role of women in

South East Asia region history might visible when they were daughters and wives from

1930s – 1960s. They also became invisible for their family when they left home to be a

part of guerrilla army in 1970. Finally, they were the forgotten part of mankind history

after they chose to be in a communist side, the wrong side of human history.

There were different push factors for women to join the communist army in Thai

– Malaysia border. Most of them came from the different background. Some were highly

educate while some were illiterate. Some came from poor family and so many came from

violent family structure. In the same time, some of those women left their home to join

the army alone; others came with the rest of their families. Among all differences, there

were two similar characteristic they shared. Firstly, they used the same communication

language, which was Mandarin Chinese. Secondly, they were all strongly believed in

Maoism and Communist ideology.

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It was believed that around 30 percent of the CPM members were women. They

were Chinese, Malaysia and Thai. Some were born in China, Singapore, Malaysia and the

lower part of Thailand around the Thai – Malaysia border. Those women also played the

main role in the Communist Party of Malayan. Their duties did not have any different

from male guerrillas. They could fight in the battle, hunt wild animals down and carry

heavy supply like men on their backs. Some women were ordered to do the more

professional tasks and duties. Some of they had to play the role as the jungle surgery

while some were skillful soldiers.

Figure 82 – 83 Shows an integral female member of the party

(Adrianna Tan, 2011)

Figure 84 Shows the surgery and operation held in jungle

(http://www.berfrois.com/2011/08/women-of-the-mcp/)

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The women of the CPM were commanders, leader of civilian movements,

members of politburo, rank and soldiers. Moreover, they also played the role as doctors,

dentists, surgeons and nurse in the campsite. Although, they were born females, they

were tough in physical and mental than their male counterparts. At the warfare time, it

was normal to acknowledged that women guerrillas were mine inspector, which was the

risky task. Working under pressure or torture could not bring the women guerrilla down

only a bit since they lived for Communist ideology. (Adrianna Tan, 2008)

3.7 Namkang Tunnel at the Present day

3.7.1 The Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National Park tourism

management

After the signing of the Tripartite Peace Accords at Hat Yai, Thailand, members

of the CPM had been provided with farmland of 15 rai per family. (Kitti Rattanachaya,

2007) Some CPM members still stay in the Namkang National Park in a village called

“Piyamit Village”. The villagers have done the agriculture as their living. They also

collect the entrance fee from the Namkang Tunnel and sell some herbal medicine for

tourists. Tunnel’ landscape management, the historical museum and all facilities related

i.e. toilet are under the old guerrilla’s control and operation.

As stated before that the national park contains of two main sections, which is

natural site and cultural site. They have different managers though. With the different

managers, it makes the role and management plan of the heritage site become distinct.

The Namkang National Park is under the management of Department of National Parks,

Wildlife and Plant Conservation while the Namkang Historic Tunnel is under the

management of former CPM member in Piyamit Village. It was known that one section is

authorized by government officers and another is taken care of by private section. With

the former reason, the two tourism sites have different idea of tourism management. As

can be seen from the interviewing below;

Mr.Ubon Petchkaeow, Namkang National Park officer, said that the office has the

main duty in looking after the national park area and two other areas in Sadao District

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and Nathawee District. For the management pattern, the forest office mainly concerns

about the fertility of the national park. It was said from the national park officer that there

are three tunnels in the Namkang National Park area. There are Namkang Historical

Tunnel, Stone Tunnel and 6th camp Tunnel, however the national park only looking after

the last two tunnels. Over the issue about the Namkang Historic Tunnel, the officer said

that the tunnel was once belonged to the forestation office since 1987. Later in 1993, the

ex-CPM guerrilla had asked for the tunnel back and they’d like to manage the site

themselves. Right after that year, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant

Conservation had no right to manage the Namkang Historic Tunnel. Today, the entrance

fee of the two sites is separately collected. It can be said that all tourists must pay the

entrance fee for two times if they would like to go to both sites.

It can be concluded that the natural site of the park have prior important to the

officer’s concerning. With less number of tourists, they did not collect much entrance fee.

However, they are still willing to help all tourists, who have any question about this

national park.

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Figure 85 – 88 Shows the Namkang National Park officer’s management area


Mr.Leang Yee Sing, the former CPM guerrilla member, also stated about his role

toward tourism development at Namkang Historic Tunnel. He said that his life had

changed after the peace contract was signed and was giver 15 Rai piece of land. “No

more M16 in my hand, only shovel will do” was words flowed out of his mouth. He had

developed his rubber plantation and done his own business at Daan-Nok (Thai –

Malaysia boundary). After made a living for some time, he chose to develop the

Namkang Historic Tunnel as a tourism site with his own budget. His project started in

1996. At that time, he made a restoration of the tunnel with the idea that “this historic site

must be safe and convenient”. One year later (1997), the Namkang Historic Tunnel had a

grand opening day as a tourism site.

Today, Mr.Leang Yee Sing had managed a site with the above strategy. He had

built a historic museum, where CPM guerrilla utensils were showed, a conference room

for visitors, some interpretation in the tunnel and lighting system.

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Figure 89 – 90 Shows the current development by the ex – CPM guerrilla

(Taken by Raveerut Jariyanurakkul, 2012)

Mr.Yee Sing also explained his development strategy that he would like to make all

tourists felt safe and convenient, when they came on site. Any works from his

development could be compared to a woman, who dressed properly with some cosmetic.

She surely was the same person but looked more charming and nice. In the contrary, she

may look quiet and plain if she showed up with old costume and no makeup.

Today, Mr.Yee Sing, the head manager of Namkang Historic Tunnel, had divided

tourists into two categories. Those two groups are normal group and V.I.P group. For the

normal group of tourist, the entrance fee is 30 Baht per person. For the V.I.P group, the

entrance fee costs 50 Baht per person. The different between normal tourists and V.I.P

tourists is that first group of visitors have to make a visit on their own while the latter

group will be provided with DVD presentation, orientation from the ex – CPM guerilla,

documents and brochures ,and dessert. For that entrance fee, it already included with the

visitation of Namkang historic museum and Namkang historic tunnel. In the future,

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Mr.Yee Sing, the manager of the Namkang Historic Tunnel, decided to provide more

tourism site for visitor such as Piyamit 5th Village and the CPM monument.

3.7.2 Present visitor analysis

The present visitor of Namkang National Park and Namkang Tunnel can be

divided into 3 groups of people. From all those tourists, each group of them has different

activities to do and place to appreciate and look at. All those people can be categorized as

follow;

A. The former CMP guerrilla and their descendants

This group of tourist is the group of people that have close relationship with the

site. They are the construction labor and people who have strong feeling with the site.

Coming to the historic tunnel, the fabric will remind them of the old memories. Some

CPM descendants come to the historic tunnel as to pay respect to their pass away

ancestor. Visitors from this group were elderly people.

It was known from the interviewing that some of CPM guerrilla had gone to live

in towns or go back to Malaysia. Those people, who still live in Thailand, got Thai

nationality. They continually came on site especially in an occasional day.

B. Thai visitors

Despite the construction of Namkang Tunnel did not mainly relate to Thai history,

it was located in Thailand. Thai people normally make a visit to Namkang National Park

and Namkang Tunnel on their weekend or holiday. Some visitors came here as a family

visit while some came with the field trip. At the present time, there are no more tourism

agencies managed their trip here since the South Thailand Insurgency incidents. (2540

BE; 1997 - present)

C. Malaysian visitors

With the connected border between the two countries, there are lots of Malaysia

visitors coming to the historic site. Although the Namkang Tunnel was located in

Thailand, most part of the story and history is attached to Malaysia. The country is the

beginning of all history related to Namkang Tunnel. Making a visit at Namkang Tunnel,

the Malaysian tourists can also learn their own country history at the same time.

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It was found from the tourist interviewing that most tourists did not have much

detail or background of the site history. Some of the tourists came from the nearby area,

some came with a field trip groups and some were international tourists from Malaysia.

Anyhow with the unstable incident of the Southern area of Thailand, all travelling

programs from touring agencies had been cancelled and removed. Visited tourists, as a

result, came to the site intentionally.

After the interviewing survey, there were some unexpected answers from the

tourists. Those answers are as followed;

- By asking tourists about their opinions toward the historic tunnel that whether it

is a natural site or cultural site, the answer did catch the researcher’s attention.

Surprisingly, most of the tourists travelling in Namkang Historic Tunnel thought that the

main monument was a natural tourism site although they were walking around the area.

Moreover, some tourists did not know that Namkang Tunnel was built from human

creativity. These answers showed the problem from interpretation system of the site.

- In addition, some of the selected tourists had been asked about the Communist

Party of Malaya (CPM). Most of the tourists said that they had no idea what was the

CPM and never heard this name before. The rest said that they had heard this name but

they did not have any specific detail.

- When asking tourists, who was about to go back, they said that the site was

interesting and it was an amazing place to visit. However, they neither have much

information nor heritage background from the first visit.

- Finally, some tourists thought that Namkang Historic Tunnel was a tourism

adventurous site. They came and visited the site without studied or read the historic

background before.

From the present tourism situation, Namkang Historic Tunnel was a good and

interesting tourism site with the combination between cultural landscape and natural

landscape although there are small numbers of tourists coming on site. The main reason

of the decreasing number of tourist was the South Thailand Insurgency. However with

heritage weakness from interpretation program, it has caused the big effect to the heritage

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site in present tourism situation.

Table 1: Shows tourist statistic and tourism income in Songkhla Province from 2005

– 2008 (TAT, 2554)

Year Thai tourist Foreign tourist Total Income

(million Baht)

2005 1,628,628 720,860 2,349,488 11,715.49

2006 1,760,696 818,784 2,579,480 12,667.96

2007 1,885,052 760,718 2,645,770 12,842.52

2008 2,074,368 872,102 2,946,470 15,888.82

From the table 1, it shows that tourist number in Songkhla Province tended to

increase and there were more tourism income earn in each year. Even if tourist numbers

were increasing, less number of the tourist came to the Namkang Historic site. It can be

observed from TAT tourism map and tourism promoting that there is only one campaign

related to Namkang Historic Tunnel. However, it did not very popular or had many

attendants. In addition, the Sonkhla province tourism map did not show the Namkang

National Park and Namkang Historic Tunnel as the main tourism site either.

Figure 91 Shows Songkhla tourism maps proposed by TAT Hatyai office

(Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hatyai Office)

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Figure 92 Shows Songkhla Province tourism attractions

(Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hatyai Office)

It can observe from the showed brochures that two of them relate to natural

adventure site, three of them relate to Songkhla city tourism site and the last two relate to

tourism site in Songkhla Province. Although the TAT Hadyai has provided several

printed document for tourism, there is only one page relate to Namkang National Park

and Namkang Historic Tunnel.

Another reason of the decreasing number of tourist may come from other

attractions in the province. Since the local area TAT mainly promoted only well-known

sites such as Songkhla old town, which is a festinating old town, Samila beach and

Hatyai, main economic area of the province, Namkang Historic Tunnel cannot reach

tourists perceptions.

3.7.3 Current interpretation work at the Namkang Tunnel

Before entering to the Namkang Tunnel, visitors will have a chance to make a

basic understanding of the site. The old CPM guerrillas, who become the Namkang

Tunnel managers and local guides, will lead the visitors to the auditory after they pay the

entrance fee. Unlike other tourism site, the Namkang Tunnel local guides can speak three

languages, which are Thai, Chinese and Bahasa. When each local guides finishes his

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presentation, all visitors will have a chance trekking to the area once known as the most

dangerous from 1972 – 1989. (V.I.P visitor) But before they reach the historic tunnel,

they had to walk pass the “Namkang Tunnel Historical Museum” first.

Figure 93 The entrance way to the historical museum


The exhibition is an open – air museum, where the guerrilla old utensils were

presented. The guerrilla’s interpreting objects consist of figures, maps, guerrilla uniforms,

weapons, surviving kits, medicines, books and guerrilla devices. All of the items are

basically presented in showcases with small labels attached as the interpretation sign.

Visitors, making a visit at Namkang Tunnel, must walk through the museum hall

way before entering the tunnel. Along the path, visitors can make a basic understanding

of the guerrilla insurgency incident. Except the showcases, there are interpretation boards

on both side of the wall. Like most part of the museum, interpretation boards of the

museum were of a basic design and did not provide much detail but a lot of black and

white descriptions. Most of the illustrations related to the hard life of the CPM and their

battles.

93

Figure 94 – 99 Shows the Namkang Historic Tunnel exhibition

(Taken by Srilak, A., 2011)

Besides interpretation boards and displays, the CPM tunnel officers also provide

printed documents and pamphlets for visitors. They are printed using A4 paper with

simply style and 4 colors brochure. The brochures contain the detail about the history of

Namkang Tunnel. The content of the brochure, however, is the same as presented in the

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interpretation boards and mainly have two languages; Thai and English. In addition with

the printing cost, the printed documents are not available for all visitors.

Figure 100 Shows the printed brochure for visitor

(left – Namkang Historic Tunnel and right – Namkang National Park)

Travelling along the tunnel, tourists will find signage and interpretation board

setting on site. There located one board from TAT showing some detail of Namkang

Historic Tunnel. (See figure 103) Except the interpretation board from TAT, the manager

of Namkang Historic Tunnel had put some signage on site as well. Those sign boards had

the main role in telling the direction for visitors. In some rooms, old figures of the CPM

guerrilla were added on the tunnel’s wall.

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Figure 101 - 105 Signage and interpretation in Namkang Historic Tunnel


It can be concluded from the survey that the only interpretation work on site is the

museum before entering the main historic site. However, it has poor management, design

and interpretation method. The interpretation in the Namkang Historic Tunnel is also of

the same quality. Although signage system and boards are found, they can show only

direction and the use of each section of the tunnel. Models are also found but they are old

without any maintenance.

3.7.4 The role of former CPM members, who became self-proclaimed

heritage managers, toward Namkang Historic Tunnel management

In the present time, some CPM guerrillas still work on this historic tunnel. They

are the budget source and main persons who make final decision. The head managers of

Namkang Historic Tunnel are as followed;

Mr.Leong Yee Sing is the main manager of the site. He is the one who has

devoted himself for developing Namkang Historic Tunnesls. It was known from the

interviewing that he had donated his own money for developing the site. The

bibliography of Mr.Leong Yee Sing was quite interesting. He used to be the CPM

combat, who truly faith for Socialist ideology. He had stayed in the jungle for more than

10 years before the Tri – Partite Peace Accord was signed. He had planted rubber tree in

the given 15 rai piece of land and done his own business around the border area after he

96

moved out from the tunnel.

In 1996, he had started his work in developing Namkang Historic Tunnel as a

tourism site. He said that his honestly stayed in the heart of his management plan. And all

decision must come from Namkang Historic Tunnel committee. In 2012, he had built a

CPM memorial statue and new historic museum near Piyamit Village. That budget fund

came from the entrance fee from Namkang Historic Tunnel and donation from the ex –

CPM member.

