Travel like the wind : Suchart Choolee
The wind carries vibrant red maple leaves, scattering them across wooden roofs and the forest floor. They settle beneath the canopy of trees that once sheltered humble wooden huts. This very place… was once a stronghold, serving as a shelter, a hospital, and a school for intellectual fighters during an era of ideological conflict. Even though Thai blood proved thicker than differing ideologies, those stories have become a page in history. Yet, the remnants of yesterday remain vivid, attesting to the reality that once unfolded on this land.
A few months back, I hiked into the jungle to see Phu Hin Rong Kla’s incredible rock formations. Nature has carved them into unique shapes, like the bumpy Lan Hin Pum and the cracked Lan Hin Taek. I then pushed on to the summit, where the Thai flag flies proudly. The view from the top—endless green mountains rolling all the way to the Thai-Lao border—was an amazing payoff for such a simple trip. All we had were sandals, some determination, and a bottle of water. A light rain started, which was refreshing but made the trail muddy and slick. We were tired, but we took our time, resting when we needed to before finally reaching our goal: Pha Chu Thong. It’s a stunning viewpoint over the border, famous as the spot where the flag was once raised to declare victory.
I cross the road to the other side, where present-day life carries on. Small stalls line the street, selling souvenirs, local produce, and community goods. My gaze is drawn to the smile and the wrinkles on the face of an elderly vendor… lines that tell the stories of time. I couldn’t help but ask to capture this touching moment in a photograph and support her by buying some of her goods.
The world always turns with change and conflict. Humans and animals alike struggle to perpetuate their kind. No ideology is greater than the cycle of life itself. The wounds of yesterday may leave only scars in memory, but life must go on… within the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death—an eternal truth as long as the world keeps spinning..
History of the Communist Camp
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park was one of the most important strongholds of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) from 1968 to 1982, an era of political and ideological conflict.
Reason for its Selection as a Stronghold: Phu Hin Rong Kla’s geography, with its complex mountain ranges, dense forests, and steep cliffs, served as a natural fortress, making it difficult for government forces to attack.
Command Center: This area was like the “capital” of the CPT. It housed the “Political and Military School,” which provided education, ideological training, and combat tactics to its members, who were mostly students, intellectuals, and villagers who had joined the movement.
Life in the Camp: Beyond being a military camp, it was a self-sufficient community. A “Water Turbine”was built to mill rice and generate electricity. A hospital, clinics, and living quarters were scattered throughout the forested hills.
The End of the Conflict: The fighting ended in 1982 after the government implemented the policy of “Politics Leading the Military” under the Prime Minister’s Order No. 66/2523. This policy offered amnesty to defectors, inviting them to become “Participants in the Development of the Thai Nation.” As a result, CPT members gradually surrendered and left the jungle.
Becoming a National Park: After peace was restored, the government declared the area a national park in 1984 to conserve its beautiful nature and preserve the historical traces for future generations to learn from.
References
Credible sources will add weight to your article.
Primary Sources:
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Website: Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park – The most accurate official source for information about the park and its sites.
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Visitor Center: Information from exhibition signs and park rangers on-site is an excellent source.
Secondary Sources:
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT): Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park – Provides information on tourism, travel, and highlights.
Academic Papers and Historical Articles: Search for “History of the Communist Party of Thailand Phu Hin Rong Kla,” or “Phu Hin Rong Kla conflict” in online library databases or Google Scholar.
Books and Documentaries: Such as the book “Sahai” (Comrade) or documentaries related to the political history of the October 6 era and the Cold War in Thailand.
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