The Royal Thai Navy announced the selection results for the first frigate construction on 18 September, while the Commander of the Naval Fleet signed the contract appointing Hanwha with a bid of 16.73 billion baht.
On 8 September 2026, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, Navy spokesperson, revealed progress on the Navy's frigate acquisition project. After Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed to acknowledge the summary of the selection review submitted by the Ministry of Defence and Navy on 4 September, the Permanent Secretary of Defence approved the selection results on 7 September. This marks a significant advancement in the frigate procurement, a key project to enhance the Navy’s capabilities and to secure the nation's maritime interests long-term. The Navy has scheduled an official announcement of the selection results on 18 September after the legal appeal period expires.
Reporters stated that Admiral Korawit Chayarote, Commander of the Naval Fleet and chairman of the frigate procurement project board, signed the Navy’s announcement naming Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. as the selected contractor for one frigate, including systems, equipment, spare parts, tools, documentation, support, testing, fuel, lubricants, training, acceptance, warranty, and related formalities. The total bid was 16,730,000,000 baht, exempt from customs duties but including value-added tax and all other taxes. This is a firm and fixed price under DAP (INCOTERMS 2020) terms, covering transportation and insurance until delivery at Sattahip Naval Base, Sattahip Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, or another Navy-designated location.