The Kletkaew was built in 1948 for the Norwegian Royal Navy, being launched initially as the RnoMS Norfrost. Eight years later it was acquired and renamed by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
Before the 382-ton, 47-metre vessel was sunk, several holes were cut through the hull to assist in the sinking and also to allow skilled divers to explore the interior.
The sinking, a joint action by the RTN and the Dept of Marine & Coastal Resources, was presided over by Capt Nantapon Malarat, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Tab Lamu Naval Base in Phang Nga.