The Thai navy has sunk a decommissioned warship near Koh Phai and Koh Larn islands off Pattaya to turn it into a breeding ground for marine life.

Vice-Admiral Somjai Wattanayothin, chief-of-staff of the Royal Fleet at the Satahip naval base, said the decommissioning of H.T.M.S KHRAM was a navy project to mark His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th birthday.

The United States gave this ship (Former USS LSM-469) renamed HTMS KHRAM to the Thai navy on the 25 May 1962. The ship, now dilapidated beyond repair, has been in use for more than 60 years. It now lies about 300 meters from Koh Phai in 30m of water.