The Royal Thai Navy has received six bids for its frigate procurement project and will take just over one month to evaluate them. The process is being conducted under an Integrity Pact with independent observers to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability. The project aims to strengthen national defence while boosting domestic industry and economic capacity.
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Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, navy spokesperson, confirmed on 20 April 2026 that 11 companies were initially invited to submit proposals. Of these, six companies submitted bids: Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. (Singapore), Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane Isletmeleri A.S. (Turkey), TAIS Gemi Insa ve Teknoloji A.S. (Turkey), Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (South Korea), and Navantia S.A. (Spain). Three companies formally declined to participate, while two failed to submit proposals within the deadline.
The evaluation committee will assess each proposal in detail, covering bidder qualifications, technical specifications, economic and industrial offset proposals and pricing. The navy estimates the review process will take slightly over one month to ensure a thorough and careful decision that delivers maximum benefit to the country. All procedures are being monitored under the Integrity Pact framework to maintain transparency and fairness.
The frigate procurement forms part of a broader strategy to shift Thailand from a defence equipment buyer to a domestic producer. The project emphasises technology transfer, workforce development, and integration of Thai industry into global supply chains. Key areas include domestic investment, research and development, personnel training, co-production, and the use of local resources.
Discussions have been held with the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, local shipyards and the National Science and Technology Development Agency to clarify offset mechanisms and ensure shared understanding among stakeholders. The navy has also introduced a “three-step ladder” approach, beginning with learning from foreign partners, progressing to partial domestic production and ultimately achieving full local shipbuilding capability.
Officials stress that the selection process was open and competitive, with no upper limit on offset proposals. Bids offering higher added value for Thailand, particularly in domestic production and technological advancement, will be given greater consideration. Evaluations will also focus on measurable outcomes and full transfer of knowledge and intellectual property rights.
Thaitabloid reported that the navy will continue consultations and negotiations with stakeholders to refine proposals. The goal is to secure both a high-performance frigate and long-term industrial growth, enhancing Thailand’s defence self-reliance and economic development.
Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 23 Apr 2026
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