Technology
Thai Navy Clarifies Domestic Shipbuilding Goals for Frigate Procurement
The Royal Thai Navy has clarified that the '100% domestic shipbuilding' goal is a long-term strategic objective, not applicable to the current frigate procurement project.
On September 19, 2026, Rear Admiral Parat Rattana-chaiphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, addressed public confusion regarding the '100% domestic shipbuilding' policy. He clarified that this figure represents a long-term strategic vision rather than an immediate requirement for the frigates currently being procured.
For the current high-performance frigate project, the Terms of Reference (TOR) mandate that at least 20% of the first vessel's construction must occur within Thailand. Should a second vessel be procured, this requirement increases to at least 30%. The Navy emphasized that these percentages are minimum thresholds; bidders who can exceed these figures without compromising quality, delivery timelines, or combat readiness are encouraged to do so. Such efforts would support technology transfer, local employment, and the advancement of the domestic shipbuilding industry.
For residents and observers, this clarification highlights the Navy's systematic approach to building industrial capacity. The spokesperson noted that achieving higher domestic production requires significant development in infrastructure, specialized personnel, and quality control systems. While the policy aims for self-reliance, the Navy maintains that these capabilities must be developed incrementally. It remains to be confirmed how individual bidders will propose to meet or exceed these local content requirements in their final submissions.
