Thailand Diving

HTMS Khram

Another unique dive site in Pattaya

The HTMS Khram was cast in homage to the King for the salvation of the environment by creating a new artificial reef for the well being of aquatic life and a new dive site.

The HTMS Khram is a boat of World War II average dimension that was sunk loan Koh Phai (Pattaya, Thailand).

It was sunk á 300 meters off the coast of "Bamboo Island (Koh Phai)" on January 30, 2003 which is the first underwater park in Thailand conservation of this type.

There are many marine national parks in Thailand, but none with a starship 2eime World War, acquired by the Thai Navy in 1962.

Pattaya City, General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth and Navy officials have closely involved in the project.

The Minister of Defence signed documents approved February 26, 2002 the project.

On 30 January 2003 the Royal Thai Navy and Pattaya City began to organize the ceremony to flow

HTMS Khram Ship Wreck-

HM Krarm was cast for the salvation of the environment. Artificial reef.

The HTMS Kram a boat of the Second World War by dimension which was sunk ready Koh Phai, Pattaya, Thailand for the needs of a man who has done the reef for divers and enthusiasts. The Khram was sunk just 300 meters off the coast of Bamboo Island (Koh Phai) training on 30 January 2003 the first underwater park in Thailand conservation of this type. There are many marine national parks in Thailand, but none with a WWII ship The ship of aging, acquired by the Thai Navy in 1962, saw the last light of day from a naval ceremonies as he slowly sank under the water.

Pattaya City officials and the Navy have worked closely on the project for General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth, Minister of Defence signed documents approving the collapse of the ship nearly a year ago, on 26 February 2002. On 30 January 2003 the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Pattaya City management began to organize the ceremony flowing for HM Krarm. It is designated place rep

"The Royal Thai Navy backup patrols of the area by boat from the used to ensure that it remains a safe haven for marine life in Thailand," said Vice Admiral.

HM Khram that was received from Seattle, Washington in the USA under a project naval assistance and arrived in Thailand September 11, 1962. The ship is classified as a landing ship medium, 61.5 meters long, 10.35 meters wide.

The ship was active in World War II before arriving in Thailand. The aging vessel became increasingly non-seaworthy and the rising cost of constant repairs prompted the decision by the Ministry of Defense to put the ship to rest for the benefit of the environment and Diving sinking in Pattaya.

The ship of war now lying on the bottom of the sea, 300 meters on Bamboo Island in latitude 12 degrees 55 minutes north (of the equator) and longitude (Greenwich) 26 seconds 41 minutes 100 degrees.

Above, the computer graphics product gives a very good representation of the way the accident Kram put at the bottom of the ocean 30 meters. The Pattaya Khram allowed to remain as the most diverse underwater diver who form the land in Thailand. We have so much diversity of dive sites in Pattaya and now with this shipwreck to the possibilities of penetration. The wreck can be penetrated in many areas and can be made safe for divers activities before the collapse in 2003.

Kram The wreck diving in Pattaya is much more interesting but is also the site of many scuba divers internal specialties here learn them. As in the semi-deep waters that is perfect example for training as diving with Nitrox. All in all - we are very lucky to have this new and beautiful boat near Pattaya, Thailand.

Arguably now the best of Pattaya’s three shipwrecks, the HTMS Khram, about 300 m. to the south of Koh Phai, is an excellent dive for fans of both wreck exploration and marine life.

The former American landing ship medium (USS LSM-469) was sunk in February 2003 to mark HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th birthday. The intent was to turn the dilapidated ship the Royal Thai Navy had used since 1962 into a thriving artificial reef that would attract both fish and tourists.

The plan worked beyond the Navy’s wildest dreams. Within just three years of its sinking, the ship teemed with life, including huge batfish, thousands of juvenile barracuda and even a resident turtle. Fishing was largely banned on the vessel, so its marine population grew with the coral on the ship.

The 60-meter-long Khram sits in about 27 m. of water in the upright “sailing” position. The top was at about 15 m., but as the ship ages, weaker parts of the exterior have collapsed. The ship was well prepared by navy as a dive site and is free of armaments, oil and most hazards to divers. Some of the ship’s compartments are filled with schools of fish, including sweet tips and blue-spotted rays.

While popular, the wreck is not the easiest of dives. It lies in 27 meters of water and often buffeted by strong currents that reduce visibility as little as 5 m.

Large holes have been cut in many areas and penetration dives through the ships passageways rarely takes the diver out of natural light. However, care still needs to be taken with some rooms as not all the doors have been removed. The bridge, radio and engine rooms are more easily accessible, but silt can be a problem if you are not careful with your fins. If you want really detailed info on the construction and possible penetration points, you can find photos of the original blueprint plans here.

The Khram was a landing craft that was in service for more than 60 years. As such, the bottom of the vessel is quite flat with the port and starboard sides built up, providing interesting passageways to explore. Although the engines have been removed, the dials, gauges and pipes all remain in the otherwise empty engine room.

The three main areas of interest are the bridge and radio room, main deck and side passages, and the engine room.

THAI NAVY VESSEL 732 (Former USS LSM-469)

(Pattaya)

The bridge and radio room is the highest point on the Khram. It’s actually possible to stand here. All the glass has been removed, as have any parts – the telegraph, steering mechanism, etc – that had any reusable value. Entry here is safe and easy.

The engine room can be accessed via a large access hole in the middle of the load deck. There’s plenty of natural light here and easy to move around in as the engines have been removed. The compartment has many pipes gauges and dials. Silt can be a problem nowadays, however, to watch your fins!

The deck and side passageways comprise the majority of the ship, as it was made for carrying tanks, troops and equipment to a beach head. There are several points of entry into the well-lit corridors.

Laid down: Date unknown at Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Tex.
Launched: Date unknown
Commissioned USS LSM-469, March 17, 1945 with Lt. Lee S. Barton, USNR in command.
During and after World War II LSM-469 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater
Decommissioned: Aug. 29, 1946 at Astoria, Ore.
Laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet: Columbia River Group, Astoria
Struck from the Naval Register (date unknown)
Transferred, May 25, 1962 to Thailand and renamed the HTMS Khram (L-732)
Decommissioned: Date unknown
Final Disposition: Sunk as an artificial reef Feb. 1, 2003

Displacement: 520 t.(light), 743 t.(landing) 1,095 t.(fully loaded)
Length: 203′ 6″
Beam: 34′ 6″
Draft: Light, 3′ 6″ forward, 7′ 8″ aft, fully loaded, 6′ 4″ forward, 8′ 3″ aft
Speed: 13.2kts, (max.), (928 tons displacement)
Complement: Four officers, 54 enlisted
Armament: One single bow mounted 40mm gun, four single 20mm gun mounts
Vehicle/Boat Capacity: Five medium or three heavy tanks, or six LVT’s, or nine DUKW’s
Troop Accommodations: Two officers, 46 enlisted
Armor 10 lb. STS splinter shield to gun mounts, pilot house and conning station
Propulsion two Fairbanks Morse (model 38D81/8X10, reversible with hydraulic clutch) diesels. Direct drive with 1,440 BHP each @ 720rpm, twin screws
Endurance: 4,900 miles at 12kts.(928 tons displacement)