Numerous British, Dutch, and allied troops passed through Nong Pladuk to construct the railroad.

In 1939, plans had been developed by the Empire of Japan to construct a railway connecting Thailand with Burma.

Nong Pladuk was chosen as the starting point,[3] because it was the location of rail yard on the Southern Line to Bangkok.

[4] On 23 June 1942, the first 600 British prisoners arrived from the First Mainland Party led by Major R.S.

There were originally six huts, a cook house with Chinese, British and Dutch canteens, a bamboo church, Japanese quarters and a guardroom.

[8] During World War II, at least 23,289 British, 12,329 Dutch, 4,708 Australian, 482 American, and 7,030 undetermined soldiers passed through the camp.