The Democrat Party urges the government and Ministry of Defense to review the 17-billion-baht frigate tender, citing suspicious signs of no competition, and emphasizes the need to protect national interests by building the ships domestically with Thai companies.
At 10:00 a.m. on 19 September 2026 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Mr. Pongsakorn Khwanmuang, spokesperson for the Democrat Party, addressed concerns over irregularities in the Navy's frigate procurement project. He stated that the Democrat Party supports the acquisition of military equipment to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities but insists it must be based on safeguarding the nation's highest interests.
The Navy had previously pledged during the annual budget review that the frigate procurement would mandate 100% of shipbuilding to be done in Thailand. However, the actual Terms of Reference (TOR) reduced this requirement to 20%, contradicting the earlier promise. Furthermore, although four domestic shipyards and companies confirmed they were fully capable of 100% local construction, and another company capable of at least 40%, in the tender with six participants, five qualified Thai shipbuilders were disqualified, leaving only one bidder. This deprived the country of genuine competitive bidding.
Mr. Pongsakorn added that, according to Ministry of Finance regulations, if only one bidder passes the criteria, the tender can be canceled and reopened to ensure fair competition. However, the Navy insists on proceeding, citing regulatory compliance and urgent security needs, even though reopening would only delay the process by a few months. The benefit would be the development of a 100% domestic shipbuilding industry, freeing Thailand from reliance on foreign technology—a problem experienced previously with submarines and frigates facing engine, weapons, and equipment issues. Notably, the 20% TOR specification coincides exactly with the minimum local content offered by the sole remaining bidder, which has a past record of delivering the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej with engine and weapons problems. The party therefore calls on the Prime Minister and Defense Minister to have the courage to do the right thing by canceling and reopening the tender. This would lay an economic and military security foundation enabling Thailand to build its own warships, prioritizing the nation’s best interests.