The Khao Nam Khang Historical Tunnel, also known as “Piyamit Village 5,” is located within Khao Nam Khang National Park along the Thai–Malaysian border. In the past, this area served as a key strategic base for the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), particularly during the 1970s–1980s when ideological conflicts and regional security tensions in Southeast Asia were at their peak.

The terrain of Khao Nam Khang consists of dense tropical rainforest, interwoven with complex mountain ridges and elevations. This environment made it highly suitable for guerrilla warfare, offering natural advantages in concealment, mobility, and evasion from government forces. As a result, the tunnel was constructed not merely as a temporary shelter, but as a permanent command center and residential base for its members.

The construction of the tunnel stands as a remarkable example of vernacular engineering. It was entirely hand-dug without the use of heavy machinery. Builders chose clay soil due to its strong cohesive properties, which reduce the risk of collapse and provide a degree of resistance to shock from explosions. The construction took approximately 2–3 years and relied on a well-organized division of labor among party members.

The tunnel stretches over 1 kilometer in length and is divided into three main levels, each serving distinct purposes:

• The upper level functioned as passageways, observation points, and connections to emergency exits
• The middle level served as living and operational spaces, including meeting rooms, command centers, and radio communication rooms
• The lower level was used for storing supplies, weapons, and as a secure shelter during emergencies

Inside, the tunnel was organized like a small underground community. It included a medical room for treating injured members, a kitchen for food preparation, water storage areas, and training spaces. Ventilation shafts were also strategically designed to allow natural airflow, maintaining a consistently cool temperature throughout the year.

One of the most notable features is its system of up to 16 entrances and exits, scattered across different parts of the . Many of these were carefully camouflaged within vegetation and natural terrain, making them extremely difficult to detect. This design also provided multiple escape routes in case of enemy encirclement.

From a strategic perspective, the tunnel reflects the concept of “People’s War,” emphasizing self-reliance, guerrilla mobility, and the effective use of terrain as a tactical advantage. It also demonstrates the group’s ability to manage resources and sustain long-term living under challenging environmental conditions.

Following the end of the conflict in the late 1980s, many former members entered peace agreements and resettled in nearby communities such as Piyamit Village. Today, the tunnel has been preserved and developed into a historical tourist attraction. Much of its original structure remains intact, complemented by exhibitions, photographs, and authentic artifacts that convey the lifestyle, beliefs, and ideology of the people who once lived there.

Today, the Khao Nam Khang Historical Tunnel is not only a tourist destination but also a significant physical testament to the region’s political history, offering visitors deeper insight into the complexities of past conflicts, ideologies, and human survival in a challenging environment.

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How to Get There

• By Car: From Songkhla city, take Highway 407  Na Thawi District, then continue on Highway 4085 and connect to Highway 4113  the national park. The tunnel is located 4 km from the park headquarters. The road is fully paved and easily accessible.

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Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the tunnel can be humid and includes many steps

• Watch the introductory history video before entering for better understanding

• Bring enough drinking water, as exploring the tunnel can be physically demanding

• Walk carefully, as some passages are narrow and uneven

• Nearby, you’ll find local restaurants and herbal shops offering unique souvenirs 

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Admission Fee:

• Thai Visitors: Adults 40 THB / Children 20 THB

• Foreign Visitors: Adults 150 THB / Children 75 THB

• Note: Prices may change

Opening Hours:

Open daily from 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM