Kanchanaburi - the Liijia Cave and the Fabled Japanese Treasure

On a total sidetrack, I came to think of the saga of the infamous Japanese Second World War treasure supposedly left behind in a cave in Kanchanaburi. Why anybody ever paid any attention to that story, I couldn't understand. Why the myth wasn't buried the first time around, is totally incredible.

In late 1995, Senator Chaovarin Latthasakiri (from Ratchaburi) was behind a drive to get the Thai government to fund a search for the treasure. The search went on for two months before it was abandoned. Not a single ounce was found out of the purportedly up to 6.000 tons of gold hidden by the Imperial Japanese Army.

In 1996, the Senator tried to increase the price of his Jaguar when he put it up for auction pretending to be selling a vehicle owned by His Majesty the King.

Not being a person that gives up easily, Chaovarin Latthasakiri (by then a former deputy Minister of Education) again in early 1999 tried to drum up interest in a government-sponsored treasure hunt, but his drumming fell for deaf ears.

However, in April 2001, Chaovarin Latthasakiri presented to the Thai press (copies of) old US government bonds as well as rumors of 2,500 tons of gold (plus a steam locomotive) hidden in the Liijia Cave. This created such a stir that then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra flew to the cave's entrance to announce the government's backing of another treasure hunt.

Nobody wondered from where the Imperial Japanese Army would have gotten US government bonds and nobody questioned the denominations of the bonds. Each bond was valued between USD 50m and 100m - an incredibly large amount in the mid-1940s - i.e., in denominations that have never been used by the US Treasury.

Questions only arose after weeks of the Royal Thai Army searching turned up only dust.

Chaovarin Latthasakiri continued his political career as a avid supporter of Thaksin and is now a Member of Parliament for Phuea Thai Party.

Samut Prakarn - Bang Kachao

The area in the map has been coined by many as “Bangkok’s Green Lung”. The area is actually namled Bang Krachao. In 1977, the government proposed to create a version of Singapore’s Sentosa Island. This was done by enforcing strict building regulations.  .

As can be seen from this picture from a high-rise condo-building on the Bangkok side of the river (along Rama 3 Road), there are no high-rises in the Bang Kachao district.  

There are lots of things to do on the peninsula, but don’t expect any chic hotels or finger nail spas. Among foreigners, one of the most famous activities is biking although no Bangkokian consider riding a bike a thing any sane person would do. 

Small roads, narrow concrete tracks, and wooden paths meander through the greenery of Bang Krachao The majority of the tracks and paths have no railings and since they are elevated above the ground or a swamp so falling down would spell disaster.

In soi Petchahueng 33, there is gallery paying tribute to Siamese fighting fish. It is in Ayutthaya-era styled architecture buildings situated in a large beautiful garden. 

Almost 200 years ago, the Pom Phlaeng Faifa fort was built at the river bend. The fort ruins are now located in the Sri Nakorn Khuan Khan botanical park. This park is also a good place to ride your bike at leisurely pace. With large ponds, tall shady trees, and many types of plant species it is also an excellent place for bird watching. 

Another niche activity is watching fireflies. Many tourists stay in one of the "home stay" houses along the banks. Prices range from USD 10-30 per night for riverside lodging, breakfast and dinner. The cheaper options are without not air-condition and revealing clothing, rowdiness, and loud noises are frowned upon.