The shipwreck on Koh Mun Nork

Terrain

General Condition

The ship on Koh Mun Nork sank in the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 4 nautical miles or 7.4 kilometers south of Koh Mun Nok. It has been surveyed by the Underwater Archeology Group, Fine Arts Department, but has not yet been excavated.

Waterway

Gulf of Thailand

Geological conditions

Underwater sediments accumulated in the Quaternary period.

Archaeological Era

era/culture

Types of archaeological sites

archaeological essence

Information from the Underwater Archeology Group, Fine Arts Department (2561) states that the Underwater Archaeology Group has received news about the shipwreck site on Koh Mun Nok. According to Mr. Wichian Singtothong, owner of a business and a boat for renting a diving and fishing tour named The Toy Tour, Khun Wichian said that the boat was found sinking at Koh Mun Nok around the year 1992 during a fishing trip. Then went diving to explore the wreck of an iron ship. and metal parts scattered inside the hull. The shipwreck on Koh Mun Nork At a depth of about 18 to 20 meters later, it has informed the underwater archeology group to investigate the ship's source. Nowadays, Koh Mun Nok boats are well known among the fishermen who trawl fishing in the area.

From an initial survey of the Underwater Archeology Group, the Fine Arts Department in 2008, it was found that the shipwreck site on Koh Mun Nok was an iron boat. The bow is in the south. The stern is to the north. The size of the hull is 41.20 meters long, 6.50 meters wide, using the technique of joining ship shells or steel plates together by drilling rivets. The starboard line was partially missing. The decayed hull steel plates were scattered everywhere. Found a brick used to pave the deck of ships scattered everywhere. Found a few pieces of wood. and pipes made of copper There are also debris trawls attached to the wreckage in general. The remains of the hull are about 1 meter high from the sand bottom and about 1 meter still submerged in the sand. The artifacts found from the 2008 survey can be classified as follows (Underwater Archeology Group 2021)

1. Body parts

- Ferrous metal materials such as steam engine parts, boat window compartments, door parts, lock sets, pulleys, etc.
- Wood materials, e.g. wood slats, fire grooves, etc.
- Other materials such as cloth Heat insulation, silicone sealant, brick, etc.

2. Coins

- 430 Thai coins in the reign of King Rama V and 6 mixed
- 2 coins of France
- Thai silver Pod Duang x 3

3. Metal antiques There are many types.

- Components of CHUBB brand safes such as safe doors, CHUBB labels}, cabinet hinges, cabinet frames, nuts and bolts, and metal cabinets
- Round pocket watch
- Small gold buttons 3 tablets

4. Other antiques

- Tear-shaped perfume stopper, glass part with the letter “GAPOR”
- Rectangular clay brick

5. There are 2 types of earthenware scraps:

- 5 pieces of stone ware fragments
- 11 pieces of porcelain wares

Underwater Archeology Group (20021) initially interpreted that from various evidence that it was believed to be the structure of the boiler. Also found David's main piece. used for lowering the dinghy In addition to the name of this ship that has been known for a long time as the bus boat, which may mean a passenger ship. It is therefore assumed that this ship is a steam engine that may be used as a passenger ship sailing between Bangkok. with various ports because in the past, traveling to Bangkok Must use a boat as a vehicle for travel. In addition, Chanthaburi has documentary evidence indicating that in the past it was a port of forests and spices. There is a possibility that it may be a passenger ship between Bangkok and Chanthaburi. In addition, the doors of safes and many coins have been found, which may have held fare money and other valuables. that came with this boat

Determination of the age of the sunken ship from the Thai mint can know the year of production to the end of production. (The oldest coin, minted in 1869) and the 1913 French minted coin (1913). The shipwreck site on Mun Nok Island is probably around 100 years old, however this is speculative. preliminary that has not yet been concluded If the entire hull was excavated to collect detailed information. More evidence is expected to aid in further interpretation. (Underwater Archeology Group (2564)