For Nov. 30

For Nov. 30

Submarine rides to be launched from Phuket

Visitors to the southern Thai resort island of Phuket will soon be able to view the waters of the Andaman Sea and area's teeming marine life through the port holes of a submarine.

Panu Maswongsa, a representative of Phuket Submarine Co., says a U.S.-built DS-48 submarine, will be soft launched on Dec. 1 and will officially begin full operation on Jan. 1, 2004.

The 25-meter-long sub, which cost the company US$2.5 million, can carry 51 passengers and crew members.

It can submerge to the depth of 180 feet, and can run underwater for three consecutive days.

The company plans to run four dives a day to take 200 tourists on 45-minute excursions at a cost of 2,500 baht ($62) per person.

-- DPA