Navy pushes new frigate plan

PUBLISHED : 16 May 2026 at 05:53 The Royal Thai Navy has defended its plan to procure a second frigate after funding for the vessel was removed from the proposed 2027 fiscal budget, insisting the service still lacks sufficient combat capability to carry out its maritime missions.Adm Pairote Fuangchan, commander-in-chief of the navy, spoke after the navy's annual exercise in Sattahip district of Chon Buri ended on Friday, reaffirming the force's requirement for eight frigates under its long-term development plan. He said the navy would resubmit the proposal in the 2028 budget if necessary, while acknowledging government budget constraints. Despite the cut, Adm Pairote stressed that operational needs remain urgent, noting the navy continues to face a shortage of vessels to support its missions amid evolving maritime security challenges. "Naval warfare is not a gentleman's duel where ships are matched one against one," he said. "We need superior capability to deter and defeat threats." He added that maintaining stronger forces could prevent conflict altogether by discouraging potential adversaries. The navy chief said the service is awaiting an opportunity to explain the necessity of the procurement to the government and parliament. Regarding the ongoing selection of a shipbuilder for the first frigate, expected to conclude within a month, Adm Pairote said the evaluation is based not only on the extent of local construction but also on technology transfer, which he described as essential for enabling Thailand to independently sustain and develop its naval capabilities in the future. He declined to disclose detailed scoring criteria, but said combat capability carries the greatest weight, followed by economic offsets and price. The issue has also drawn political scrutiny. Ekkarach Udomamnuay, a People's Party MP and incoming chairman of the House committee on military affairs, warned that the situation at sea remains uncertain following the cancellation of Memorandum of Understanding 44. He said cutting funding for the second frigate risks undermining maritime security and the morale of naval personnel, who have already faced setbacks from earlier disputes over submarine procurement. "The navy must be properly equipped to safeguard national interests at sea," he said, adding that continued delays could weaken both deterrence and confidence within the service.