Technological Marvel no. 6: The Kra Canal
With construction starting in 1900, this canal will cut through the peninsula of Siam, connect the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam and spare ships from the longer (more than 1.000 km) Strait of Malacca. Funded by the Japanese and Siamese Governments and backed by a consortium of international shipping lines, it faces resistance from local leaders and various colonial powers who do not like the idea that such a canal will be controlled by "the natives"
Optimists hope the canal will be ready for operation in 1915.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Canal