HTMS Thonburi Wreck - Koh Tao

The HTMS Thonburi is not your typical Koh Tao dive. This isn't a purpose-sunk artificial reef; it's a genuine piece of history, albeit a somewhat mangled one. She was scuttled after battle in 1941 and then moved here, settling on her starboard side in about 18 meters of water. We love that you can still make out the superstructure, the ghostly remnants of her deck guns, and even peek into some of the open hatches. It’s a site that feels a bit more serious, a little less 'fun dive' than some of the other spots around the island. The wreck itself isn't massive, but there’s enough here to spend a good 30-40 minutes poking around. Look for the schools of yellowtail barracuda that often hang lazily above the hull and the resident lionfish tucked into crevices. Inside, you might spot a moray eel or a few nurse sharks napping under the protection of the steel. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before the dive boats clog the surface. The visibility can be a bit variable here, so pick a calm day for the best experience. It's a solid dive for anyone who appreciates the character of a real wreck and the history behind it.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.949250, 102.424320
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Mu ko Chang

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to HTMS Thonburi Wreck

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HTMS Thonburi Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories