The Royal Thai Navy has selected South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. for a THB16.73 billion package to supply a new frigate, equipment and long-term support.
The selection will be formally explained at a Navy briefing on September 18, 2026, once the legally required period for appeals has ended.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an acknowledgement of the selection summary submitted by the Defence Ministry and Navy on September 4, Navy spokesman RAdm Parach Rattanachaiphan said. The permanent secretary for defence approved the outcome on September 7.
Adm Korawit Chayarathi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Fleet and chairman of the frigate procurement project management committee, signed the announcement naming Hanwha Ocean.
What the THB16.73bn package covers
The contract covers one frigate and its systems and equipment, as well as spare parts, tools, documentation, support services, testing and trials.
It also includes fuel, lubricants, training, acceptance inspections, warranty coverage and related ceremonies.
Hanwha Ocean's THB16.73 billion quotation is exempt from customs duty, but includes VAT, other applicable taxes, transport and all other expenses. The price is fixed and firm under Delivered at Place, or DAP, terms set out in Incoterms 2020.
Transport and insurance are included until the vessel is delivered to Sattahip Naval Base in Sattahip subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chonburi, or another site named by the Navy.
Navy cites transparency and longer-term gains
Parach said the Navy recognised the public interest in a procurement involving national security, maritime protection and taxpayers' money.
He said the process had placed emphasis on compliance with regulations, value for money, transparency and scrutiny. The assessment considered the frigate's operational capability, its suitability for Navy missions and value across its working life.
The Navy also considered prospective technology transfer, personnel development, technical knowledge and opportunities for Thailand's domestic defence industry.
"The Navy gets a ship" was not the sole objective, Parach said; "the country must benefit alongside it". He said the investment should build Thai skills, support industry and strengthen national self-reliance beyond the frigate's delivery.
Appeal window remains open
Although the selection has been approved and announced, participants can still lodge appeals under the relevant laws and regulations.
Parach said the appeal mechanism protected the rights of all parties and helped ensure the procurement was handled fairly. At the September 18 briefing, the Navy will set out its criteria, explain its decision and outline the principal elements and expected benefits of Hanwha Ocean's proposal.
"This frigate is being funded with taxpayers' money," Parach said. "Our aim is therefore not simply to obtain the best ship for the Navy, but to ensure that this investment also delivers benefits for the country."
Picture courtesy of The Nation
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10 September 2026
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