HTMS KHRAM Wreck Former USS LSM-469
As the anniversary of the HTMS Khram’s sinking approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate this vibrant wreck, which has flourished into a thriving artificial reef over the past 22 years. Once known as the USS LSM-469, this historic vessel played a vital role in World War II before being repurposed as an underwater conservation site. Deliberately sunk by the Thai Navy on January 30, 2003, the Khram wreck now rests 300 meters off Koh Phai in Pattaya’s Far Island chain. Sitting at depths of 15 to 30 meters, it offers unforgettable exploration opportunities for divers of all skill levels.
Historical Significance
The HTMS Khram (732), originally named USS LSM-469, carries a storied past that begins with its commissioning in 1945. This Landing Ship Medium (LSM) was designed to transport troops and equipment during World War II, playing a vital role in amphibious operations. Transferred to the Thai Navy in May 1962, it served faithfully until its decommissioning.
In 2003, the vessel was transformed into an artificial reef and dive site by the Thai Navy. Every precaution was taken to ensure diver safety, with armaments and oil removed and large cutouts strategically created for easy exploration of the engine rooms and other sections. Now resting in Pattaya’s Far Island chain, the HTMS Khram has become an iconic site, solidifying its place as one of the best wrecks in Thailand.
HTMS Khram Fact Sheet
Type: LSM-1 Class Landing Ship Medium
Commissioned: 17 March 1945
Decommissioned: 29 August 1946
Transferred to Thailand: 25 May 1962
Final Disposition: Sunk as an artificial reef on 1 February 2003
Displacement: 520 tons (light), 743 tons (landing), 1,095 tons (fully loaded)
Length: 203 feet 6 inches
Beam: 34 feet 6 inches
Speed: 13.2 knots (max)
Armament: One single bow mounted 40mm gun, four single 20mm gun mounts
Troop Accommodations: 2 officers, 46 enlisted
Propulsion: Two Fairbanks Morse diesels with twin screws
Endurance: 4,900 miles at 12 knots
Dive Site Overview
The HTMS Khram wreck is located 300 meters off Koh Phai in Pattaya’s Far Island chain. The wreck lies at depths ranging from 15 meters at its highest point to 30 meters at the seabed. Visibility typically varies between 3 and 15 meters, with November to March offering the most favorable conditions.
While the site was originally marked by two permanent buoys with descent lines, these have often been damaged or stolen, making descent via a shotline more common. If using a shotline, divers are advised to bring a light, carefully loop around the line, and avoid dragging it. For ascent, deploy an SMB and use the tower structure on the wreck as a reference point to ascend to 12 meters before performing a safety stop. After surfacing, ensure visibility to the dive boat by holding your marker buoy for easy pickup.
Diving Conditions and Tips
- Season: November to March provides the best conditions with best visibility.
- Equipment: Always use a dive light to see clearly and enhance your dive experience. It must be used for low-light penetration areas.
- Skill Levels: Suitable for both novice advanced certified or training divers and experienced wreck enthusiasts.
- Certifications: Ideal for wreck diving courses, offering training opportunities in safe and varied environments.
Exploring THe Khram Shipwreck
Conning Tower – Bridge/Radio Room
Located at the highest point of the HTMS Khram wreck at a depth of 15 meters, the Bridge and Radio Room offer an excellent starting point for exploring this site. With easy access and plenty of natural light, this area is ideal for beginners honing their buoyancy skills while enjoying panoramic views of the wreck’s surroundings.
The Conning tower is also a perfect place to end the dive and ascent, spiral the tower look inside the bridge room door and marvel at the swarming barracuda that surround the now collapsed bridge room and mast
Features: The highest point of the wreck at 15 meters offers nice slow spiral ascent point around the tower with views inside the radio room (turtles like to hang in here) and the bridge (now collapsed)
Tip: Ideal for beginners to conserve air whilst practising their buoyancy observing the upper structure
The Kram Deck Area and Side Passageways
Positioned midship at depths ranging from 15 to 25 meters, the deck area and side passageways provide a glimpse into the ship’s original design as a troop and equipment carrier. These spacious corridors and well-lit passageways allow for safe penetration dives. To ensure a clear view for yourself and others, exercise care to avoid stirring up silt while navigating these sections.
Engine Room
Located aft at a depth of around 25 meters, the engine room is accessible through large cutouts on the load deck. This area is a treasure trove for technical divers, featuring an array of gauges, pipes, and dials that highlight the ship’s operational history. However, the tight spaces and overhangs demand precise buoyancy and trim control to avoid silt-outs and potential entanglement hazards.
Bow Doors and Black Hole Swim-Through
At the bow of the wreck, starting at a depth of 15 meters and descending to 25 meters, lies one of the most exciting features of the HTMS Khram—the vertical swim-through known as the “Black Hole.” This thrilling passage is formed by the triangular space between the bow doors and the landing ramp, providing a unique experience for divers using single or double tanks.
Forward Bow Gun Turret Mounts
The forward bow is raised from the main deck at approx 19m, although the bow guns were sadley removed the turret mounts remain and are a good place to investigate since large sea turtles feed on the sponge coral growing here. Be sure to pay close attention to the overgrown sides here as they are alive with Nudibranch, shrimps and scorpion fish.
Hidden Gems: “Winnie the Khood”
I think I’m divulging a Pattaya wreck diver insider secret easter egg here so pay attention. I’d be very interested to know how many divemasters know about Winnie. Under the stern of the wreck, at approximately 28 meters, lies a delightful secret known as “Winnie the Khood”—a life-sized Winnie the Pooh life-sized plush teddy bear is hidden behind the starboard propeller. This whimsical touch adds an unexpected charm to the dive and used to be a favourite spot for Divemaster interns to go. The area is also a hotspot for spotting bamboo nurse sharks and stingrays, making it a must-visit for anyone who know where to find him.
Final Thoughts
The HTMS Khram is a haven for underwater photographers and a must-visit for diving enthusiasts:
- Macro Life: The wreck teems with vibrant corals, shrimp, and crabs, providing endless opportunities for detailed close-up shots.
- Wide Shots: While variable lighting can make capturing wide-angle photos challenging, the rewards of a perfectly framed shot showcasing the wreck’s scale and marine life are well worth the effort.
- Video: The combination of fascinating marine life and the wreck’s structural beauty creates dynamic videography opportunities, making the site a favorite for videographers.
Blending historical significance with vibrant biodiversity, the HTMS Khram stands alongside her sister ship the Kut, as crown jewels for diving in Pattaya. From coral-encrusted decks to hidden treasures and advanced diving challenges, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned diver, or a photography enthusiast, the Khram wreck delivers an unforgettable underwater experience. Dive in and discover why it’s celebrated as one of the best wrecks in Thailand.
