Culture
Royal Thai Navy Faces Scrutiny Over Frigate Procurement Process
Air Chief Marshal Manat has requested an official audit of the Royal Thai Navy’s frigate selection process, citing concerns over transparency and policy adjustments.
According to a report by Thai Post, Air Chief Marshal Manat has formally requested that the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) investigate the Royal Thai Navy’s recent frigate procurement process. The inquiry stems from concerns regarding a lack of consultation and a significant adjustment to the project's 'Offset Policy' value, which reportedly increased from 2.25 billion baht to 7 billion baht.
Air Chief Marshal Manat expressed reservations about the selection process, suggesting that the changes were made without proper discussion with relevant associations. In response, the Royal Thai Navy spokesperson stated that they are currently reviewing the documentation and verifying the original records. The spokesperson emphasized that the Navy remains confident in the transparency of the process, asserting that all actions were taken in accordance with established regulations.
For residents and those following local governance, this development highlights ongoing public interest in the management of large-scale defense contracts. While the Navy has expressed no concern regarding the investigation, they have scheduled a formal briefing for September 18 to address the matter publicly. As of now, the validity of the procurement process remains subject to the OAG’s review, and further details are expected to be clarified during the upcoming official announcement.
