Recently, the Royal Thai Navy issued a tender notice for the procurement of a frigate. The project budget is approximately 17 billion Thai baht (equivalent to approximately 525 million USD), a figure based on construction cost estimates provided by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Damen Shipyards, and Singapore’s ST Engineering Marine.
According to a report dated April 9, a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy revealed that the relevant authorities have officially finalized the detailed specifications (Terms of Reference) for the frigate procurement project, with the deadline for bids set for April 21.
Prior to the formal tender, the Royal Thai Navy issued invitations to 11 shipbuilding companies worldwide to participate. These companies include: one Chinese shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, SK oceanplant, Damen Shipyards, ST Engineering Marine, Spain’s Navantia, Italy’s Fincantieri, Turkey’s TAIS Shipyards, Turkey’s ASFAT, and one Russian shipbuilder.
It is reported that the Royal Thai Navy has established a requirement—stipulating that “at least 20% of construction must be undertaken by domestic shipyards”—as a prerequisite for participation in project tenders. Through collaboration with partners, the Navy plans to drive the transfer of shipbuilding technology and create employment opportunities, thereby serving as a cornerstone for fostering Thailand’s domestic shipbuilding industry.