Chinese Haw Memoria

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07:00–17:00

 

Chinese Haw Memorial is one of the most meaningful historical sites in Khao Kho, Phetchabun. More than just a roadside monument, it is a place of remembrance that reflects the human cost of conflict and the value of peace. Travelers who visit Khao Kho often come for mountain views, misty mornings, and cool weather, but this memorial adds a deeper historical layer to the journey. It reminds visitors that the peaceful landscape seen today was once part of a difficult and painful chapter in Thailand’s modern history.

 

The memorial was built to honor the volunteer soldiers of Division 93, widely associated with the Kuomintang or “Chinese Haw,” who came to assist military operations in the Khao Kho area and lost their lives in the fighting. These men originally lived around Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai. Although they were not local to Khao Kho, they volunteered to take part in operations against communist insurgents in the area. Their contribution became one of the most memorable stories connected to the Khao Kho conflict, and the memorial stands today as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

 

What makes this place especially powerful is the scale of loss it commemorates. A total of 1,171 names of fallen soldiers are engraved at the memorial. This transforms the site from a simple monument into a solemn historical record. The engraved names remind visitors that war is never an abstract event. Every conflict leaves behind real human losses, and every number in a historical account represents an individual life. That is why the Chinese Haw Memorial carries emotional weight far beyond its physical size.

 

The memorial was commissioned under royal initiative on 20 February 1984. Its purpose was not only to honor the fallen, but also to preserve an important lesson for future generations. In this sense, the site serves both as a place of remembrance and as a civic lesson. It tells visitors that internal conflict always comes at a price, and that the preservation of peace, unity, and national stability should never be taken for granted.

 

One of the most striking aspects of the Chinese Haw Memorial is its atmosphere. The setting is quiet, open, and reflective. Unlike heavily commercial tourist attractions, this site invites visitors to slow down, read, observe, and think. Many people who stop here do not stay very long, but the experience often leaves a lasting impression because of the emotional force of the names and the story behind them. For travelers interested in history, memory, and the deeper identity of Khao Kho, it is one of the most important stops in the district.

 

The memorial also represents an important message about solidarity across ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Although the soldiers honored here were Chinese Haw, their sacrifice became part of Thailand’s shared national memory. The site therefore symbolizes not division, but unity. It reflects how different communities can become part of the same national story through courage, commitment, and sacrifice. This is one reason why the memorial remains relevant not only as a historic landmark, but also as a moral and social symbol.

 

For travelers visiting Khao Kho for the first time, the Chinese Haw Memorial helps reveal that the district is more than a scenic mountain destination. Khao Kho is also a place shaped by conflict, rebuilding, and remembrance. Visiting this site gives travelers a more complete understanding of the area. It connects the beauty of the mountains with the historical events that once unfolded here, making the trip richer and more meaningful.

 

The memorial is also easy to include in a broader historical route around Khao Kho. Nearby attractions such as Khao Kho Palace, the Kanchanapisek Pagoda, the Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial, and Itti Base can all be visited within the same general zone. This makes the site especially suitable for travelers who want to combine scenic driving with historical exploration. Instead of focusing only on viewpoints and cafés, visitors can experience a fuller version of Khao Kho that includes both beauty and memory.

 

Although the memorial is simple in structure, that simplicity is part of its strength. It does not rely on dramatic presentation. Its impact comes from the engraved names, the historical significance, and the quiet surroundings. Visitors who take a few moments to read and reflect often find that this place changes the tone of their trip. It encourages a deeper appreciation of peace and a stronger awareness of how fragile social harmony can be.

 

Because of its location along the main Khao Kho route, the Chinese Haw Memorial is convenient for self-drive travelers. The stop is straightforward and suitable for a short visit, usually around 15 to 30 minutes, although those with a stronger interest in history may wish to stay longer. It is also appropriate for families, students, and anyone interested in educational travel. Rather than being simply a place to look at, it is a place to think.

 

Getting There is relatively easy by private car. The memorial is located along Highway 2196 in Khao Kho, slightly beyond kilometer marker 23. If arriving from Simarak, it will be on the right-hand side. If coming from Khao Kho Police Station, it will be on the left-hand side. Since this is one of the main tourism routes in the district, the memorial can be combined conveniently with several other key attractions in the same area.

 

In summary, the Chinese Haw Memorial is one of the most valuable historical attractions in Phetchabun for travelers who want their Khao Kho visit to include more than scenery alone. It honors bravery, preserves memory, and reminds visitors of the cost of conflict. For anyone seeking a more thoughtful and complete experience of Khao Kho, this memorial is a place worth visiting.

 

 

A: It is located along Highway 2196 in Khao Kho District, Phetchabun, slightly beyond kilometer marker 23.

 

A: It was built to honor the volunteer soldiers of Division 93 who lost their lives while fighting in the Khao Kho area.

 

A: The most significant feature is the engraved list of 1,171 names of the fallen soldiers, making the site a strong place of remembrance.

 

A: Most visitors spend around 15 to 30 minutes, although those interested in history may stay longer.

 

A: Travelers often combine it with Khao Kho Palace, Kanchanapisek Pagoda, Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial, and Itti Base.

 

A: It is suitable for history enthusiasts, students, families, and travelers who want a deeper understanding of Khao Kho beyond scenic tourism.