The Royal Thai Navy has confirmed plans to procure a new frigate as part of its 2026 fiscal budget, with a total project value of 17 billion baht. Officials said the acquisition aims to strengthen the navy’s three-dimensional combat capabilities, covering surface warfare, anti-submarine operations and air defence. The vessel will also support non-combat missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime search and rescue.
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Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, the navy’s spokesperson, stated on 3 April that the procurement complies with the Government Procurement and Supplies Administration Act 2017 and related Ministry of Finance regulations. The project aligns with the navy’s long-term strategy for 2017–2037, revised in 2023, which sets a requirement for eight frigates. Currently, only four operational frigates meet the required capability standards.
The programme includes not only the vessel itself but also associated systems, spare parts, tools, training, testing and full lifecycle support. The navy has also incorporated an Integrity Pact framework into the process, requiring bidders and independent observers to commit to transparency and anti-corruption measures throughout procurement and contract execution.
The project follows a complex approval history. On 10 August 2025, the House of Representatives approved a budget of 17.5 billion baht for one frigate, despite an initial proposal for two vessels worth 35 billion baht. Earlier attempts to secure funding were rejected during the 2024 budget review due to insufficient clarity on procurement details and concerns over risks similar to those seen in the submarine programme.
Efforts to reintroduce the project in the 2025 budget also failed to gain cabinet approval, delaying progress until the 2026 fiscal cycle. The navy has emphasised that building frigates domestically is a key objective, aiming to revive Thailand’s shipbuilding industry and ensure that public funds generate local economic benefits from the outset.
Thailand’s current fleet includes four capable frigates: HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, the newest vessel built in South Korea; HTMS Taksin and HTMS Naresuan, originally constructed in China but later refitted with Western weapon systems; and HTMS Rattanakosin, a sister ship of HTMS Sukhothai. The navy maintains that at least eight frigates are required to adequately patrol the country’s 320,000 square kilometres of maritime territory.
The Standard reported that the navy must finalise procurement details, select contractors, and ensure compliance with transparency measures as the project progresses. Independent observers will monitor each stage, from bidding to delivery, as the government seeks to build public confidence in large-scale defence spending.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now TheStandard 5 Apr 2026
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