This dive site features the HTMS Suphairin 313, a high-speed attack ship belonging to the Royal Thai Navy's Gulf Patrol Fleet. Sunk recently, this 44.9m long and 7m wide vessel now rests in approximately 26m of water, with its mast rising to around 11m. It lies about 100m ESE of Ko Hang Tao and just 15m north of No Name Pinnacle, making it a prominent new artificial reef. As a sister ship to the HTMS Hanhak Sattru 312 in Aow Mao, it offers a similar, yet unique, wreck diving experience, suitable for exploration by divers of various experience levels.
As a relatively new artificial reef, the HTMS Suphairin 313 is in the process of becoming a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can anticipate seeing various reef fish like snappers, fusiliers, and barracuda taking shelter or hunting around the structure. Small invertebrates, such as nudibranchs and crabs, are starting to colonize the wreck, alongside early stages of soft corals and anemones. Over time, the wreck is expected to attract larger marine life and become increasingly encrusted with corals, enhancing its biodiversity.
The best time to visit the HTMS Suphairin 313, like many dive sites in Thailand, is during the dry season from May to October, offering calmer seas and optimal visibility. For divers, its accessible depth and clear structure make it an excellent site for both open water and advanced divers interested in wreck exploration without requiring extensive penetration skills, especially in its early stages. Freedivers can also enjoy exploring the upper parts of the mast and deck, making it a versatile site for different underwater activities.