Figure 106 – 107 Mr.Leong Yee Sing in the CPM uniform and in the present time


Mr.Pang Min Sang was also a CPM member in the warfare period. Like

Mr.Leong Yee Sing, they had fight for Malayan independence and had to make an

insurgency to Thailand. After moving out from the jungle, he still helped Mr.Leong Yee

Sing in developing Namkang Historic Tunnel up until the present day.

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Figure 108 Mr.Pang Min Sang dressed in the CPM uniform


Mr.Liang Chen used to be the CPM guerrilla as well. Different from Mr.Leong

Yee Sing and Mr.Pang Min Sang, Mr.Liang Chen was the CPM doctor. In another word,

he was a Chinese doctor. Going back to the warfare period, Mr.Liang Chen had married a

woman guerrilla. Today, they still live in the Piyamit 5th Village together although his

dear wife was continually sick. Moreover with the old knowledge since the old day, he

chose to sell herbs and some souvenir for tourists. He also had the main role in looking

after the historic site too.

Figure 109 Mr.Liang Chen in the present day


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3.7.5 New constructions on site

As stated above, the Namkang Tunnel’s management plan was under the decision

of the ex – CPM guerrilla. It mostly related to the history of the CPM soldier. With the

intention to build a new tourism site, Mr.Leong Yee Sing, the header of the tunnel

committee, had built some new constructions on site in both Namkang Historic Tunnel

area and surrounded area. All those new constructions are as followed;

Before entering the historic tunnel, visitors had to walk through the main gate

first. It was named as “CPM peace gate”. It was start building in 2011. It was built as the

main entrance to the Namkang Tunnel. Today (April, 2012), the gate did not finish yet.

Figure 110 – 111 Shows the CPM peace gate


Separated from the historic site, the CPM memorial statue was built for the CPM

fellow in the past. The new tourism site was located near Piyamit 5th village. The

committee had the attention to bring tourist to the village as well as the memorial statue.

In the village, tourist will enjoy purchasing local products while they could recall the

feeling of the old day of the old guerrilla by going to the statue.

The statue was built from the ex – CPM member budget. From the Namkang

Tunnel manager’s eyes, the site was built for two main objections. Firstly, it was built for

the old fellow who devoted themselves for communist ideology. Secondly, it was built as

the new tourism site. It was said from the inscription that the statue was built to devote

for CPM fellow. Moreover, part of the succession of the two countries (Malaysia and

99

Singapore) came from their attempt to declare the independence of Malaya.

Figure 112 Shows the inscription to the pass away fellow


ศลาจารกประวตจงคงอยนรนดร พรรคคอมมวนสตมลายา (พคม.) นาประชาชนทกชนชาตมลายา ดาเนนการสงครามตอตานญปน 3 ป 8

เดอน (เดอนธนวาคม ค.ศ.1941 ถงเดอนสงหาคม ค.ศ.1945) การตอสโดยสนตใกล 3 ป (เดอนสงหาคม ค.ศ.1945 ถงเดอนมถนายน ค.ศ.1948) สงครามปลดแอกประชาชาตตอตานองกฤษ 9 ปครง (เดอนมถนายน ค.ศ.1948 ถงเดอนสงหาคม ค.ศ.1957) และสงครามภายในประเทศ เพอปองกนประชาชาตประชาธปไตยและศกดศรแหงการปฏวต 31 ปครง (เดอนสงหาคม ค.ศ.1957 ถงเดอนธนวาคม ค.ศ.1989) ในสงครามดงกลาวสมาชก พคม.นกรบทหารตอตานญปนและทหารปลดแอกประชาชาตผรกชาตรกประชาธปไตย บคคลเขาขางความเปนธรรมชายแดน และราษฎรทบรสทธตองเสยชวตจานวนนบไมถวนนนเรงใหมลายาและสงคโปรไดมาซงเอกราช จงจะมความเจรญรงเรองของประเทศมาเลเซย และสงคโปร ปจจบนประชาชนทกชนชาตสองแหงนจงจะกลายเปนเจาของแผนดนของตนเองจงจะสามารถเสวยชวตความเปนอยอยางสนตภาพ และความผาสกทกวนน

“เวลาดมน าตองคดถงตนน าลาธารเสมอ” ถงแมสมยสงครามไดผานไปแลว พคม.ซงเปนผทมความดความชอบสาคญในชวงชงเอกราชของมลายาและสงคโปรไมอยแลว แตประวตจะดดแปลงไมได คณปการอนใหญหลวงของพวกอาวโสจะหลงลมไมไดจะตองจดไวอยางสมบรณ เพอสบตอคนรนหลงหมนๆ ปตลอดไป-นเปนจดประสงคอนบรสทธใจของบรรดาชาวบานหมบานปยะมตร 5 และบคคลทกแหงทมความเรารอนแหงดวงใจออกเงนออกแรงดวยใจโอบออมอารชวยกนสรางฮวงซยศลาจารกและสวนสวรรคผพลชพเพออดมการณ ณ ทน นายอาตก (วชย) แซตง ผอาวโส นกปฏวต และทปรกษาคณะกรรมการหมบานปยามตร 5 เขยนเมอวนท 15 เดอนกมภาพนธ ค.ศ.2009 ซงเปนวนทถกตแตกจากญปน ครบรอบ 67 ปของมลายา และสงคโปร หมายเหต: บทความนจะใชแขวนทสวนสวรรคผพลชพเพออดมการณ

100

With the grateful feeling, they not only built the memorial statue but they also built New

CPM historical museum and Chinese mausoleum of the former CPM guerrilla. The new

historical museum, however, was not different from the Namkang Tunnel Historic

Museum.

The translation of Eternal historical inscription

Malayan Communist Party led people of all the Malayan ethnics to fight the war against Japan for three years and eight months (from December 1941 to August 1945), three years of peaceful battle (August 1945 to June 1948), nine and a half years of national liberation war against the British (June 1948 to August, 1957) and 31 years of civil war to protect national democracy and the dignity of revolution (August 1957 to December 1989).

In those wars, party’s warriors against Japan, soldiers of democracy, those who love fairness, and innocent people have died countlessly for Malaysia’s and Singapore’s independence. Nowadays, people of all races in Malaysia and Singapore become the owner of their own land and are able to take their own lives at peace.

"When drinking water, we must always think of its origin"

Although the wars were ended, and the Communist Party who provided Malaya and Singapore liberty passed away, history must not be modified. A great contribution of those people will never be overlooked and is needed to be written down completely for reminding thousands of our next generations.

With pure determination, villagers of Piyamit 5 and those with the passion in their hearts made a donation to build a memorial Feng Sui and heaven’s garden of those who lost their lives for principle.

Mr. Atak (Wichai) Tang, senior, revolutionist and committee of Piyamit 5 village, written on Monday 15th February 2009, the 67-year anniversary of Malaya and Singapore.

Note: This article will be posted at the heaven’s gardens.

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Figure 113 – 114 The comparison between Namkang Historical Museum and the new museum


From the interviewing, it was found that the second historical museum of the CPM had

different theme. The museum at the tunnel was set the theme as the life of the CPM.

Their belongings and daily stuffs were demonstrated. Some pictures about the prior event

were also presented. Tourists would be able to make a basic understanding from here. In

the other hand, the new historical museum was used as the exhibition that helped

recalling the nostalgic feeling to the CPM fellow in the past. Pictures of the CPM

colleague were attached along the wall. From those pictures, some were pass way fellow

while some were still alive fellow. With all those differences, they shared the same

characteristic which was the basic decoration and a few descriptions.

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Figure 115 - 118 Shows the memorial park of the CPM fellow


3.7.6 Annual tourism activity: Term Rak Kao Namkang

Term Rak Kao Namkang is an annual tourism promoted activity that held on

Valentine’s Day. From the name of the activity, “term rak” means fulfill love and trust of

each couple. This activity came from the cooperation between Hatyai Tourism Authority

Thailand (Hatyai TAT) and Songkhla Provincial Administration with the objective to

promote Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National Park as a historic tourism site. It was

first held in 2009 with the wish to urge the tourism situation of the Namkang Historic

Tunnel. Another objective of the activity also related to Hatyai Tourism activity as well.

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There are new tourism destinations in Hat Yai such as Hatyai Ice dome. It was believed

that tourists from Namkang National Park and Namkang Tunnel can bring more tourists

to town. In return, tourists in town can extend their trip to the Namkang National Park

too. (www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9540000019287)

In another word, Term Rak Kao Namkang had imitated the form of the CPM

wedding party. The new couples were invited to the activity and got married in the forest

like it was in the warfare time. They were also dressed up like the CPM guerrilla. In

2011, the cooperators had invited an actor and actress to the activity as well. However,

the activity did not have much different from the concept of “Disneyland”.

Figure 119 – 122 Shows the atmosphere of Term Rak Kao Namkang activity

(http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aaspx?NewsID=9540000019287)

In addition, the tourism promoting program also relates to local political game. Seeing

from the vinyl board, there appears the local politician inside. When tourism was

promoted under political activity, the length of the campaign and the sustainable idea

should be considered.

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Figure 123 – 124 The advertise poster of the tourism activity


3.7.7 The expectation of the future management plan

Mr.Leong Yee Sing, the head manager of Namkang Historic Tunnel, said that he

had managed his historic site at his best. Today, he wants the historic site to be safe and

convenient for tourist. But for the step forward, his expectation is far more than that. He

had set the plan into three categories.

Firstly, he had expected from the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. He said

that boundary will not be matter anymore. Tourists from ASEAN countries can make a

trip in the area easier. His historic site will be presented in the more international level

since it was located near the border of Thai – Malaysia.

Secondly, more media and documents had to be presented. All those media can

come from the cooperation between TAT Hat Yai and other television program.

Moreover, he would like to ask for more budgets to print some document; such as

brochure and handout.

Finally, he had to manage the new tourism route. More tourism attraction had to

be presented so does the activities related to site. From the provided route for tourist, he

thought that the committee will earn more money for developing the historic site.

With all these expectations, there is one thing that he is now fighting for (2012). It

is the electricity system in the area. He also stated that safely is the most important thing

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that needs to be considered when it is coming on tourism matter. Although he had applied

to the Provincial Electricity Authority for the electric system at the tunnel for several

times, he did not achieve his goal yet. Today, he had to generate the electricity to the

tunnel but also had a wish that one day the electricity will come to site.

3.8 The comparison of Namkang Historic Tunnel and Cu Chi Historic Tunnels

Table 2: Shows the comparison detail between Namkang Tunnel and Cu Chi Tunnels

Terms of comparison The Namkang Tunnel The Cu Chi Tunnels

What happened before the

historic tunnel were dug?

The Communist Party of

Malaya (CPM) was

established in 1930. The

CPM had played the role in

anti-Japanese Movement in

World War II. After the

World War II, the CPM was

a part for the reinforcement

of anti- British operation as

to free the country.

However, they were looked

as the country’s terrorist

and had to flee to Thailand.

The CPM member had to

excavate the mountain into

tunnel as to build their

shielding and hiding place

in 1972.

Vietnam War happened in

1955. It was part of Cold

War Era military confliction

on political and

administration aspects. The

country, as a result, was

divided. The Northern part

was ruled by the

communist, which received

the ideology from Maoism.

And the USA and allies

supported the Southern part.

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Location The Namkang Tunnel was

located in the fertile rain

forest of the Southern part

of Thailand.

The Cu Chi Tunnels locate

in the Northwest of Saigon.

The Iron Triangle Area was

the name of the tunnels

location.

The size of the tunnel The tunnel were a 40 meters

deep and a 1 kilometer long

dug tunnel. It had three

stories high with 16 exists

and 7 guardhouses.

The tunnels were

approximately 200

kilometers long in the 40

square miles of jungle.

The theories and ideologies

related to the historic tunnel

Both of the tunnels leaders received the thought and

political ideologies from the Maoism (Mao Zhe Tong).

Background The Namkang Tunnel was

dug in 1972 as the hub,

where the CPM could fight

back with their enemies.

The CPM had spent 2 years

digging the whole tunnel

with their hands. All

operation had stopped in

1989, when the role of the

CPM in Thailand had come

to an end.

The Cu Chi Tunnels was

first dug in 1948 and spent

over 25 years in building

process. The operation had

stopped in 1975, when

Vietnam War came to an

end with the victory of the

anti-American resistance

war.

The involving group of

people

The Communist Party of

Malaya (CPM) played the

main role in the event. At

that time, they had to fight

back with their enemies.

Their enemies are the

The Viet Cong under Ho

Chi Mihn, who was a

leader, played the most

important role in this

historic event. The enemies

of the Viet Cong were the

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Japanese, British, Malaysia

government and the Thai

military.

American military troop

and its allies.

The objective of building

tunnel

- The tunnel was built as to

be the CPM’s shelter and

weapon depot. Moreover,

the tunnel were divided into

rooms as follow;

- Commander’s room

- The weapon room

- Hospital

- Radio room

- Conference room

- Kitchen

- Viet Cong’s hiding spot

- Serving communication

and supply route

- Hospital

- Food and weapon caches

- Living quarter for guerrilla

fighters

The significance of the

tunnel

- Aesthetic value of the

tunnel was not shown

through the high art

decoration inside but the

basic and functional plan.

The tunnel were neatly dug

and thought as the final

process the result.

- Historic value was clearly

demonstrate from the long

history since after the post

World War II period. It was

the part of Malaysia history

in the age that people call

for their independence.

- Aesthetic value shows

through the intelligence of

the builder. The floor plan

and the interior were nicely

designed in a very

functional way.

- Historic value

The tunnels were an

important part of the Cold

War Era. It showed the

cruelty and inhumanity of

peoples’ mind.

- Scientific value of the Cu

Chi Tunnels was shown

through the trap door

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- Scientific value was the

most out-standing value of

all. The tunnel were

designed and planned as to

be a perfect shelter. Traps

were provided and all

natural environments played

their role in concealing the

guerrilla from their

enemies.

- Social value showed from

the cooperation between the

CPM at that time even

though they had limited

tools and people.

Today, the land becomes a

peaceful place. The old

CPM still lives together in a

community call “Piyamit

village”.

(undetectable for the

enemies), trap or punji stake

pits around the tunnel and

the air filtration inside the

tunnels.

- Social value

The tunnel was built with

the cooperation from the

guerrilla. Each of them had

to use their own hands dug

all the tunnel system.

Tunnel construction Go back in 1972; the tunnel

was dug in a deep forest in

the Southern of Thailand.

The CPM had chosen and

made the mountain until it

became huge man-dug

tunnel. It was said that the

tunnel is the biggest and

longest man-made tunnel in

During the Vietnam war,

approximately 200 km

tunnels were constructed

underground. The dug

underground tunnel had

connected the Viet Cong

villages, districts and

provinces altogether. The

more the US army

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Thailand.

