The holothuroid Cladolabes hamatus (Sluiter, 1914) is here reported for the first time from the South China Sea. Its presence is recorded at Ko Phai, Pattaya, Chon Buri Province, Thailand. This sand-burrowing species has its 20 tentacles positioned in two (15+5) circles and presents tables with rudimentary discs and tall two-pillared spires in the body wall and tentacles. The tables of the dorsal papillae, with an irregular disc and the pillars fused to a curve hook, diagnose the species.