Underwater Hanuman Statue off Phuket Damaged by Early Monsoon Conditions

A recently installed underwater statue of Hanuman near Racha Yai Island off Phuket has suffered serious structural damage after the arrival of the southwest monsoon and worsening sea conditions.

The incident was reported on May 16 by Phuket’s branch of Radio Thailand, which operates under Thailand’s Public Relations Department. Officials warned that part of the structure had collapsed due to strong underwater currents and wave activity associated with the beginning of the rainy season.

The Hanuman statue was installed in Siam Bay as the first attraction of the Raya Phuket Underwater Art Museum project, designed to create a new underwater tourism and diving destination near Phuket.

Authorities stated that the right side of the statue sustained major damage and remains unstable. Ongoing underwater movement and wave pressure are reportedly continuing to weaken the remaining sections of the structure, raising concerns about further collapse.

As a precaution, all diving operators, instructors, dive masters, and tourists have been instructed to avoid the area until further notice.

Officials warned that approaching the damaged structure could pose risks to life, health, and property due to the unstable condition of the underwater installation.

Photographs released alongside the announcement show that the rear-right section of Hanuman’s head collapsed underwater. However, authorities indicated that the attraction may still be repairable after a full inspection is completed.

The statement added that safety measures will remain in place until engineers and specialists assess the site and restoration work can begin.

The statue had been underwater for only one month before the damage occurred. Installation works took place between April 11 and April 15, after which divers and tour operators actively shared photos and videos of the new attraction online.

On May 15, Thailand’s Meteorological Department officially announced the beginning of the rainy season and the arrival of the southwest monsoon. One day later, news emerged that the underwater Hanuman structure had already been partially destroyed by the changing sea conditions.