Except the tunnel, the CPM

also cleared the forest

around the tunnel. Bamboo

forest was grown up as the

camouflage from the aerial

detection.

annihilated them, the wider

the tunnels were dug

underground. The removed

clay from the tunnels were

used in the basement of

local houses, furrows for

potato growing, banks for

communication of combat

trenches.

How did the enemies invade

the tunnel?

When the agreement

between Thai and Malaysia

governments was formed in

March 13, 1965, the

appropriate measures for

the termination of Malayan

communist guerrilla

movement were carefully

considered.

Troops had been used to

mount pressure and impose

economic sanctions to force

the Malayan Chinese

communist to lay down

arm, dissolve their armed

forces and to continue their

struggle peacefully.

- Using water to break

down the tunnel

(Not successful)

- Tunnel-rat (sewer-rat) was

the trained army to insult

inside the tunnel. However,

it was said by the US army

that this tunnels could not

be destroy because it was

not only deep but also

devious…

(Not successful)

- Using Beagle dogs to trace

for the tunnels

(Not successful)

- Using mechanic vehicles

(Not successful)

- Seeding grass to destroy

the Viet Cong terrain

(Not successful)

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How did they fight back? As to fight back the

enemies who tried to

annihilate them, the CPM

had planned for traps and

turrets all around the area.

Traps of the CPM were as

such hiding TNT bomb

inside tree so that they

could bomb the tree when

the enemies came close to

them. Moreover, they also

set turrets and guardhouse

harmoniously with the

surrounded environment.

Except the tunnels for the

Viet Cong to hide, they also

had the fight back plan as

well. The Viet Cong had

invented a booby trap with

bamboo spikes. This trap

was very useful when the

US Army used the Beagle

Dog to trace for the tunnel.

Lots of Beagle dog injured

or died at that time. The

trap doors also played

another important role in

the war because it would

lead to the underground

tunnel. As a result, the trap

doors were carefully

concealed.

Community around the

historic site

The Piyamit village is the

CPM village after the

conflict between the Thai

Government and the CPM

was solved. The village

located in the national park

and the old CPM villager

also did their living on the

agriculture such as rubber

tree farming.

Cu Chi Base camp relied on

local workers for support.

The Cu Chi Base Camp, the

Viet Cong and the Iron

Triangle had the strong

connection with each other.

The Viet Cong in Cu Chi

district and the Iron

Triangle were consistently

given a few days to a few

hours warning notice before

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any attack was carried out

against them.

What happened to the

tunnel after the war period

At the present time, the

Namakang CPM tunnel

became a historic tunnel.

Some interpretation boards

were presented to tourists.

The adaptive use of the

tunnel are as followed;

- A war memorial site

- A war museum, showing

old weapon of the old time

- The old CPM members,

who’s now play the role as

the historic park manager

Today, there is no more war

or the sound of the bullet

anymore and the tunnels

was adapted as followed;

- A war memorial site

- A war museum, showing

old elements from the war

period

- Well trained local guide

that dress in old guerrilla

uniform

- Provided “guerrilla meal”

for the interested tourists

When all those wars come

to an end…

The Fourth Army Area and

the Royal Thai army solved

the problem of the

communist guerrilla in

Thailand. On March 4,

1977, the agreement

between Thailand and

Malaysia was noted that

each established a

combined task force

command at its borders.

At 11 am on April 30, 1975,

the Vietnam war came to an

end with the victory of the

anti – American resistance

war.

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3.9 The universal timeline

1911 – The evolution of Xinhai Revolution

1912 – The formation of the Kuo Min Tang

1921 – The formation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

1927 – The conflict of Chinese Civil War

1937 – The Japanese Army had invaded China

1946 – The start of the Cold War Era

1939 – The German Army invaded Poland

1945 – The founding of the United Nations

1945 – The Japanese Navy was defeated by the USA

1945 – The end of war in Europe with the capture of Berlin

1943 – A series of German defeated in Eastern Europe

1930 – The Communist Party of Malaya was established

1945 – Ho Chi Minh declared the independence democratic Republic of Vietnam

1926 – The Chinese oversea in Malaya established Nanyang General Labor

1941 – The Japanese Army invaded Malaya

1942 – The MPAJA was established and operated their actions

1948 – The Cu Chi tunnels was first excavated

1948 – The first Malaya Emergency

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1991 – The end of the Cold War era

1949 – The MPAJA changed its name to MPLA

1955 – The Baling Talk was held

1989 – The Tripartite Peace Accords was signed up

1957 – The British gave the full independence to Malaya

1955 – The start of the Vietnam War

1954 – The Battle of Dien Bien Phu marked the end of French involvement in Vietnam

1950 – The beginning of the Korean War

1960 – The CPM guerrilla fled into Thailand

1967 – The CPM under Chin Peng renewed the insurgency in Malaya

1968 – The Second Malaya Emergency

1972 – The CPM had excavated the Namkang Tunnels

1970 – US troops were taken away from Vietnam border

1975 – The Vietnam War came to an end with the VC’s victory

1949 – The CCP had defeated the KMT in Chinese Civil War

1966 – The happen of China Cultural Revolution

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Chapter 4

Implementation

4.1 Cultural landscape analysis

4.1.1 Aesthetic value

“The unique aesthetic value of the Namkang Tunnel came from the perfect

combination of human piece of work and the existing nature.”

Located in the deep of Southern tropical forest, Namkang Tunnel was surrounded

by the rich of nature and biology. Because the CPM would like to construct the tunnel as

their house and shelter, it was carefully designed. The compatibly between the tunnel and

all surrounding natural resources had created a beautiful landscape. And with the security

reason, the construction of Namkang Tunnel was well blended with surrounded

environment.

Except the excellent of the exterior of the tunnel, the interior was built

concordance with the guerrilla scale. The hall way inside the tunnel was calculated from

the human scale and so as the stair dimension and the tunnel limited space. Furthermore,

there were small petroleum fuel lanterns set along all staircases and hall way in small

holes as to avoid any accident.

4.1.2 Historical value

“Being a part of mankind confliction history, the Namkang Tunnel was the first

hand evidence and the representative of the Cold War.”

The Namkang National Park or Khao Namkang is located in Nathawi district,

Songkhla province (in the Southern part of Thailand). It was declared as the 65th national

park of Thailand in 1991 (2453 B.E.) with 212 square kilometers area. After the Malaya’s

independence in 1957, some of the Malayan communist guerrillas did not accept the

condition of independence from the United Kingdom because of their strong ideology to

change Malaya into socialist country. However, they all ended up with confronting the

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suggestion of “surrender” after they issued a statement calling the resumption of Peace

Talks. Finally, the Communist Party of Malayan (CPM) became an illegal force.

The number of the guerrillas’ members dwindled down from up to 12,000 men to

only 1,800 men. From that number, 450 – 500 men had fled into Thailand. When the

Malaysian communist guerrillas entered to Thailand, they had established themselves

around the border area of the country and started to spread communist teachings and

ideas.

After the hard history of the CPM, some of its erstwhile leftist members now still

live in the national park and settle their own community called “Piyamit village”. They

all live in the distributed area from Thai government and do the agriculture for living.

The Namkang Historic Tunnel was also proposed as the tourist attraction that represented

the history of Cold War in the South - East Asia region.

4.1.3 Scientific value

“Every knowledge and warfare tactics learnt from the jungle experience became

a crucial part of the guerrilla’s scientific value.”

Everybody knows that being a normal human in the world is hard but it becomes

extremely hard when you were a city human living in a jungle. When the CPM guerrilla

made up their minds to live in a deep jungle, there were lots of things that they never

expected to face with. The CPM guerrilla very first enemy was the Thai and Malaysia

army. They also knew that they were the main target to attack by the aerial force and

ambush. The CPM had chosen to dig tunnel as their shelter. This shelter could resist both

air bomb and assaulting. The function of the tunnel was similar to Cu Chi tunnel in

Vietnam. If the tunnels were a shelter, the turrets would build for attacking enemies. The

CPM had chosen the best location for this purpose. In addition, they also created small

mines, which made from PVC pipes, and buried them in the tree holes.

Except the shelter and attack, the CPM also learnt to disguise themselves from

their enemies’ perceptions. They had learnt to plant bamboo forest all over the tunnel

area as to hide themselves from aerial attack. Their inventions also helped them from

typical problem such as; light concealing and ventilation system and prevent themselves

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from observable smoke. The guerrilla’s creativity was also set for the communist

soldier’s comfortable feeling. The temperature and tunnel facilities were prepared on that

purpose. However, the hardest enemy for the CPM to defeat was Malaria. It was unable

to obligate, resist or avoid.

4.1.4 Social value

“The villager relationship between local and international society presented a

good cultural landscape landmark.”

The Piyamit village is located in the center of the Namkang National Park. The

villagers were the representative of the Chinese – Malayan communist. Although they

were minority group of people, they show the complex relationship between the local

people and the international society. The tight relationship between Namkang Tunnel

leader and the Thai army leader, Malaysian and China politician could be observed

through all pictures at the Namkang Tunnel museum.

4.2 Statement of significance

The Burra Charter had stated that statement of significance would help the

practitioner clarified and identified the fabric of cultural significance. However, the

statement of significance must come up with the support from sufficient reference and

graphic material. It was also important to make the statement clear and pithy without

restating the physical or documentary evidence. (Burra Charter, 1988)

4.2.1 Justification for outstanding significances

With the sense of “original” of Namkang Tunnel, it can be justified in a high

degree of significance. It can be stated that:

“Being a part of the conflict of mankind history, Namkang Tunnel can remain its

high degree of authenticity and integrity through time. It was the first hand evidence of

people creativity as a result its uniqueness reflects its own cultural landscape. Moreover,

the Namkang historic tunnel also presents the interrelationship between Thai and

Malaysia.”

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4.2.2 Authentic and integrity

The Namkang Mountain was declared as the national park of Thailand in 1991.

Natural resources and cultural evidence were being well taken care of like the original

period of time. The Namkang tunnel, which is the cultural evidence, remains in a good

condition though some part of it had developed, reconstruct and adapted for tourism

purpose. With all those practices, the authenticity and integrity of the tunnel remains.

4.2.3 Namkang historic tunnel compared to UNESCO criteria

The UNESCO had classified cultural landscape value in to two kinds, which are

natural and cultural site or a mixture of both. Each criterion represented the outstanding

universal value and cultural and/or natural value. Judged in 1922, the criteria of cultural

landscape were revived again in 2004 by incorporating the cultural criteria and natural

criteria as shown;

Cultural site

(Criterion I) The Namkang Tunnel presented the creativity of mankind. The

combination work between human and nature had been demonstrated perfectly. The

genius of the CPM came from the way they adjusted their way of life with the existing

nature. Although there were limited resources, they could applied all these elements well

as to protect and response to their living.

(Criterion III) The Namkang Tunnel is the longest man – made tunnel in

Thailand. The fabric itself not only showed the human intelligence in fighting for what

they believed, but it also represented the communist ideology infighting back their

enemies. The left monument, however, bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to

a once living heritage.

(Criterion V) The Namkang Tunnel presented the existing of human settlement

and their traditions. All of their interactions to the environment can be a good example of

the outstanding land use that stays harmoniously between people and places.

(Criterion VI) The Namkang Tunnel was built in the Cold War Era. The fabric

was a representative of the communist ideology, which is the intangible heritage. All

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events in chronological order and the CPM living tradition, which include their beliefs

and traditions, came up with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal

significances.

Natural site

(Criterion IV) The Namkang National Park and the Namkang Tunnel is the

prominent representative significant of ongoing ecological and biological process. All

those processes were related to plants and wild life animals. The processes were believed

to be a long term conservation of the ecological and biological diversity of the site.

4.3 The SWOT analysis of Namkang Historic Tunnel

Table 3: Shows the SWOT analysis of Namkang Historic Tunnel

Strength

- The richness of the history of the fabric

and its authenticity shows the future

tourism potential of the site.

- Different from other tourism site,

Namkang National Park consists of cultural

and natural landscape.

- The Namkang Tunnel is located among

beautiful nature of the tropical rain forest.

Tourists will be able to see the harmony

between cultural and natural heritage in the

same site.

- The Namkang Historic Tunnel is a part of

Thai and Malaysia history. The telling

story is as value as the main fabric itself.

- The local guide of the CPM tunnel can

speak three main languages; Thai,

Mandarin and Bahasa. This can also benefit

Weakness

- The Namkang National Park officer and

the local manager (old CPM member) are

not functioning in their cooperation. The

Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National

Park are separately managed as a result.

- There is no tourism management plan on

site. The tourism plan normally aims at the

site development as to support tourists.

- The old CPM member, who mainly

manages the Namkang Tunnel, focuses

only the tunnel development but not in the

sustainable way.

- The Namkang Tunnel Historic Museum

hardly provides academic interpretation

and lack of properly design. Figures and

stuffs displayed are authentic and highly

significance, however they were not given

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the historic site since the target audience of

the Namkang Historic Tunnel is Thai,

Chinese and Malaysia people.

- After the declaration of the Department of

National Park, the Namkang Tunnel and

associated site are protected by Act of

National Park.

- Namkang Tunnel can give the first hand

experience for tourists.

any communication with visitors and did

not tell any stories of the hard time to them

either.

- New stuffs i.e. plastic chairs, new

decoration material and colorful plastic

board used extremely destroy the sense of

place of the heritage site.

- The lack of unity between Namkang

National Park and Namkang Historic

Tunnel make it hard to manage the site.

- All kind of development of Namkang

Historic Tunnel came from only the ex –

CPM committee.

- With the short budget, the historic

manager cannot provide document and

brochure for all tourists.

Opportunity

- The Namkang Tunnel is located near the

border of Thai and Malaysia. Visitors can

make a trip to the historic site easily.

- With the TAT campaign, Namkang

Historic Tunnel becomes more well-known

in tourists perception.

- The site is located in the middle of the

national park. Its authenticity and integrity

was preserved under the forestation law.

- The historic site can get the benefit from

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). It

can be leveled up to the international

Threat

- The South Insurgency, which had

happened since 2004, also has an effect to

the tourism situation in the lower South

area. Tourist number both domestic and

international had declined since then.

- The global warming also affects to the

fertility of the Namkang National Park as

well.

- Electricity is needed but it does not access

to the historic site yet. The site manager, as

a result, has to use the electricity generator

instead.

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historic site.

- Road system expansion helps tourists to

come on site easier.

4.4 Implementation strategies

4.4.1 Tourism life cycle (Butler’s graph)

The Namkang National Park and Namkang Historic Tunnel tourism situation uses

the Butler’s popular model of the tourism area life cycle. Richard W. Butler proposed the

model in 1980. (Butler, 1980) The model shows that a destination begins as a relatively

unknown and visitors initially come in small numbers restricted by lack of access,

facilities and local knowledge, which is labeled as Exploration.

