Journey Through Time: Exploring the Hidden History of Piyamit Tunnel @ Betong Thailand

The Piyamit Tunnel, located in Betong, Thailand, is a historical site nestled deep within the lush forests of southern Thailand’s Yala province. Built in the late 1970s by communist insurgents, the tunnel stretches for over 1 kilometer with 9 narrow entrances/exits paths was used as a hideout and operational base during the Malaysian Communist insurgency. Surrounded by dense greenery, the tunnel complex is camouflaged by nature, blending seamlessly with the forested hillsides. 

The battlefield base was strategically located on the mountain top which separates the boundaries of Thailand and Malaysia which is now the area of Yala provinces. To reach the Piyamit Tunnel ticketing counter from the car park, visitors must walk up a hilly path passing through the archway. The incline, though manageable, requires a bit of effort as you make your way uphill, making it a brief but invigorating walk before arriving at the ticketing counter.

Upon entering the area, visitors are greeted by a peaceful garden and a winding pathway leading to the tunnel’s entrance. 

A map of the Piyamit Tunnel would showcase the intricate underground network of passageways and chambers built by the Malayan communists. It would typically include:

• 9 Entrance/Exit Points: Highlighting each of the tunnel's entry and exit paths scattered throughout the dense forest.
• Main Tunnels: Indicating the primary underground passageways that connect key areas such as storage rooms, kitchens, and living quarters.
• Chimneys for Smoke Evacuation: Marking the locations of the concealed chimneys used to disperse cooking smoke to prevent detection.
• Historical Artifacts: Featuring areas where visitors can see relics such as old weapons, tools, and remnants from the communist insurgents.
• Banyan Tree Landmark: Pointing out the location of the iconic banyan tree near the tunnel, known for its sprawling roots and significant age.
• Observation and Rest Areas: Showing locations where visitors can pause and take in scenic views of the surrounding forest.

This map would give a visual representation of the tunnel system and help visitors navigate the historical site.

There are numerous steep staircases to climb from the ticketing counter to reach the entrance of the Piyamit Tunnel, offering a scenic but challenging ascent through the lush forested hillside.

The cool, damp air inside the tunnel offers a stark contrast to the tropical heat outside. 

Visitors can encounter a striking tiger statue that adds a symbolic and cultural element to the historical site. The statue typically stands as a guardian or protective figure, often associated with strength, power, and resilience in Thai culture. Its presence at the tunnel site may serve as a tribute to the perseverance of those who built the tunnels, reflecting both the ferocity of conflict and the enduring spirit of survival. The tiger, with its fierce posture and lifelike design, commands attention and provides an interesting photo opportunity for visitors as they explore the surrounding area.

The Malayan communists ingeniously designed concealed chimneys inside the Piyamit Tunnel, allowing them to cook without smoke escaping, which prevented detection by enemy forces.

The tunnel itself is a narrow, dimly lit passageway, with multiple chambers that once served as living quarters, meeting rooms, and storage for supplies. The walls are carved from solid earth, showcasing the resourcefulness of its builders.

The 5-6 feet wide piyamit tunnel also serves as Malaya communist base build for bombshells. It took approximately three months to build and required the labor of around 50 to 60 communist insurgents. There is a well-like structure in the tunnel that was used to hoist goods to the surface. 

The site features a weapons showroom and artifacts exhibition centre that recorded the story of the various battles that have been fought in the area.

The Trees of Siam Treasures of the Land under the Royal Benevolence of His Majesty the King

Common name: Banyan

Science name: Ficus benjamina Linn.

Family name: MORACEAE

Native name: Call Hai Sai (Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani)

Trochon (Chumphon) Oree (Setuabun)

Phaw Tile (Prachuan Phirian) Sai Yoi

Call Yoi Tasai (Bangkok) Jarei (Khmer)

Banyan tree is a medium to large sized tree with a height of about 10-20 meters. By the time the rain fell, the bushes were sparse. There are fewer roots along the branches and trunk. The bark is smooth, white and grey. The leaves are single leaves separated from the branches. and the lower part of the trunk The leaves come out in alternating pairs. The inner appearance is large and the axis is similar to the species.

** The giant Banyan tree has a trunk that looks magnificent and ancient. Measuring 60.4 meters in circumference and 40 meters high, the gun stands tall in the middle of a forest that is fertile in the community. Therefore, one of the names of E-Nga is called in the Periya-Nieb phrase. The "Thousand Year Tree" used to be a tree that shrouded the path of enemies and enemies, forming a hidden tunnel. in war Fighting against the Chinese Communist state with drug addicts

At the Piyamit Tunnel, a magnificent banyan tree stands as a natural landmark, its massive roots sprawling across the ground and clinging to nearby rocks. The tree's thick, intertwining branches create a canopy of shade, while its aerial roots descend from the branches, giving the tree an ancient and mystical appearance. This banyan tree, believed to be over a century old, adds to the tunnel's historical atmosphere, symbolizing resilience and growth amidst the surrounding dense forest.

In 1977, Malaysia and Thailand militaries joined forces to attack Malaya communist by firing cannon balls from the direction of the hot spring to here (holes 1, 2 and 3) with sizes 3-4 feet are the trace left behind proving the military history that had happened here.

When descending from the Piyamit Tunnel, we noticed a distinctive cannonball mark etched into the ground, a remnant from the past that serves as a poignant reminder of the area's turbulent history during the Malayan Emergency, when it was a communist stronghold.

Beyond the tunnel’s historical significance, the surrounding area offers a serene atmosphere, with the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves adding to the sense of tranquility. Nearby, the Piyamit Waterfall and a scenic viewpoint offer additional attractions for visitors exploring the region. The Piyamit Tunnel stands as an enduring symbol of Thailand’s turbulent past while serving as a peaceful retreat into nature.

Opening hour: 8am-5pm

Entrance fee:

Local- Adult  (40Bath) ; (Kid)* 10 Bath
Foreigner- Adult (60Bath) ; (Kid)* 20 Bath

Free for kids below 3 years old 

*Kid: below 135cm