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Thong Sala Beach

Thong Sala Beach provides the most idealistic site to watch the sunset. From
here, visitors will be able to see Ko Tae Nai Island which is not afar. The beach is the
meeting point where tour guides take tourists in kayak to nearby Ko Tae Nai for sightseeing
and leisure. At the front of the beach lies the decommissioned HTMS Pha-ngan, placed

as a memorial to remind the public of its history. HTMS Pha-ngan was a landing ship
originally named USS Stark County LST 1134 procured by the Royal Thai Navy under the
US military assistance program. Its commissioning ceremony took place on 16 January
1966. The ship was decommissioned on 5 June 2008, after serving in the Royal Thai Navy
for over 40 years. The ship used to take part in the Vietnam War as an amphibious
transport and coastal patrol boat to prevent marine infiltration. It also served as
amphibious cargo and replenishment ship sending arms and food to various cities in
Vietnam. It had been ambushed several times but received little damage. At present
the RTN has agreed to give the ship and its equipment to Surat Thani Province in a project

to establish a museum of the ship located at Thong Sala pier in Ko Pha-ngan District,
Surat Thani Province. The museum serves as a learning center with historical value for the
younger generation and a pride for the RTN and the Surat Thani people as well.

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