The Namkang Mountain was declared as the National Park since 1991. Later in

1997, the Namkang Historic Tunnel was opened for tourism purpose. At that time, there

were numbers of tourists visiting Namkang Historic Tunnel approximately 1,000 visitors

per day. The tourists came from both domestic and international level. It was assumed

that the richness of the site history and natural heritage brought the tourist here.

Unfortunately, the tourist number declined after the South Thailand Insurgency in 2007

(2550). The name of Namkang National Park, Kao Namkang and Namkang Historic

Tunnel had faded from people’s memory since then. Today, the situation of the South

Thailand Emergency in Nathawi District, Songkhla Province had lessened and tourist

number had increased.

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Figure 125 Butler’s model of the tourism area life cycle

(http://recreationgeography.blogspot.com/2010/03/butlers-tourism-life-cycle.html)

From the Butler’s model of the tourism area life cycle above, the situation before

the happening of the South Thailand Emergency was at the Exploration point. The

tourism site was believed to have more tourism potential to reach for the next step of the

tourism area life cycle. Anyhow, the drop number of tourist did not exactly come from

the site itself. The main fabric high richness of its history and authenticity still remains.

So with the funding support and well tourism management plan, Namkang Tunnel and

their associated area can go back on their track again. However, good development of the

site must come from the participation between government section and local people as

well. The government section can be the funding support and the site manager should

learn how to keep the fabric sustainably developed.

4.4.2 Sustainable tourism

The sustainable tourism development aims at minimizing the environmental

impacts and managing natural resources. It is a kind of tourism activity that driven the

economy by tourism industry. In achieving the goal, the sustainable tourism development

must be complied with government policies, direct regulation and financial incentive.

(Frederico Neto, 2002) It is believed that sustainable tourism development is essential for

maximizing its socio-economic benefits and minimizing its environment impact.

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Sustainable tourism is the idea that can lengthen the tourism life cycle. The idea

will surely help to improve the existing tourism. However, every tourism operator, local

government, tourism organization, park manager, community group and everyone, have

to cooperate their ideal and work well. It was also stated by the World Tourism

Organization that the sustainable tourism was the balancing between the needs of present

tourists and host region while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. Since

cultural and natural can be tourism product assets their values must be protected,

recognizing and well manage in the long term.

Figure 126 Shows the sustainable tourism idea

(Drawn by Srilak Anutararoekwong)

The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria are an effort to the understanding of

sustainable tourism. (Ecological Tourism in Europe, 2008) It was managed into 4 main

themes and 23 criterions. It was commonly known that all criteria will claim as the reach

to “green” practices worldwide. The 4 main themes of the Global Sustainable Tourism

Criteria are as followed;

- Demonstrate effective sustainable management

- Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize

negative impacts

- Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts

- Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts

Social Progress

Environmental

responsibility

Economic developmen

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4.5 Heritage contestation management

4.5.1 Whose heritage?

“Whose heritage does the Namkang Tunnel belong to?” is the question that has

been asked in chapter 3. Because the constructor and the location of the fabric have been

managed by different groups of people, the question can also lead to the contestation

between Thai government section and local people (the old CPM member in Piyamit

village). Some pieces of land in the national park are owned by the CPM members for

agriculture purpose since they had made a Tripartite Peace Accord.

The sense of belonging over the Namkang Historic Tunnel directly relates to the

political science aspect. However no matter who own the past, the present historic fabric

has been located in Thailand territory and the main monument needs to be conserved.

Today, Namkang Historic Tunnel has become a historical tourism site and has been

managed by the old CPM villagers.

It’s true that defining the owner of the heritage is hard because the heritage

constructor and the heritage setting owner are different group of people. The site, as a

result, should be declared as a “shared heritage” between the Thai government and the

former guerrillas. The objective of the “shared heritage” declaring may loosen the serious

feeling of mind contestation between the Piyamit villager and the Thai social

government. The former CPM members should have the responsible over the conserving

of the site authenticity since they are the main people who directly related to the history

of the site. The National Forest social government should be the protector of the natural

integrity of the site. When the two partners work together, Namkang National Park and

Namkang Historic Tunnel can surely be sustainably developed and conserved.

4.5.2 Heritage benefit allocation

With the intension of solving this contestation, tourism income management

supposes to be one way out for solving the contestation over the tourism benefit. Today,

the Namkang National Park and Namkang Historic Tunnel are separately collected their

entrance fee. The system is, however, confuse in tourists’ eyes. In the real practice, the

entrance fee of the two tourism sites should be collected in one stop. The entrance

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package is an interesting idea. If the entrance fee of the two sites is collected in one stop,

tourists will make their trip in both tourism sites, which is actually located in the same

area. Moreover, the site will earn more income from tourists that spend their time on site

longer. The two operators, the Namkang National Park officer and the Namkang Historic

Tunnel manager, can allocate their tourism income later. Except the benefit for tourist

comfort, the tourism site will have the benefit in the same subject as well. The benefits

that the tourism sites manager will earn from tourism can be defined as followed;

- Local guides, who were the CPM guerrilla, can earn more income from tourists.

They can also scope more in doing their role as a guide not the entrance fee collector.

With the new system, the tourism site will be more systematically managed.

- Accommodation fee comes from the over-night tourist. With more activities to

attend at the national park and the tunnel, tourists can stay in the site longer and possibly

make an over-night trip as to appreciate the natural beauty and feel the hard time of the

guerrilla in the Cold War period.

- Food and beverage can be charged if tourist stays in the site long enough or an

over-night visit.

- Brochure can be added in the entrance fee.

- Other facilities fee like toilets are also vital for the tourism site as well.

4.6 Future tourist analysis after the management of historic site

4.6.1 Domestic audience

The history of Namkang Tunnel is interesting in the international level. However,

there are less Thai people, who know and understand the story. Fortunately with the

interesting and charming of the fabric, some domestic tourists might pay their attention

on this matter. The domestic audience of Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National park

can be categorized as below;

- It was found out that well known academic sections located in the Southern part

of Thailand. Especially in Songkhla province, there are five universities and more than

ten thousands students in every level. These students and teachers can be counted as

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academic tourist. When travelling and learning the history of Namkang Tunnel and

Namkang National Park, the students will sure have more knowledge about their country

history. The group of people can make a trip in a form of field work study.

- Tourist in the region or other region can make a visit at Namkang Tunnel and

Namkang National Park as well. The tunnel will give a detail of the forgotten memories

for them while the national park can provide some family activities. The tourists can be

both young teenager tourist and adult and elderly tourist. The travelling objective of the

young tourists is an adventure and explores for new experience while the adult tourists

tend to need the nostalgic feeling of where they used to be a part of.

4.6.2 International audience

Since the construction of Namkang Tunnel was the international matter and it was

the contemporary history of the post World War II period, more people may want to seek

the story of mankind contestation over the political aspect and be a part of a long history.

With the truth that the story of the Namkang Tunnel is a blur history, it, however, makes

the fabric becomes more charming in people’s eyes especially in the international level

group of tourists. The international tourists, who interested in travelling at Namkang

Tunnel, can be classified as followed;

- Tourists in the Academic section of the Namkang Tunnel can be the students

from nearby countries, which also had the relationship with the fabric, such as Malaysia

and Singapore. The history of Namkang Tunnel can catch the intension of this group of

people. Although the monument itself was not constructed by Thai people, but the

interesting part was that it was located in Thai territories. It was expected that this group

of people comes from the international cooperation with the nearby academic section like

in the neighborhood countries for instance Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Not only

the students can learn their forgotten history but they can learn from the first hand

evidence.

- Except the long history of the tunnel construction, teenager tourists can earn new

experience from travelling at Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National Park. From the

camping, young adult tourists can learn the guerrilla way of life and keep the sense of

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place of the State Emergency period of the CPM guerrilla by staying or camping in the

provided area.

- Retired tourists, who were already free from business and responsibility, can

also make a trip to Namkang Tunnel as well. For some people, Namkang Tunnel history

and construction was also part of their story. This group of people is different from the

teenager group because they are willing to pay for any tourism expense. The nostalgic

feeling is another tool leading them here.

- In 2015, the South East Asia countries had planned to establish “Association of

South East Asian Nations”. All countries population can make their trips between

countries easier. With that result, the Asian countries tourists will be the majority target

group of future tourist at Namkang Tunnel and Namkang National Park. Since the story

of Namkang Tunnel was influenced from Cu Chi Tunnels, Saingon, Vietnam, the two

sites can share their reflection of the spread of Communist ideology in the region.

Moreover with the connected border between Thailand and Malaysia, the tourists can

make an observation of the communist route in the past as well.

4.7 The Namkang Historic Tunnel cultural landscape management plan

As stated in the prior section, Namkang Historic Tunnel was promoted as a

tourism site by the TAT with the tourism campaign. However, the sustainable

management must be the very first thing to think about. The fact is tourism cannot be

omitted; it has to have a well management plan for retaining the heritage site authenticity

and integrity.

Today with the unplanned development and management tourism route and

system, the authenticity and integrity of the historic site is decreasing and loosing bit by

bit. With the intension to conserve the heritage site universal value and prominent unique

significance, the cultural landscape of the fabric must be protected and well planned.

Tourism can be another tool leading the site sustainable development. The basis to the

Namkang Historic Tunnel sustainable cultural landscape management can be planned as

followed;

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4.7.1 Landscape management

The landscape management aims at retaining the sense of heritage site. The

manager should consider more on how to increase the level of heritage universal value

and sustain the level of its integrity and authenticity. Part of the process of cultural

landscape management must come from the site direct history. Any happened

development or reconstruction have to come from the real incidents of the site and from

the in deep survey with particular evidence. It must also be connected to its heritage

significances as well. Today, the landscape management of historic site of Namkang

Historic Tunnel comes from the only group of people’s idea, especially the old CPM

members. Unfortunately, they did not have the right understanding of the heritage sense

of place. Their development, however, was an intention to make the heritage looks clean

and new.

Some of the developments that the CPM member managed did not directly relate

to the fabric’s history. They had built a shrine as a Historic War Museum for fallen

soldier of CPM and the Liang Shan steps for challenging the tourists. Those two things

neither have the relationship to the main monument nor support the universal value of the

site. In the opposite way, it does decrease the heritage value into the sacred place and

adventurous site.

The future cultural landscape management needs to consider more about tourism

that will come right after the well – planned management. As stated above, the cultural

landscape management must be able to retain the authenticity and integrity of the

monument. In another word, cultural landscape must be able to retain the heritage sense

of place. Moreover, it needs to refer to the unique and precious history of the old time.

The cultural management can be as followed;

From the survey, it was found that the main entrance of the tunnel has been

reconstructed and the cement pathway had been done. The new construction is new and

looks clean. However, the heritage’s sense of place has been decrease. Except the

entrance of the tunnel, the surrounded area has been changed from the original period of

time. Around the CPM tunnel, it used to have a very thick bamboo forest cover around

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the area. The bamboo forest was used to cover the CPM member’s activities from their

enemy’s air force. Today, there left only memory and old photos to tell the local

knowledge of the CPM and their ability to adapt their lives with the nature. Some of

bamboo forest still remains but it stays without any interpretation of its role in the past

and no one takes it in his concerning. With the wish to sustain the heritage site, proper

plan needs to be considered.

4.7.2 Tourism route

The Namkang Historic Tunnel was once a well known tourism site. However with

the improper management plan, the Namkang Historic Tunnel gradually faded away from

state of being a tourism site from tourist’s memory. Today, the historic tunnel is not a

crowed tourism site or a main tourist destination site. The main fabric can keep its sense

of place longer, if it has a proper care. With the full richness of the site’s history,

Namkang Tunnel can be proud of its outstanding universal value. Another opportunity of

the site is that tourist number of Namkang Tunnel is predictable. Most of them come to

the tunnel on vacation day, weekend or coming in groups. The heritage manager can

surely manage the site properly following the flow of tourist number.

On the normal day or weekdays, there is small number of tourists. The heritage

manager can easily manage the site. Tourists can also make a visit by themselves in the

popular sites around Namkang National Park and Namkang Historic Tunnel. National

park officer and Namkang Tunnel manager can provide basic information and facilities

for them. However the management system must be different from weekdays on peak

day. The responsible officer surely has more tasks to do and end tourist’s trip with good

memories. All those steps to achieve the successful tourism management without bad

effects to the historic site are as followed;

Firstly, the manager should categorize tourists into groups due to their interest and

time. It is known that different gender, age, nationality and heritage background tourists

have different interest toward things. Benefits from grouping tourists are as such;

- Heritage manager can manage the flow of tourist easier

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- People will not get bored from what they do not pay their attention to

- Tourists will not be too crowed in each station of knowledge for too long

- Cross culture problem will decline

When categorizing tourists into groups, the heritage manager can make sure to give

tourists their best satisfaction. Tourists can be set in categories depending on their

interest, nationality and age. From the group above, some of tourists may mainly interest

in the beautiful of nature or the genius creativity of human. The local guide has to

respond to their request. In the same time, the heritage site is located near the

international border between Thailand and Malaysia. Those tourists may be a domestic

group or an international group. For the international tourists, they need the local guide

who can speak their own language or English as to answer their questions. Moreover,

children and teenagers tend to have different interest from adult. With the various need

and interest, it is the heritage manager’s duty to manage everything correctly.

Secondly, the idea of tourism route needs to bring up in the manager’s

consideration on a peak day. When there are numbers of tourists, people will not satisfy

with crowed environment. So the best solution for solving this problem, the Namkang

Historic Tunnel’ manager has to set various tourism routes. First of all, the officer has to

define tourism stops. The tourism stop in Namkang National Park can be as such;

Namkang Historic Tunnel, Piyamit village and the natural site of the national park. In the

Piyamit village, it can be divided into stations. Each station should present different topic.

The topics should relate to the history of the tunnel and the life of the CPM guerrilla.

Since the villagers are the former CPM members, they can be a perfect story-teller, who

can give the first hand experience to tourists. Then, tourism route ought to have a

carefully designed schedule. Tourism stop from station to station should inform clearly.

The schedule needs to have the information about starting and finishing time, the length

of each stop and the detail of each stop and places.

With all of the above factors and needs, the Namkang Historic Tunnel and

Namkang National Park tourism route can be created in various choices as below;

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Route A

Route B

Route C

Figure 127 Shows the planned tourism route of the Namkang Tunnel

From the created routes above, each station of the site will not get too crowded.

And all tourists will receive the full attention from the national park manager.

(Drawn by Srilak A., 2012)

4.7.3 Interpretation the historic site

This process aims to interpret heritage value to tourists and create basic

knowledge and awareness to visitors. The procedure is important because it may lead to

the sustainable development of the tourism site. As to create the public awareness, the

working team has to answer these basic questions which are;

- What to conserve?

