In an announcement issued on Saturday (May 16), officials warned all dive shops, instructors, divemasters and divers not to approach the Hanuman statue site until further notice.
Authorities said the right side of the structure had suffered severe damage and remained unstable, with strong currents and underwater waves causing significant movement in the remaining sections.
Officials warned there was a risk of further collapse, posing a serious danger to both life and property.
The warning comes less than a month after the ‘Hanuman Nimitkai’ underwater sculpture installation was officially unveiled in Siam Bay off Koh Racha Yai as a marine restoration project and eco-tourism attraction.
The project, completed on Apr 15, features 73 underwater structures installed at depths of 12-19 metres, including 47 Hanuman-themed sculptures, 15 3D-printed fence structures and 11 artificial coral reef units designed to encourage coral growth and provide habitat for marine life.
The installation was developed through cooperation between Rotary Foundation districts in Thailand and South Korea, together with government agencies, private companies and local community groups.
Officials had promoted the site as both an artificial reef project and a future underwater art museum intended to reduce pressure on natural coral reefs while attracting divers to a new marine tourism landmark.
Authorities said divers must strictly comply with safety measures until the damaged structure has been fully inspected and repaired.