Chonburi dive sites

HTMS Kut was a Royal Thai Navy corvette that served for several decades before being decommissioned and intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Before sinking, the navy cleaned the vessel of hazardous materials and prepared safe penetration routes by removing doors and cutting additional exit points. The ship was sunk upright in a controlled operation, landing perfectly on the sandy seabed, which is why it remains in such excellent condition for diving.

Visibility in the Gulf of Thailand near Pattaya is generally lower than Andaman Sea sites, typically ranging from 5 to 15 metres depending on season and tidal conditions. November through February offers the best visibility when northeast monsoon winds reduce plankton and sediment. The limited visibility actually enhances the wreck diving atmosphere, as the ship materialises from the green water with dramatic effect. Dive lights are recommended for penetration regardless of external visibility.

The wreck lies approximately 30 minutes by dive boat from Pattaya's main piers. Several established dive operators in Pattaya and nearby Jomtien run daily trips to the wreck, often combining it with a second dive on nearby natural reef sites or the other artificial reef wrecks in the area. The proximity to Pattaya makes this one of the most accessible wreck dives in Thailand, requiring no long-range boat travel or liveaboard arrangements.