- Why to conserve?

Referring to Tilden six principles of interpretation; the existing interpretation

needs to interpret something that can get visitor attention. Moreover the used information

has to base on the study process. As a result, any created interpretation on site should

obtain information from the study and it should responsibility in provoking visitors’

Namkang National Park

Piyamit Village Namkang Historic Tunnel





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awareness too. However children interpretation should be different from adult as their

sense of perceiving is not the same. (Tilden, 1977)

4.7.3.1 Policy and strategy for Namkang Historic Tunnel interpretation plan

Interpretation policy

- The issued interpretation plan must be able to link the significance of the

Namkang Historic Tunnel and the historic museum. The plan must also lay the basic

information for the tourist to feel and sense the life of the guerrilla before entering their

hiding place.

- The tourism benefit should be given back to maintain the main fabric and all

interpretation work.

Strategic planning for tourism

The strategy for the tourism management plan will be the basis for the future

tourism pattern of the historic tunnel and associated area. Moreover, the strategy must

directly come from all stakeholders’ opinions and cooperation. In this place, the

stakeholders mean the self – proclaimed heritage manager.

- Firstly, the interpretation hub must be set in the historic museum. It can be the

first stop for all visitors before entering to the Namkang Tunnel. The hub must be able to

give visitors needed information and clear understanding of the site.

- Secondly, fine accommodation is required. Price, quality and service must be

carefully examined. Then, the operator can manage the tourism program later. The

accommodation of the tourist can be in various forms i.e. camping, bungalow and

homestay. Public relation and advertisement is needed as to load tourists.

4.7.3.2 The existing interpretation

The present interpretation is lack of perception. It’s individual without integration.

The existing interpretation only gives pictures and shows old daily weapon and utensil.

The available interpretation does not have the potential in communicating with visitor. In

addition, all boards are a mono language (Thai or Chinese) with poor design. The existing

interpretation process on site and off site can be examined as follow;

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Onsite interpretation examining

Table 4: Shows the onsite interpretation examining at the Namkang Historic Tunnel

Number Type of interpretative

media

Problem Remark

1. No interpretation plan -Absent of interpretative program

and trained volunteer to support

the interpretative

2. Sign board - Mono language and poor design

3. Local guide (custodian) - One local guide has to do multi

– tasks in one person i.e.

collecting entrance fee, guide

visitors and manage the souvenir

shop

4. Communication instrument

for professional tour guide

in historic area.

-No speaker phone

-No short wave radio

-No audio walk

5. Safety equipment for large

visitor group who attend the

walking route in historic

site.

-No safety equipment such as;

- Whistle

- Flashlight

Offsite interpretation examining

Table 5: Shows the offsite interpretation examining at the Namkang Historic Tunnel

Number Type of interpretative

media

Problem Remark

1. Interpretation plan

- There has no interpretation plan

from local government who

responsible for this matter.

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2. Brochure and leaflets

- Not enough for all tourists

3. Internet system - Most of the reliable information

comes from government

department. However, most of the

details are the basic information

and do not show how interesting

the historic site is.

4. Social network There is no social networking

system eg. Facebook and Twitter

4.7.3.3 The interpretation implement program

On – site interpretation

- Mock up models of the tunnel

Namkang Historic Tunnel can mock the tunnel’s plan up. The mock up model

have its potential in catching people attention and giving basic understanding of the site

without saying a word. One model shows the whole function of the fabric and the genius

creativity of the guerrilla. The figure below is the mock up model of the Cu Chi Tunnels,

Saigon, Vietnam. It shows the function of the tunnels and the Viet Cong soldier lifestyle

underground.

Figure 128 Shows the mock up model of the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

(http://www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=587917)

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- Exhibition and historic museum

The exhibition room and the media room will give a clear understanding of the

site history and significances. Tourist’s feeling have to be aroused before entering the site

so that they will understand the guerrilla’s reasons of living in the jungle and what did

they fight for. The battle field sound (bullets and bombs) is another tool of interpretation

for tourists. As stated above that the exhibition will lay a basic history of the site, its

theme and decoration must be correlate and harmony with the site. In addition, the

exhibition room and the media room must be able to support individual and group tourist

and domestic and international visitor. Because the historic site relates to the international

political aspect, Thai, Bahasa, Chinese and English language have to be available for

different group of people.

The exhibition can be divided into zones such as; media room, exhibition room

and tunnel mock up room. Each part is responsible for one main objective. The media

room’s duty is to give the basic background of the site. The exhibition room shows the

guerrilla life and fighting equipment of the old day. And the guerrilla tunnel mock up

room give the guerrilla experience to tourists.

Figure 129 – 130 Shows the media room of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Viet Cong’s meal

(http://www.doubleenjoy.com/WebboardDetail.aspx?idx=612)

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Figure 131 – 136 Shows the war time exhibition of the Cu Chi Tunnels

(http://www.sanookholiday.com/travel-vietnam/412-a-o-c-chi.html)

- Media work

Media work is an important interpretation work. Imagination and marketing

strategies are required; however the implementation should be under the professional

interpretator’s advice. Media works that should be added in the interpretation of the

Namkang Tunnel are illustration, signboard, interpretation board, old pictures, brochure

and postcard.

The interpretation board will give more specific detail of the historic site to

tourists. The design of it must be compact and easy to understand. The interpretation

information should relate to the site with a nice design.

Figure 137 – 138 The media work of the Cu Chi Tunnels

(http://www.oknation.net/blog/sea-sand-n-star/2010/01/08/entry-1)

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Figure 139 The Cu Chi Tunnels construction

(http://www.viet-tourism.com/?p=1120)

Old pictures should also be displayed as well. It can tell the precious history of the

fabric. However, all those old pictures have to be grouped and displayed in chronological

order. For brochures and guidebooks, they should be well designed with color and map.

Furthermore, they should be printed in four main languages, Thai, English, Chinese and

Bahasa. The printing expense, however, can be added in the entrance fee of the tunnel.

- Local guide

The local guides of the Namkang Tunnel are the old member of the CPM in the

state emergency period. With the reason, the local guide of the site has his own charm.

Notwithstanding, the local guides have to be well trended for upgrading their

communication skill and organizing what to be presented.

Off – site interpretation

- Mobile exhibition

Wide range communication is important to promote the tourism site. Mobile

exhibition is a good choice with low cost and moveable. The mobile exhibition can be

displayed at airport, local event and hotel lobby.

- History of Namkang Tunnel in local school curriculum

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The local children have to know their local history. The present school curriculum

did not give this knowledge to the students since they were taught only national history.

With the new curriculum, the children can appreciate and proud of their local history that

was once be a part of the international history. The schools can also manage a one day

trip for their students to the real site.

- Media work

The off – site media work will make the Namkang Historic Tunnel and Namkang

National Park to tourist’s perception. Some media work cost less but can communicate

with people in a wide range while some cost more but it directly communicate with the

right target group of visitor. The interesting off – site media work are such as;

Firstly, the use of internet access and social network is a powerful tool. It costs

less and can communicate with people all around the world. It can be in an official

website from TAT and other tourism website. However, all information needs to be

continually updated. Another choice of internet access is social network. Facebook and

Twitter can communicate directly in person but there must be an administrative who

update and answer to any questions.

Secondly, printed document and electronic book (E-book) have to be available as

well. The printed document, brochures and maps, should be available at the airport,

restaurant, hotel and shopping mall. In addition with the revolutionary of technology,

people reading behavior is changed. E-book becomes more popular. People from all over

the world can get and download documents and read every detail of the site before they

really arrive.

4.7.4 Carrying the former tourism promoting project on

It had been told in Chapter 3 that there held “Term Rak Kao Namkang” in each

year. The idea of holding this activity came with the intension of promoting Namkang

Historic Tunnel as a tourism site. It was understandable that the operators had chosen the

activity date related to its theme. The theme of the activity was “love” so it was held on

14th of February, the Valentine’s Day.

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In a way, Term Rak Kao Namkang is an interesting activity. However, it should

concern more on retaining the heritage sense of place and its authenticity value. The life

of the CMP couples was not only related to loving but it also related to the fight against

their enemies and the hard time. From interviewing Mr.Yi Sen, the old member of the

CPM, he said that his married ceremony was simple and economy but it was so charming

and memorable. All he had in the wedding day was a candy. He and his wife got married

in the jungle and went through all good and bad events of their lives together up until

now. Today, his wife has been sick for long but he never leaves her behind. It can be

counted that the love story of Mr.Yi Sen is the real romance with the sense of

authenticity.

Referring to the story of Mr.Yi Sen, the following time of the Term Rak Kao

Namkang should lay on the true love story of the old CPM member, who really passed

through all those hard time. Telling and presenting the real couple experience was a way

that can turn the time back. The story will relate to the site directly. For one point,

bringing the real couple can retain the heritage’s sense of place while bringing the new

couple, who has shallow knowledge about the site, can bring all good and fun experience.

The question over the activity is “will the site be able to retain its values and

significances”. The way to sustain the heritage had to come from the cooperation and

decision making of all people in the Piyamit Village and so does the government

sections. If the operator’s answer is retaining and sustaining the heritage sense of place,

all he should do is inviting the old CPM member to be a main part of the activity. Telling

a meaningful story in a right time and place, it will demonstrate heritage intangible value

spreading around all over the place.

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Figure 140 Shows the present activity that promoted the heritage site (2011)

(http://2010.khontai.com/index.php?name=travel&file=readtravel&id=326)

From the figure above, it can be stated that the former CPM member became only

a part of the picture in the same time the groom and bride in the picture were the main

component. Actually, the activity should celebrate for the old couple love, share and trust

that they pass through together for decades. However, it is not wrong for the Hatyai TAT

and Songkhla Provincial Administration to promote the site this way. But the activity

should not become only just a show that fulfills the site annual activity.

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4.7.5 Recommended place of interest within the park

The Namkang National Park has the developing patterns and plans follow the DNP. However with the intention to create the

specific characters to the site, parts of the site should have new developing pattern and design.

Table 6: Shows the proposed developments at Namkang National Park

Features

Existing Proposed features Description

Sign post of main entrance to the park

The existing sign post of the main entrance was designed by the DNP. However, it should be able to present the significance characters of the National Park, which consists of natural and cultural attractions. The sign post should have the redesign and renovate the landscape as well.

Billboard showing regulations to tourist

With the standard design, the regulation board is uninteresting, although it is functional. The new design regulation board should stand harmoniously with all surrounding and look interesting. It can also adopt the natural material like bamboo to decorate it.

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Features


Namkang National Park entrance guard house

Like the regulation board, the entrance guard house should show the character of the park, which is unique comparing with other national park in Thailand. The present guard house neither has good design nor is able to blend with the environment.

Namkang National Park visitor center

The present visiting center already has proper design; however it does not provide the basic facilities for the elderly or handicap people. Ramp floor is needed for wheelchair at the front of the center. Moreover, lighting is also needed in the area too.

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Features


Signage system

The signage system should be relocated to more prominent area and have better design. It should have some outstanding symbol on the top of each signage.

Map

The present map of Namkang National Park setting in the guard house cannot tell the exact location of the site or length to go. It should be re-designed and put more information for tourist basic understanding. The map will look more interesting if it is presented in the bird eyes view perspective.

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Features


Brochure and pamphlet

With the attempt to inform the site information to tourists, the DNP has printed pamphlet. Notwithstanding, the present brochure contains too much detail and looks unattractive. In addition, it was written only in Thai and did not tell the significance values of the site. The new design brochure should have clear theme in each version of the brochure. Some old and new figures should be given.

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With the improper management plan, the heritage site had lost its own sense of place and authenticity. Namkang Historic

Tunnel is the biggest CPM base in Thailand, where hundreds of the CPM soldiers had lived, fought and died for their socialist

ideology. Today, the historic site managers have tried so hard to keep the main fabric and associated area look new and comfortable.

However the more they try to develop the historic site, the more the tunnel loses its authenticity and heritage significances. The

cultural landscape, as a result, can play a main role in retaining the fabric universal value. The followed table shows the proposed

proposal in developing the historic site and retaining its sense of place, significances, authenticity and integrity.

Part of the proposal came from the old picture taken on site. And other came from the new design that can be combined with

the original fabric.

Table 7: Shows the proposed proposal in developing Namkang Historic Tunnel

Features


Signage of the Piyamit Village

The signage showing the direction to Piyamit village should have better design and should be able to present the unique character of the site; somehow it has to admit that the information on this sign is complete. Moreover, this signage looks contrast to all of it surrounding.

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Features


Front gate

With the attention to raise the level of tourism site, the heritage managers designed this front gate. However, the design completely ruined the heritage sense of place and sense of authenticity. The front gate should have the basic design according to the history of the site. The gate can be counted as a good example of a development that did not come up with historical research and planning.

Public toilets

New facilities are needed in tourism site. Somehow, the newly built toilets completely look contrast to the surrounding. It should have some decoration and adapt the ingress. In this case, natural material can be used i.e. Bamboo and small trees.

Ramp floor

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Features


Operation building

The present operation building cannot tell the long history or create the heritage sense of place. The new design operation building should set the heritage theme before any real practice and the façade needs to be redesign.

Ticket kiosk for the tunnel

The present ticket kiosk was imitated its design from the tunnel’s wall. However, the color and all materials do not perfectly blend up with the site. It can be redesigned and decorated. Moreover, it will be better if the tunnel officers wear the CPM guerrilla uniform.

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Features


Historic museum

From the site survey, it was found that the historical museum of the Namkang Historic Tunnel was only a bland place, where old gadgets of the CPM are displaying. The museum provides less information of the fabric. The proposed feature will make the site have more sense of place and will be able to create basic understanding to the site. Some multimedia will be added in.

The tunnel entrance with the model of the war time look out pill box

The tunnel entrance was reconstructed by the self – proclaim long time ago. The present entrance of the tunnel is totally different from it used to be. The practitioners should study the site history from old photos and reconstruct it following that study. Except the landscape management, the tunnel entrance should be interpreted as well.

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Features


Arrow sign showing the route within the tunnel

It was known from the interview that the arrow signs showing the direction within the tunnel did not have any appropriate planning. The existing arrow signs, as a result, have poor design and alienated from the tunnel’s environment. The proposed feature will remodel the arrow sign system within the tunnel. The electricity system will be developed for tourists’ safety.

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Features


Interpretation board

The interpretation board around the tunnel can be categorized into 2 types; - The interpretation board from the TAT, which located in front of the tunnel entrance. This kind of interpretation cannot show the significance value of the site because it has the same design with other sites. - The interpretation boards in the Historic Museum also have poor design without much detail of the site, although they were provided into 3 main languages; Thai, English and Chinese. For the interpretation system, the design can make tourists feel interested to the system. The interpretation board can be more effective by adding some multimedia and have the new design.

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Features


Board display showing photos of CPM activities during the conflict period

The present displaying board shows only old photos without any description. More information and description should be added in as to make a basic understanding to tourists. The new proposed feature will categorize all of the information and redesign all these boards.

Mock up of figure showing the communication room

At the present time, the mock up figure was used as one of the interpretation tools. However, it does not do its job well. The heritage sense of place does not come from the mock up figure but it has to come from the tunnel itself. The tunnel should be redecorated like it was in the old days, attach some old picture and add the sound and lighting to enhance the fabric.

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Features


Brochure and pamphlet

The present brochures do not attract tourist intention since it has basic color and design. Furthermore, the provided information does not demonstrate the heritage universal value although they were written in Thai, English and Chinese. The brochure can be more effective by categorizing all information and redesign.

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Features


Associated area

The memorial statue is a new tourism site associated to the Namkang Historic Tunnel. However, the design of the statue and the landscape design do not get along with the historic site. In addition, the statue neither tells the long history of the CPM nor presents the heritage sense of place to tourists. Since the statue was already built, the possible proposed feature could only be the landscape and lighting management.

(All figures were taken by Srilak A., 2011 – 2012)

(All sketch works were drawn by Aphichat Kantacha, 2012)

153

4.8 Limit of growing

Tourism on the heritage site does not directly destroy the heritage authenticity and

integrity. On the contrary, tourism can be a part that helps to develop the main

monument. As a result, the created tourism has to follow the path to success the stage of

being a sustainable tourism site. All understanding should be base on the fact that

management of the site must be designed in the proper line and objectives.

In term of developing the sustainable tourism, the growth of tourism in historic

site must be controlled. The growing number can affect the site in both good and bad

aspect. It may make local people earn more money but in the same time the environment

can lose its integrity. With all those facts, there are things that need to be concerned as

such;

Firstly, heritage manager should know the carrying capacity of the main

monument. Secondly, the number of tourists should be accounted for the growing trend

so that it will not grow too fast from promote on activity without advance planning.

Thirdly, tourist number also needs to be limited. The more tourists come to visit the site,

the deterioration could take place. Fourthly ,the heritage manager has to limit number of

vehicle and assign proper place for them to park. With the limitation of vehicle number,

heritage place will not be affected by excess pollution. Finally, visitation time needs to be

limited as well. Each group of visitor should know their limitation and the length of time

they can stay on site.

The control of heritage growth can be counted as heritage conservation in the

indirect way. Since the over excessive tourism can harm the heritage sense of place and

heritage significance, the heritage as a result should know its own limitation. Tourism in

the historic site will be sustainable and look after its place, environment, authenticity, and

integrity.

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154

Chapter 5

Discussion, conclusion and recommendation

From site survey and interviewing, it was found out that the tourism operation and

the management of the Namkang Tunnel historic site was in only a few people’s hands.

This group of people had claimed themselves as historic site managers and main

stakeholders. All operations and managements had directly come from their decisions and

budget. However, it needs to accept that the decision making on a historic site cannot

come from the only group of people although they were the source of development

budget.

When considering on present tourism management and development pattern of

the three main self – proclaimed managers, it can be clearly seen that they do not

understand the knowledge of heritage integrity, authenticity and heritage significance

values. The self – proclaimed were former CPM members, who stay and make their

living in the given 15 Rai (1 Rai equal 1,600 Square Meters) piece of land per family

from the Thai government. Different from the self – proclaimed heritage managers, the

local villagers of the Piyamit village tend to ignore tourism situation or any development

at the Namkang Historic Tunnel and associated area. In other word, the management

pattern of the Namkang Historic Tunnel has been managed following a few collective

ideas. Hence, it’s limited because of lacking of public hearing and insufficient fund. For

the National Park area, it is under the control of Department of National Park, Wildlife

and Plant conservation (DNP). The DNP has the main role in taken care the area and

manage the future management plan on site. However, they do not have any participation

in the management of Namkang Historical Tunnel although the historic site was located

in the Namkang National Park area.

In addition, it needs to accept that the separately management pattern between the

Namkang National Park officers and the Namkang Historic Tunnels managers had

decreased the managing and developing potential. Moreover, it should be remarked that

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155

the heritage site was run by only three persons and Thai government gave too much free

hand on the self – proclaimed to the heritage site. With the fact that maintaining the

heritage site needs large amount of money, Thai government should claim the ownership

on the historic tunnels back as the national heritage. All those steps for reclaiming the

heritage site back can start from public hearing. The public hearing will allow the

villagers in the Piyamit Village to show their opinions toward the ownership of Namkang

Historic Tunnels and heritage benefit allocation. Furthermore, the claiming back of the

heritage ownership should be supported by the 4th general commander and other related

agents. It should also be remarked that all actions in claiming the heritage site ownership

back must be gently operated. After the returned of the ownership, the Namkang Historic

Tunnels will be able to get development fund from the DNP and Thai government to

manage the historic site. Moreover, the successful management pattern must come from

the cooperation of the government section and the heritage stakeholders. The community

involvement is needed since all opinions and decisions should come from every

participant in Piyamit Village. From the word ‘community involvement’, it includes

creating heritage sense of place and proud.

Except the idea of claiming back the ownership of the heritage site, the

recommendation and suggestion of the other future management plans on Namkang

Historical Tunnel and Namkang National Park can be concluded as follows;

- Landscape management is the suggestion on developing the physical condition

and retaining the heritage sense of place. The proposed landscape management must be

able to blend with all surrounding harmoniously.

- Interpretation management is the process of demonstrating the heritage area’s

significances. The interpretation can be in the form of signage system and interpretation

board and it can also be the onsite interpretation and offsite interpretation.

- Tourism management is believed to be a helper in managing the tourism

situation on site. A well planned tourism program will give a finest experience to tourists.

In addition, tourism management can help the historic managers or officers to create a

sustainable destination.

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156

With the outstanding significance characters of the Namkang National Park and

Namkang Historical Tunnel, the two sites remain their high degree of integrity and

authenticity through time. Notwithstanding the effect from the external factor (the South

Thailand Emergency); numbers of tourists are continuously decreasing. Moreover with

the intention to revive the tourism situation on site, local government cooperating with

the TAT Hat Yai had arranged the activity called “Term Rak Kao Namkang”.

Unfortunately, it can lift the tourism situation only in a short period. The suggested

recommendation for future management on site will help developing the site in a

sustainable way while its integrity and authenticity value are well conserved.

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157

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Appendix A

The significance incidents related to the formation of Namkang Tunnel in

chronological order

British Colonial Malaya

1786 Sir Francis Light had landed in Penang. Later on, the

British acquired Penang from Sultan of Kedah.

1826 The British had formed the Colony of Straits Settlements in

Malacca, Penang and Singapore.

1851 The Straits Settlement placed under the control of the India

Office.

1920 The British adopted the Federated Malay States (FMS).

The early sign of Malay Nationalism against British rule

began to surface.

1924 The Communist ideology spread to Malaya through the

Kuomintang representative in the form of propaganda and

revolutionist ideology.

1926 The Chinese oversea had established the “Nan Yang

General Labor Union” (NGLU) under the controlled of

Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

1930 The Chinese underground people had formed the

Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). All ideologies and

tactics were received from the China mainland. The

activities of the CPM were aimed at the Malayan

independence from the British.

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Independent Malaya

1941 The Japanese Army invaded the Malayan and Singapore territories

in the World War II incident.

1942 The Malayan People’s Anti – Japanese Army (MPAJA) began to

sabotage and ambush against the Japanese.

1945 The defeat of the Japanese had ended all Japanese occupations in

Malayan Peninsula. The British was once again returned its

influence and power over Malayan and Singapore.

1948 The Malayan Government under the controlled of the British had

declared the first State Emergency after the CPM insurgency.

Figure 1 - 2 Show the British troop fighting with the CPM guerrilla

(http://www.edinburghwargames.com/Borneo.htm)

1949 The MPAJA changed its name to “Malayan Peoples’ Liberation

Army” (MPLA)

Some of the CPM member had retreated to the Border of Thailand.

They first appeared in Betong District, Yala Province and Sadao

District, Songkhla Province.

1950 The British army had applied the “Briggs Plan” as to suppress the

CPM troops.

1951 The British instituted a general food – control program called

“Operation Starvation” for the CPM guerrilla.

1953 The MPLA strength declined since the shortage of food according

to the “Briggs Plan”.

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1955 The Malayan Government held the “Baling Talks” with the CPM

representatives; however it was turned up fail with the unsolvable

contestation between the Democratic and Communist.

Figure 3 Shows the atmosphere of the Baling Talks

(http://mstar.com.my/variasi/manusia_peristiwa/cerita.asp?file=/2009/9/1/mstar_manusia

_peristiwa/20090901095608&sec=mstar_manusia_peristiwa)

1956 Tunku Abdul Rahman headed Merdeka Mission to London to

negotiate Malaya’s independence from the British Empire and its

rule.

1957 The British gave the full independence to Malayan. Tunku Abdul

Rahman became the first State Prime Minister of Malaya.

1958 – 1959 The Malayan Government tried to suppress the CMP to the Thai –

Malaysia border.

The formation of Malaya

1960 The CPM had defeat the Malaysia government co – operated with

the British government. The Malaysia government declared that

the “State Emergency” was over. Only the area near the border of

Thailand remained the Emergency restrictions.

1963 The British colonies of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined

Federation of Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.

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Figure 4 Shows the British colonies together formed the Federation of Malaya

(http://www.alaskajuniorgolf.org/2011/06/federation-of-malaya.html)

1964 Singapore became an independent nation after leaving Malaya.

1965 Singapore had withdrawn itself from Malaysia. The communist

insurgency began in Sarawak.

1967 The CPM under Chin Peng had renewed the insurgency in Malaya.

1968 The Malaysia government had declared the second State

Emergency after the independent day. (1968 - 1989)

1972 The CPM had dug the tunnel as their bunker in the Southern Part

of Thailand such as; Betong District, Yala Province and Nathawi

District, Songkhla Province.

The extinguishing way of the Southern flame

1989 (February) The first round of the Tripartite Peace Talks between

Malaysia – Thailand and the CPM at Phuket, Thailand

(March) The second round of the Tripartite Peace Talks between


(May) The third round of the Tripartite Peace Talks between


(October) The fourth round of the Tripartite Peace Talks between


Chin Peng had come to Thailand after he had stayed in

Guangzhou, China for years.

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(November) The fifth round of the Tripartite Peace Talks between


(December) The CPM finally decided to lay down its arms. The

Tripartite Peace Talks agreement was signed up between Thai

government, Malaysian government and the representative of the

CPM. The Southern flame was permanently extinguished as a

result.

Figure 5 - 6 Shows the atmosphere of the Tri – Partite Peace Talks


1991 The Namkang mountain was declared as the 65th national park of

Thailand with 212 square meters wide. And it was the first national

park in Songkhla Province that contains of natural and cultural site

in one area.

1996 The ex – CPM guerrilla asked the Namkang Historic Tunnel back

for the private management from the National Park.

The historic tunnel was developed and restored in order to be a

tourism site.

1997 The Namkang Historic Tunnel celebrated their grand opening day

as a historical tourism site in the province. A large amount of

tourists came on site.

2004 An ethnic separatist insurgency broke out in three southernmost

provinces of Thailand (Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat Province).

Fewer numbers of tourists came on site.

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2012 Under the header of the ex – CPM guerrilla, Mr.Leong Yee Sing

and Mr.Pang Min Sang cooperated to work and develop their

heritage site. Safety system and more convenient stuff were added

in under the two headers’ decision.

The formation of the CPM

The arriving of the CCP in 1922 had grown the communist ideology in the South

– East Asia region. The communist seed later grew into the South Seas Communist Party

or Nanyang Communist Party. The South Seas Communist Party was dissolved in 1930

and was replaced by the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). Founding in 1930, the

majority member of the CPM were Chinese. The party was named the “Communist Party

of Malaya” (CPM) or the “Malaya Communist Party” (MCP). The role of the CPM was

first realized in co – operated with the British as to eliminate the Japanese invasion and

its role in the first and second Malayan Emergency. It was believed that the Chinese

Communist Party (CCP), who opened a secret office in Singapore. Although the party

was not officially recognized, their actions were active in Malaya, Singapore and

Thailand.

Since the party establishment, the CPM was seen as an illegal party that

challenged the British colonial rule. Wishing to dismiss the British colonial power, the

CPM had a faith that publicizing communist ideology in Malaya was the best initiation.

They set their goal that Malaya would have a new government system after the

revolution. In 1931, it was informed that there were 1,500 member and 10,000

sympathesisers of the CPM. Then the number had increased to 40,000 members in 1939.

Half of its member lived in Singapore and the rest lived in Malaysia. It was believed that

the succession of the CPM in this era came from the nationalist feeling of the Chinese

oversea people to the Japanese invasion and the effective operation.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Communist_Party)

In March 1942, the CPM had transformed them to Malayan People’s Anti –

Japanese Army (MPAJA). Since they both has the same objective, the MPAJA was

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supported their weapons and fund by the British colonial. They began to sabotage and

ambush against the Japanese. After the empowering from the British, number of the CPM

guerrilla soldiers increased from 4,500 men in 1943 to over 6,000 men by 1945.

After the defeat of the Japanese troop, the MPAJA changed their mission to

declare the Malaya independence over the British. The new organization was called the

Malaya People’s Anti – British Army (MPABA). Many ex-MPAJA joined the group.

However after the Malayan’s Independence, the status of the MPABA or the CPM was

shaky since their objective as to fight the “colonization” for “Malayan independence”

could be no longer used. Their strength obviously declined from up to 12,000 men to

only 1,800 men. Some 450 – 500 men fled to the border of Thailand and other 1,300 men

scattered all over the country. Not until 1989, the CPM member decided to lay down their

arm. It was the end of the long history of the communist fight for decades.

The role of the CPM in the invasion of Japanese troop in Malaya and Singapore in

World War II

The Japanese invasion to the South East Asia region started in 1940. In 1941, the

Japanese army could control the whole of Indochina and intended to invade Malaya as

the next target. With the full heart of nationalism, the CPM established the Malayan

People’s Anti – Japanese Army (MPAJA) cooperated with the British. At that period of

time, the British could send only a few troops to help Malaya since they were engaged

with wars in Europe as well. (Kitti Ratanachaya, 2007)

Although the British and the CPM (or also recognized as MPAJA) stayed in the

opposite side of the political aspect. They did make a negotiation to eliminate their

common enemy. The British might refuse all offering from the CPM at the very first

place but with the critical situation, they finally accepted the supporting from the CPM.

The British had approved the participation of the CPM participation in anti – Japanese

movement. The CPM soldiers were trained to improve the combat effectiveness and

some of them were free from the detention. The British also gave weapons to the CPM

guerrilla as well.

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With the help of the CPM, it was hard for the Japanese to win the war after they

had faced many critical problems. The Japanese troop could not win the support for

particular group of people since most of them turned to support the CPM and MPAJA.

The defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945 brought the idea of independence to Malaya

among the MPAJA or MNLA in the later time.

The role of the CPM after the re-establishment of the British (Post WWII)

The territories of Malaya had rarely been free from its history. These disorders

had resulted mainly from conflicts of interest among political parties or racial

communities and from deliberate subversion. Regardless of their origins or purposes,

however, these disorders had harassed and disrupted the social, economic and political

life of the country to some degree. (William B. Roop, 1966)

The first Malaya Emergency

The Malayan Emergency was called for after the withdrawal of Japanese troop

after the World War II. The Malayan Emergency took 12 years (1948 – 1960) to finish

with the defeat of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). The role of the CPM became

more dominant after cooperated with the British intercepted the Japanese invasion. The

Malayan People’s Anti – Japanese Army or MPALA was established on that purpose.

However, the MPALA could not maintain good relationship with the British long after

the incident. The national liberation war finally broke out in 1948 with the declaration of

state emergency from the Malayan government over the CPM.

After the succession of MPALA, the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA)

was believed to be its successor. The MNLA’s army was secretly trained and equipped

with arms by the British during the World War II as to defeat the Japanese army. They

also kept some of the MPAJA’s weapon for future use.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Races_Liberation_Army) Like the MPALA, the

MNLA was a guerrilla force created by the Communist Party of Malayan under the

communist leader, Chin Peng. Although the British army had fully withdrawn from

Malaya, the communist side had been defeated in 1960. Later in 1967 – 1989, the CPM

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under Chin Peng renewed the insurgency in 1967. It was known as the “Communist

Insurgency War”.

The Malayan Emergency was the fought between Commonwealth force, which

consisted of United Kingdom, Federation of Malaya, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji,

and the MNLA armed force. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Emergency)

Different from the MPALA, the MNLA fought for Malayan Independence from the

British. The MNLA had divided its army into twelve troops and expanded their action

and used communist tactic received from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to fight

back. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/โจรจนคอมมวนสตมาลายา) However for the British

perception, the MNLA, the CPM and other leftist parties were outlawed parties. Any

suspecting from those parties or people would bring to jail without any trial. In the same

time, the MNLA began guerrilla campaign, targeting mainly the colonial resource

extraction industries such as tin mines and rubber plantation. It was known that the

MALA war tactics, sabotaging installations, attacking rubber plantations and

infrastructure derived from guerrilla warfare.

The MNLA had declined its significant after the British declared Malayan

Independence. Members of the MNLA (also known as the CPM) decreased from up to

12,000 men to only 1,800 men. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/โจรจนคอมมวนสตมาลายา) Most of

the MNLA members were Chinese – Malaya people. They supported the MNLA because

they were poor, had no land right and weren’t seen as equal as Malay.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Emergency) With all the operations in the Malaya

peninsula, the MNLA and the CPM was unable to rally the country to their cause by

appealing to nationalism and unity. It was shown that support for the CPM was mostly

from about 500,000 out of 3.12 million ethnic Chinese in Malaya Peninsula. It could be

stated that the MNLA and the CPM had no great nationalist leader like Mao Tse-tung or

Ho Chi Minh to rally the people.

In the battle, the two rivals had to use the best techniques as to defeat the other.

The MNLA, leaded by Chin Peng, planned the strategy into 3 distinct phases as followed;

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Phase 1; The guerrilla fighters already being battle hardened in combat against the

Japanese would raid isolated estates, tin mines and police and government buildings in

rural areas to drive the British into the cities

Phase 2; The areas abandoned by the British would be renamed “Liberated areas”

and guerrilla bases would be established to train new recruits drawn from the Min Yuen

(A civilian organization that supported the MPLA) as the Army expands

Phase 3; The new expanded army would move from the “Liberated areas” to

attack towns, villages and railways with the Min Yuen acting as saboteurs to cripple the

economy. Once the country was on its knees the Army would face the British on the open

battlefield. (Noel Barber, 1971)

However with the quick response from the British, the MNLA members had to

relocate themselves in the jungle. Unfortunately, the economic subversion and sabotage

had not been successful and the people had not rallied to their cause.

The British Empire had prepared their strategy to fight back the MNLA as well.

Go back to year 1949; the British had responded the MNLA followed General Sir Harold

Briggs, who had considerable jungle experience while fighting in Burma during World

War II. The strategy was known as the “Brigg’s plan”. He believed that the most

effective way dealing with the MNLA army was to cut the insurgents off from their

supporters among the population. As to follow the plan, “New Villages” were built up.

The New Villages were used to sort normal villagers out of the MNLA members.

(http://www.psywar.org/malaya.php) Furthermore, their source of food and supply

needed to be cut of too. (www.historyofwar.org/articles/war_malaya.html)

When the British army valued that the clumsy sweeps by large formation were

unproductive. The British army changed their strategy to platoons carry out patrols and

lay ambushed. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malayan_Emergency) The plan had a huge

success when combined with using defoliation to help prevent ambushed by Communist

Terrorist.

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The Brigg’s strategy could be magnified the idea as below;

Firstly, the British Empire would separate civilian population from the

Communist army by “resettlement” them to the “New Villages”. At that time, it was

believed to be more than 500 New Villages created to fight back with the Communist

army. The government had given each family worth of provisions and all materials

needed to build a house. The plan aimed at cutting the food supply chain from local

people to the guerrilla troop. The guerrilla as a result had to come out of the jungle to find

their food supplier. (http://www.psywar.org/malaya.php)

“In 1952 as the Malaya Races Liberation Army (M.R.L.A.) withdrew further into

the interior, it was feared that the Malayan Communist Party would established liberation

areas among the timid aborigines who inhabited Malaya’s interior mountain spine. To

prevent the Malayan Communist Party using the aborigines as a source of food, the

government sent out teams (usually special air servicemen and police) to win over these

aborigines who numbered between 50,000 to 100,000 according to the various

authorities. Landing strips were made and police posts were established in these remote

areas to protect the aborigines from the Malayan Communist Party. The interior were

gradually taken over by the government. A small aborigine force called the Senoi Pra’ak

was formed to harass the communists and this force killed more terrorists in the last two

years of the Emergency than all of the other Security Forces put together. Jungle forts and

aborigine patrols and scouts also crisis – crossed the Thai border area and reported on

Malayan Communist Party activity there.” (W.G. Stefaniak, 1952)

Secondly, every adult above the age of twelve had to carry “Malaya Ration Card”.

The card included details of the carrier’s name, photograph, fingerprints and address. The

rational card would help the British government screening lawful citizens out of

communist guerrillas. In addition, the colonial officers would know the movement

database of lawful citizens to the New Village. Not only they were protected from the

communist terrorists, but they also received land to build their homes with free material

and assistance, a government subsidy, free medical care, free schooling for their children,

water and good roads.

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Thirdly, some military subversive activities were used for a short time in the

warfare; however they were abandoned not so long after. From the British army’s

memorandum, it was found that they had chosen to broadcast the radio messages. It was

considered that the radio messages were not used for strategic purpose but for tactical

purpose. It might bear a message from a defector to his comrades back in the jungle

telling them of the good treatment he has received at the hands of the British.

(http://www.psywar.org/malaya.php) In addition, the British army also dropped leaflets

over the Malaya jungle. In 1949, it was believed that there were 3.75 million newspaper

and 50 million leaflets distributed. The British army leaflets mainly had two types; those

explaining to the terrorists the futility of their campaign and those inviting them to

surrender and hand over information concerning the whereabouts of Communist Party of

Malaya members. Chinese, Malayan and Tamil were the main languages used in the

distributed leaflets. (John C.W. Field)

Finally after the communist guerrillas had assassinated Sir Henry Gurney, who

was the high commission at the time, General Sir Generald Templer was sent to be a

replacement. He was able to co-ordinate with both military and civil authority. Moreover,

he pushed new troops of military aid from commonwealth countries such as; Australia,

New Zealand, Fiji and East Africa. The communist started to realize that their policy of

terrorizing supplies from the local population was just breeding hostility, facing renewed

military opposition they pulled back into the deep jungles and stopped the random

attacks. By 1953, the communists had lost the initiative and were never to regain it.

(http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/wars_malaya.html)

3.6.5.2 Baling Talk

With the attempt to resolve the first Malaya Emergency, the Baling Talk was

finally held in 1955. Unfortunately, the talk was unsuccessful because the surrender terms

were not acceptable. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baling_Talks) the main participants

were David Marshall, British Colonial representative, Tunka Abdul Rahman, Malaya

government and Chin Peng, the Communist Party of Malaya representative. Anyhow, the

situation became more intense after the meeting.

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Figure 7 - 8 The atmosphere of the Baling Talk

(http://blogs.todayonline.com/forartssake/2011/05/19/spore-arts-fest-baling-talks-as-awesome-discuss/)

The Baling Talks was held on 28, December 1955 in the Government English

School at Baling. The talks took more than 8 hours and spread over 2 days to an

irresolvable end. The representatives of the British Empire and the Malaya government

were David Marshall, Tunku Abdul Rahman, who was the first prime minister of Malaya

after the Independence Day and Dato Tan Cheng-Lock. The CPM had presented their

representatives to be Chin Peng, the Secretary-General of the CPM, Rashid Maidin and

Chen Tien.

In the opening of the talks, Tanku Abdul Rahman announced that the reason made

him won the state election came from his speech “Colonialism must end and this country

must be given freedom”. (Tanku Abdul Rahman, 1955) He also showed his attention to

all representatives that he aimed at bringing peace to Malaya so all communist activities

must stop. As to do so, he chose to give the amnesty to the CPM members in a suitable

term. He then finalized that if the CPM accepted the amnesty, they would be pardoned.

But the amnesty came with the condition that the CPM members had to stop all of their

violence and political activities.

From the CPM side, Chin Peng denied to accept the Malaya Government’s

proposal. The reason why Chin Peng rejected the amnesty was that it did not permit the

CPM to “enjoy equal status so that those that genuinely intended to be loyal to the

Malayan Government would be helped to regain their normal position of the society”.

(Ching Peng, 1955) To this point, Tanku Abdul Rahman explained that the given up

communists, who were able to show their good intension would be helped to regain their

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normal position in society. But they must show their “loyalty to Malaya”. He also gave

the details of “showing their loyalty to Malaya” that it would complete by communist

activities and accept the position of the rulers and agreement to uphold their dignity. This

term also included the acceptance of responsibility and duties of a good Malaya citizen.

On the contrary, Chin Peng stated that he could not accept the amnesty since it would

force them to dissolve the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and give up their ideology.

Tanku Abdul Rahman, as a result, had to reply that he did not ask the CPM to give up

their ideology but to give up their violence political activities.

Finally, Chin Peng purposed his proposal that there would be no detention, no

investigation, and no restriction on their movement after surrender. The government also

would have to accept the CPM status and let the populace make the final decision. (Kitti

Ratanachaya, 2007) Tanku Abdul Rahman did not deny Chin Peng’s proposal but made it

cleared that after investigations and the removal of restriction on freedom, those

communists, who remained in Malaya could join recognized political parties and took

part in politics. However, a communist party would not be allowed for further movement

in Malaya. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baling_Talks)

Since his proposal was denied, Chin Peng had declared to the meeting that if the

Malayan Government demanded him and his fellows surrender, they would prefer to

fight to the last man. Tanku Abdul Rahman also replied to Chin Peng saying “if you do

not come out to surrender, we would rather not accept you in our society. If you want to

have peace in this country, one side must give way. Either we give in to you or you give

in to us”. (Tanku Abdul Rahman, 1955) After the end of an unsuccessful meeting, Chin

Peng and his colleagues were returning to Klian Intan. Joining his bodyguards, he

disappeared in the jungle in the Southern of Thailand.

Later in 1956, terrorist – free areas throughout Malaya was set up by the Malaya

government. In the latter year, Malaya gained its full independence from the British

Empire after 83 years. The Malaya government assumed the responsibility of defense and

continued to receive British assistance in various fields, including troops. (Kitti

Ratanachaya, 2007) Its military suppression the CPM was declined by 1960. The CPM

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was also forced to retire over the border because of their dwindling strength. The Malaya

Government declared the ending of state emergency on 31 July 1960. There continued to

be minor incidents, but the communists were no longer a state threat. They had lost their

reason for insurrection as Malaya had achieved independence. (Dr.Nik Anuar Nik

Mahmud)

The second Malaya Emergency

After the defeat of the CPM in 1960 in both military and politically to the Malaya

state government, its role through revolution was lessen. In 1961, the CPM was

persuaded by Deng Xiaoping to resurrect its revolutionary war in Malaya. According

Chin Peng: “Strategically, the whole region, Deng insisted, would become ripe for the

sort of struggle we had been persuasive.” (Chin Peng, 2003)

Not until 1968, the Malayan Communist Party members believed that it was the

suitable time for their revival of armed revolution in Malaya. In commemoration of the

20th anniversary of their armed struggle, the CPM had announced their objective to revive

the armed struggle in Malaya. The Second Malaya Emergency lasted from 1968 – 1989

(took 21 years to an end). It was believed that the second Malaya insurgency of the CPM

was influenced from Vietnam War that the Viet Minh were able to defeat over the USA.

The CPM had mostly concerned on the strategic of propaganda campaign. They also had

an attempt to win the hearts and minds of Malaysians and Singaporeans. They subverted

their respective societies and states and bring about the establishment of a People’s

Republic of Malaya (PRM). (Ong Wei Chong, 2006)

The CPM also issued their “New Democratic Revolution” outlines with six main

objectives as follow;

- Overthrow the colonial rule of the British imperialist and their puppets and

establish a Malayan People’s Republic.

- Safeguard the people’s democratic rights and respect freedom of religion and

creed.

- Confiscate and nationalize the enterprises of the imperialists and their running

dogs and protect national industries and commercial enterprises.

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- Abolish the feudal and semi – feudal land systems implant the system of land to

the tiller and abolish usury.

- Improve the livelihood of the workers and poorly – paid employees and

implement the policy of parity of treatment to both male and female workers.

- Implement the policy of equality in all respect for people of various races, oppose

racial discrimination and strengthen the unity among the races.

(VMN Broadcast, Outline of the CPM’s Struggle for the Fulfillment of a New

Democratic Revolution, 30/05/1970)

Figure 9 Shows the CPM guerrilla, who struggling in Thailand


With this entire outline, the CPM also made an attempt to advertise and

propagandize their audience that they were the true defender of people to state liberation.

It was thought that they were tried hard to legitimize their action and struggle on the local

and international stage. (Ong Wei Chong, 2006)

Although the CPM had fight for their ideology and believe for thirty year, they

were unable to see the end of their revolutionary and armed struggle. On 2, December

1989, the CPM agreed to sign in the Tri – parties Hat Yai Peace Accords in Hat Yai,

Songkhla, Thailand. Guerrilla activities had laid down their arms and disbanded its

guerrilla for good. The Second Malayan Emergency incident was finally drew to a

beautiful closing. (Ong Wei Chong, 2006)

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Appendix B

This appendix will give more information about the life and experience of the

CPM guerrilla during the warfare period. It is a kind of memory for people in the later

generation to understand the way they thought, lived their life and survived from the

hardest time in the jungle.

Memoire of the old Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) member

One memoire of the life of the CPM was told by the old member of the CPM

named Fong Chong Pik. He and his elder brother were brought from China mainland by

their mother. The family lived in the lower levels of Singapore society and polity. Before

the break out of the World War II, Fong Chong Pik was the new arrival from Teochew,

China. For the colonial government’s eyes, he was qualified as a third class person. In the

post World War II, people liked him, who went to Chinese school and had little

knowledge in English, still remained a second - class people in the colonial set – up. His

situation turned worst, when he became involved with the anti – colonial struggles.

The underground members were looked as “terrorist” or “national criminal” from

the colonial government. Even in the Independence Day, the People’s Action Party (PAP)

was labeled as a “terrorist” instead of a “criminal”. From the mouth of Fong Chong Pik,

an old Communist Party of Malayan member, he said that he was permanently exiled by

Singapore government. His Singapore nationality, citizenship and right of residence had

been taken away. He was later an “outcast” for Singapore government. (Fong Chong Pik,

2008)

The communist and the left wing were commonly regarded as the core of the anti-

colonial forces. With that reason, the colonial government normally acted according to

the British strategic need to fight the anti-colonial forces. Communist Party of Malayan

(CPM) made the re-establishment of British Colonial rule became impossible. The British

were unable to deal with the communists and had to reluctantly abandon their century-old

establishment, opting for a bunch of anti-communists to help maintain their influence.

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Life of the underground in Malaya and Singapore

Being tagged as a “terrorist”, Fong said that it was acceptable for the British to

call him and his gang that way as they were enemy for each other. However, it was

unacceptable for the People’s Action Party (PAP) government to call him like way.

Because it could make all of his actions against British colonial rule and Japanese

invasion and for nation liberation and independence activities became “terrorist

activities”. Joining the underground was not an easy to make decision matter.

However after the detention, he could make up his mind easier. For him, resistance

and rebellion were the only way out. He had absolutely no reason to tolerate the

inhuman treatment whereby anyone could be arrested and released, and lived at the

mercy of others. He positively could not accept an existence without freedom and

dignity, living in the palm of someone. He did not mind paying whatever price as a

result of taking this stand.

“Life may be precious,

The price of love may be even higher.

In order to achieve freedom,

Both can be thrown away.”


For the British’s eye, the left wing or the communists were looked in a

pessimistic way. They were assumed to be deceptive mob, murderers and terrorists. In

the contrary Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and their cabal were all intelligent,

rational, strong and invincible. In the same time, the British were calm and collected,

mild – manner, polite and courteous gentlemen. (Fong, 2008)

Fong also stated that the British and its ruler might be “neutral” bystanders in

the anti – colonial struggles. However in reality, a gentlemen manner wouldn’t apply

for the anti – colonial struggles and its member.

It could be observe the truthful of this statement from Mr.Lee Kuan Yew’s

interviewing in 1996 that after the three and a half difficult years of Japanese

Occupation, the British returned. But they were unable to re – establish their former

glory and empire. They therefore began to look everywhere for a group of people who

had the ability to take over, but would not be pushed aside by the communists, “This

was how we entered politics”. Moreover he also stated that, he and many of his

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colleagues all went through the same experience that was why we did not go in search

of politics, but politics came to us.

After the re – establishment of the British colonial, more students became

“guerrilla students” because the push factors from social turbulence and poor

condition at that time.

- Arrest and free

The Malayan Security Service (MSS) was the British government sector

dealing with political matters after the promulgation of the Emergency Relation in

June, 1948. The government department was different from others since it could arrest

and detain anyone without charges. Anyone who was suspected to be a communist

must be arrested and sent to jail. Detention was a basic punishment for all those

people. The detention could be ten days or twenty days nobody knew. Human rights

were not a very first thing to be considered and freedom was usually stamped over for

all those suspects.

Fong Chong Pik, the member of a Malayan Communist Revolutionary, also

said about the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that he still wondered when

he was arrested and released. “Why was I arrested? Why was I released? There was

no need to give any further thought to these questions anymore. Was I not a human

being that you can arrest as you please? Did I not look like a human being that you

could play with my freedom whenever you wish?” Fong Chong Pik said. (2008)

Life of the guerrilla in Thai – Malaysia border

- Entering the jungle

Entering the jungle, the communist member had to travel in the deep forest.

The comrades normally dressed in green uniform and green cap. They also wore

boots; however their boots were made from rubberized tube. The boots may looked

ridiculous, however it worked well for those guerrillas.

In the jungle, they also had the basketball field and competitions among

people in the village. The basketball field was special because it was hidden under the

shadow of bamboo forest. Although the basketball court had dim light but it could be

a nice shield for the guerrilla troop from the air force army.

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Marching is another daily routine of the guerrilla as well. They set the troop’s

vanguards or the trailblazers in the front row. The vanguards’ job included leading the

way, determining the marching direction, making arrangements for rest and

resumption of the march, carrying out advanced scouting. From all these duties, the

vanguards as a result had to be brave, alert, able to respond quickly at all time and had

to know the terrain and possess high technical skills. When encountering with

enemies, vanguards were also be the first person to attack their enemies and also be

the first target for their enemies. Guns loaded in their hands and fingers on the triggers

were the normal image of the vanguards.

Another job of the marching soldiers was “closing”. Soldier on charge of this

duty had to return the passageway to its natural appearance after the column had pass,

so the enemies wouldn’t be able to track after the troops. Not only covered the

guerrilla passageway with leaves, they sometimes needed to create a false passageway

in order to mislead the enemies and camouflage the location of the troops.

Along the march, the toilet stop was allowed until the entire group took a

break. When the break time came, the troop normally said “males to the left, females

to the right” (Fong Chong Pik, 2008) Food convoy was made up of young people.

Whether they were males or females, they had to carry a large fiber bag on their back.

The grain transportation was another regular and essential work among the guerrilla.

- Familiarity with mountainous terrain

The superiority of the communist guerrilla troop did not come from only their

effective weapons and tactics. On the contrary, experiences and the familiarity with

the local topography jungle was their effective tool. With that benefit, the guerrilla

actions; such as surprising attack, night raid, pursuit, interception and ambush could

perform easily.

- Landmines warfare

A skillful in handling landmines was crucial in each group of member.

Landmines were another tactic of the guerrilla warfare to defeat their enemies and

achieved their victory. Except the user of landmines, the soldier who knew the

location of the laid landmines was also important. The experts of the landmines in

each troop were referred as “Lords and Ladies of the Landmines.”

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- Mine warfare

Landmines were represented as a weapon in jungle warfare, which could make

a major destruction. Being infected by psychologically of the enemies, landmines had

brought a sense of terror and threat to them. “Dead mine”, “semi-alive”, “silent mine”

and “live mine” were technical term used in mine-warfare.

“Dead mine” was used to call a mine considered as an object. But right after it

was laid down in a certain location, it became a “semi-alive” mine. A “semi-alive”

mine or so called “silent mine” would do their duties, which was waiting for someone

to stepped on it. Only when the landmine was provided with vitality and ability to

move, it would be then called a “live mine”.

In any warfare, “live mine” was considered to be the effective weapon that

exerted the principal impact. A definition of a “live mine” was a landmine that could

follow its target, appear on the road that the target must pass and disappear

mysteriously. A live mine could be presented on a road or even in a river. And

because of its intelligence, it could catch a great fear for those soldiers. “An iron

soldier” was another nickname of “live mine” too.

Using land – mine strategy in warfare, duties of “lords and ladies of the

landmines” consisted of 3 main steps. They were mine laying, inspecting and

collecting. The operation would start whenever the mine was laid.

The first mission of the mine warfare was a mine laying. Guerrilla responding

for this duty must have highly technical matter. At the beginning, a mine layer had to

make the decision for the mine location. Like trapping wild animal, mine laying had

to use the same skill, even though mine laying was more complicate and harder. The

mine layer as a result had to be the expert of jungle geographical and pattern of their

enemy’s movement. They had to find lots of information of the entrances and tracks

that the enemy must use the spot that the enemy had to walk over and the enemy path

in the jungle.

After laying the landmine, it was vital for the responded guerrilla to know

where the entire landmines gone. Maps had to be drawn clearly and be able to show

the exact location and other specific details.

The inspection would be done after landmines were laid and locations were

pointed out. The inspection duty involved with 2 aspects of their duty as followed;

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firstly they have to determine that landmine locations matched the record or not.

Secondly, they have to check for the condition of each mine. This duty would be

another of process as to know the effectiveness of mines.

Mine inspector was a high skill duty and it was also an extremely dangerous

job. They had to follow the rule strictly and never omitted even it was the smallest

error. Among guerrillas in the jungle, it was normal to say “the landmines has no

feelings and recognized no one”. From the speech, it was cleared that landmines could

be dangerous and harmful for all carless people, not only the enemies or the guerrilla

themselves.

Today, all warfare between Malayan government and Communist guerrilla no

longer existed. The power of landmines was turned off then they became “dead

mine”. However with tension, all those mines can be reactivated into “silent mines”.

Extreme caution should always be turned on or loss of life or even limb will be the

result for those careless people.

- Air warfare

Helicopter was another weapon for the anti – guerrilla warfare. The anti –

guerrilla used their weapon in moving supplies, replacing exhausted troops with fresh

ones, bringing in emergency medical aid and providing combat support. Before the

guerrilla could find the retorting way to the anti – guerrilla, helicopters took major

control of the sky.

Learning from experiences and the understanding of jungle geographical,

communist guerrilla could apply their own defending techniques. They had developed

their techniques until they could fire into the air. Moreover, they also chose proper

location on mountain slopes to build their fortresses so that they could shoot their

enemies in a closer range. It was surprised that all weapons and techniques used were

simple but its affect was tremendous.

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Figure 6- 7 Shows the CPM turret hiding around the tunnel


- Jungle cultivating, farming and trapping

Cassava was the mainly corps planted in the jungle plots. The cassava

consumption rate depended to the level of security of the camp and the rice supply. If

the rice supply was stable, less consumption of cassava would be the result. Melons

and vegetables were the main corps of guerrilla plots. Under peaceful condition, there

would be sufficient amount of corps.

It could not deny that cultivation had raised the lives quality of the jungle

soldiers. Jungle plots also needed protection as they were guarded by the guerrilla

guards. However during military action, guards in the cultivation plots were the

enemy target as they stayed in an open field and worked in a fixed schedule. Even

though it paid a very high rate for jungle cultivating but it could improve the

guerrillas’ nutrition and livelihood.

Farming in the jungle sounded interesting so pigs were once raised at the deep

forest camp farm. Unfortunately raising pigs in the military camp was not success, it

had never been raised again. Not only pigs, fish and rabbits were raised in the camp

too but there were too many losses of money and time so trapping and fishing was the

smarter idea. Animal trap was made from steel cable and was laid in the jungle. As to

trap wild animal, trapper needed to select a right location then dig a hole in the

ground. Wild boar, deer, goat or black bear might found in the animal trap. Fishing

was another hunting activity in the jungle camp. At the time when the guerrillas set

their camp in the jungle, there were fewer fish in the river and the size was usually

small.

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Running water

In choosing a campsite, the guerrilla had to make sure that the site would not

be easily defended and also provided easy way for withdrawal. Above all those

military reasons, water source was another vital factor for daily living. The campsite

as a result had to select a location that can access to a water source so that they could

pump water supply into the camp.

Figure 12 Shows the CPM bathroom Figure 13 Shows the pond in front of the tunnel

(Taken by Srilak A., 2011) (Taken by Srilak A., 2012)

When guerrilla troop arrived at a new campsite, hydraulic engineer would

search for nearby water source and begin to design the bamboo piping. The method of

pumping water to guerrilla campsite was dealing with the gravity theory. The guerrilla

hydraulic engineers would draw water from a source at a higher elevation than the

camp then let it flowed along bamboo pipes until it reached the camp. Because the

water source might be a kilometer far away and might climb over slopes and

mountain ridges, the bamboo pipe system had to be well calculated. The raised too

high bamboo pipes would reverse the flow, while the water might not be able to reach

the camp if it was raised too low.

Later, bamboo pipes were replaced by plastic pipes. All system became more

simplified and comfortable. However, the sound of flowing water along bamboo pipes

was also fade away after the disappearing of bamboo pipes.

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Mountain spirit

- Lost in the jungle

Travelling in the jungle made all guerrillas getting familiar with the nature and

landscape of the jungle. Nevertheless, there were so many chances for them to get lost

in the forest. “Losing the mountain” became the technical term for them, which has

the same meaning as “losing the way” in the city. An important key for all soldiers,

when they “losing the mountain”, was their magic weapons to save their lives for

another day. The magic weapons were survival knife and lighter.

The experienced guerrilla, who travelled in the jungle for a long time, had

suggested basic survival rules in a jungle after “losing the mountain” as below;

- After leaving the camp, try hard remember the location of the mountains and

stream, recognize some of the salient topographical features, have a clear

impression of the traversed

- Never forget a complete set of equipment and needs, such as a lighter and

survival knife, because precaution lessens danger and in the event of an

accident, you would feel safe and thus remain calm.

- Do not leave the group; if it was absolutely necessary to do so, take some

buddies.

- In the event that the “mountain is lost”, do not move in a confused way, or get

too far from the spot where it was discovered that the “mountain had been

lost”, as searchers would be dispatched sooner or later. Do not yell; but hitting

tree trunks would be the best way of sending a signal.

- Most importantly, remain calm. Coolly analyze and cope with the situation;

avoid anxiety and panic, never act rashly, dashing here and there. Put it in a

more vivid way, when lost, quietly sit down and take a nap for fifteen minutes.

You would then be guaranteed to have a sharp eye and clear head, and you

would be assured of finding your way home.


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Researcher’s autobiography

Curriculum Vitae

Name: Ms.Srilak Anutararoekwong, Thailand, 1987

Educational background

2008 BA, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

2010 – now MA Researcher in Architectural Heritage Management and Tourism,

Silpakorn University, Thailand

Residence in Thailand 68 Pattalung Rd. Boryang, Muang, Songkhla 90000

Tel.: 66 74 311053 mobile phone 66 84 6325118

Email: [email protected]

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namkang tunnel: the cultural landscape management … · independent study title of “namkang...

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