Bangkok: The frigate project is moving forward, with the selection results approved. The Royal Thai Navy affirms the process was transparent and cost-effective.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, revealed the progress of the Navy's frigate procurement project. Following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's signing of the selection summary document submitted by the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Thai Navy on September 4, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence officially approved the selection results on September 7, 2026. This marks a significant step forward in the frigate procurement project, a key initiative to enhance the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities and its ability to safeguard national maritime interests in the long term.
The Royal Thai Navy recognizes that the frigate procurement project is of great public and societal interest, as it involves national security, the protection of national maritime interests, and the use of public funds. Therefore, it places great importance on accuracy, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability at every stage of the process. The selection process prioritizes the best interests of the nation, considering factors such as operational capabilities, suitability for specific missions, cost-effectiveness throughout the ship's lifespan, and long-term benefits for Thailand. These benefits include technology transfer, personnel development, knowledge creation, and the promotion of the domestic defense industry. The core concept of this project is not simply "the Navy gets the ship," but "the country benefits simultaneously." This investment in national security must lead to the development of Thai capabilities, Thai industries, and the nation's self-reliance, ensuring that the benefits from the budget do not end upon the ship's delivery but continue to generate value for Thailand in the long term.
However, even though the selection process has been approved, due to the appeals period stipulated by relevant laws and regulations, and to protect the rights of all participants and ensure a fair and just process, the Royal Thai Navy has scheduled a press conference to announce the results of the frigate procurement project on September 18, 2026, after the legal appeals period has expired. The official selection results will be disclosed, along with an explanation of the criteria, reasons, and key aspects of the selected proposal, as well as the benefits that the Royal Thai Navy and Thailand will receive, to provide the public with complete and transparent information. 'This frigate is being built with public funds. Therefore, our goal is not just to obtain the best ship for the Royal Thai Navy, but also to ensure that this investment benefits the country. The Royal Thai Navy gains the ship, the country gains capabilities, Thai people gain knowledge, and Thai industry has the opportunity to grow simultaneous ly,' said the Royal Thai Navy spokesperson.