Japanese conquest of Burma main attack westward from Rahaeng in Thailand across the Kawkareik Pass. The 16th Indian Infantry Brigade of the 17th Indian Division guarding this approach retreated hastily westward. The Japanese division advanced to Moulmein at the mouth of the Salween River which was garrisoned by the 2nd Burma Infantry Brigade. The position was almost impossible to defend, and had the River Salween, almost wide, behind it. The 2nd Burma Brigade was squeezed into a progressively tighter perimeter, and eventually retreated over the river by ferry on 31 January after abandoning a large amount of supplies and equipment. Part of the force
Tapi River, Thailand Tapi River, Thailand The Tapi (or Tapee) river (, , ) is the longest river in southern Thailand. The river originates at Khao Luang mountain in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and empties into the Gulf of Thailand at Bandon Bay near the town of Surat Thani. It has a length of . The river drains an area of and in 1997 had a yearly discharge of or per year. The Phum Duang River (or Khiri Rat River), which drains another west of the Tapi watershed, joins the estuary west of Surat Thani in Amphoe Phunphin. The river was named on