Picture courtesy of The Standard

 

The Subcommittee on Equipment, ICT and Revolving Funds within the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee approved the Royal Thai Navy’s request for funding to procure a frigate valued at 17.5 billion baht. The Navy also sought Cabinet approval to amend an earlier resolution, allowing for the acquisition of two frigates in total, worth 35 billion baht, though funding is currently available for only one vessel.

 

While this does not yet guarantee that both ships will be built, the move signals a stronger government commitment to securing funding for two frigates. The Navy’s plan is to construct the vessels in Thailand, aiming to revitalise the country’s long-stagnant shipbuilding industry, which has suffered from limited capacity and investment.

 

The Navy currently operates only four frigates, well short of its minimum requirement of eight, underscoring the urgency of the procurement. Frigates play a crucial role in national defence. Building both ships domestically would encourage private sector confidence and make investments in capacity expansion more worthwhile.

 

Crucially, this project would keep a portion of military spending within the Thai economy rather than sending it entirely overseas. Many countries with well-planned defence strategies integrate domestic defence industries into their national security framework, ensuring these industries can survive long term.

 

However, there are concerns. In the past, some have argued that the first vessel should be built abroad to gain technical know-how before domestic production begins. Critics note that this approach contradicts the stated purpose of the budget request to Parliament and point to the Navy’s previous experience when HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej was built in South Korea. At the time, the Navy promised the second frigate would be built locally, but instead opted to purchase submarines from abroad, leaving local shipyards idle.

 

Given that the Navy has already acquired foreign shipbuilding expertise, opponents argue there is no need to “learn” again overseas. Technology for hull construction changes little over time, and weapon and sensor systems can be integrated under foreign supervision in domestic shipyards. Several Thai shipyards have already declared they can build a frigate in-country from the first vessel, rendering the overseas-first argument weak.

 

There is little dispute over the necessity of frigates for Thailand’s defence. The real question is whether the procurement plan will genuinely benefit the Thai economy. If managed properly, this project could become a turning point for the country’s struggling shipbuilding sector. To achieve this, the Navy must assure the government and taxpayers that the frigates will indeed be built in Thailand from the outset, fulfilling the true purpose of the 17.5 billion baht investment.

 

Analysis courtesy of Analayo Kosakul, The Standard.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from The Standard 2025-08-12

 

 

 

 

 

Why not round up all those motorbike taxi slacker and get them to build the submarine...I bet they would get it done before China....

They want 8. They have 4.

 

Not only do they plan to build 4 from a standing start and with no experience, but they are also going to have to find experienced and trained crews for them.

 

Hmm.

This isn't going to end well....!

I worked in the warship building industry for 25 years over that time we built 12 frigates. Do these muppets understand the technicalities in regards to building warships. One instance a salt water fire main burst after a few months. It was discovered that the wrong type pipe was used and the salt water caused electrolysis. On all salt water lines 70/30 copper nickel pipe should be used. I could go on for hours about the things that can go wrong unless performed by high tech people, Even every pipe weld needs to be x ray tested. Thailand doesn't have such people, so employing farangs with the experience required could be very costly. I'm afraid it's  just another brain fart.

Crucially, this project would keep a portion of military spending within the Thai Brown Envelope economy

30 minutes ago, Mason45 said:

I worked in the warship building industry for 25 years over that time we built 12 frigates. Do these muppets understand the technicalities in regards to building warships. One instance a salt water fire main burst after a few months. It was discovered that the wrong type pipe was used and the salt water caused electrolysis. On all salt water lines 70/30 copper nickel pipe should be used. I could go on for hours about the things that can go wrong unless performed by high tech people, Even every pipe weld needs to be x ray tested. Thailand doesn't have such people, so employing farangs with the experience required could be very costly. I'm afraid it's  just another brain fart.

Hmm you obviously have not seen Somachai knock up a BBQ from an old oil drum  😎

And while you're at it, try to find time to build a few nuclear subs as well, easy-pizzy.

1 hour ago, JoePai said:

Crucially, this project would keep a portion of military spending within the Thai Brown Envelope economy

 

They have an official group for that.

 

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Subcommittee on Equipment, ICT and Revolving Funds

 

A surprisingly popular committee assignment!

3 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Why not round up all those motorbike taxi slacker and get them to build the submarine...I bet they would get it done before China....

 

They already have experience converting frigates into submarines......

Why not try that first ?

Careful where the steel is sourced.

1 minute ago, Negita43 said:

Careful where the steel is sourced.

China tin 

1 hour ago, Negita43 said:

Careful where the steel is sourced.

Steel?

 

But yes, poor-quality metals abound in this part of the world.  Lived in India for a bit, the cooking pots there appear to disintegrate after a while.  

 

 

Built by the Mai Pen Rai welding team........

4 hours ago, Mason45 said:

I worked in the warship building industry for 25 years over that time we built 12 frigates. Do these muppets understand the technicalities in regards to building warships. One instance a salt water fire main burst after a few months. It was discovered that the wrong type pipe was used and the salt water caused electrolysis. On all salt water lines 70/30 copper nickel pipe should be used. I could go on for hours about the things that can go wrong unless performed by high tech people, Even every pipe weld needs to be x ray tested. Thailand doesn't have such people, so employing farangs with the experience required could be very costly. I'm afraid it's  just another brain fart.

 

But there is a case to say Thailand would be well served to take an appraoch which develops such knowledge and such skills for the future and should integrate such 'learning' into courses in universities and technical schools.

55 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Built by the Mai Pen Rai welding team........

 Please share the details re this photo. Thanks.

Just now, scorecard said:

 Please share the details re this photo. Thanks.

 

 

https://www.twz.com/25218/we-have-the-first-official-report-on-norways-sunken-frigate-and-it-isnt-pretty

4 hours ago, Mason45 said:

I worked in the warship building industry for 25 years over that time we built 12 frigates. Do these muppets understand the technicalities in regards to building warships. One instance a salt water fire main burst after a few months. It was discovered that the wrong type pipe was used and the salt water caused electrolysis. On all salt water lines 70/30 copper nickel pipe should be used. I could go on for hours about the things that can go wrong unless performed by high tech people, Even every pipe weld needs to be x ray tested. Thailand doesn't have such people, so employing farangs with the experience required could be very costly. I'm afraid it's  just another brain fart.

Highly unlikely they would hire expats even if the cost was acceptable.

The UK has a few Type 23 Frigates for sale probably be a better option for Thailand. Available Now.