On September 18, the Royal Thai Navy announced it has selected Hanwha Ocean of South Korea to build a new frigate under a contract valued at approximately 16.73 billion baht (roughly US$496 million). The deal was confirmed by Admiral Pairoj Fueangchan during a press conference and includes not only the vessel itself but also onboard systems, spare parts, documentation, logistical support, training, and warranties within this budget ceiling.
The new ship is designed to replace retiring vessels as part of Thailand's long-term force development plan and will serve missions such as protecting sovereignty, shipping routes, economic zones, and energy resources. Its capabilities are intended for surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, air defense, land target strikes, and countering drones, with requirements derived from anticipated threats rather than specific corporate interests.
The selection process was described by the navy as transparent and rules-based, involving an open tender that invited bids from 11 shipyards and organizations across several countries. This marks a significant step in modernizing Thailand's naval fleet to meet evolving security challenges in its maritime regions.