ABSTRACT
The attractions of death, disaster and atrocity have long provided a reason and motivation to travel. Since it is unlikely that this particular motivation for tourism will diminish, there is a need to understand the controversies surrounding the attractions of death and disaster with regard to heritage. This is particularly important in a country like Thailand, which was neutral during the Second World War and where the so-called ‘Death Railway’ is located. The atrocity heritage of the ‘Death Railway’ is used as an example of how heritage tourism with its powerful economic drive but lack of understanding of its significance has been detrimental to the heritage environment. Furthermore, the controversy caused by poor interpretation and commodification of the site by different users (victims, perpetrators and bystanders) will be discussed. Questions also arise about certain aspects of the management, marketing and interpretation of this product of atrocity that is now the heritage.
