Politics
Royal Thai Navy Addresses Technical Issues with HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej
The Royal Thai Navy has addressed concerns regarding technical malfunctions on the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej while outlining plans for a new frigate procurement project.
On September 18, 2026, the Royal Thai Navy held a press conference at the Navy Auditorium to discuss the progress of its new frigate procurement project. During the event, Admiral Koravit Chayarathi, Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, addressed public concerns regarding the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, specifically reports of engine failures and malfunctions in the Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System).
The discussion arose amid questions about why the same company involved in the previous project was selected for the new frigate contract. Critics and academics questioned the selection process, particularly regarding the 'Offset Policy' and the requirement for local shipyard development. Admiral Koravit explained that the Navy had previously surveyed domestic shipyards regarding their capacity for 100% local construction but did not receive definitive confirmation, leading to the current procurement strategy.
For residents and observers, this highlights ongoing debates regarding military transparency and the reliability of defense equipment. While the Navy has stated that lessons learned from the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej have been incorporated into the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the new frigate project to prevent recurring technical issues, the effectiveness of these new measures remains to be seen. The Navy maintains that the selected contractor met the necessary criteria that others failed to satisfy.
