Bangkok: The Ministry of Defense is prepared to delay the procurement plan for a second frigate intended for the navy. The ministry has clarified that although the timeline might be extended, the overall capability of the navy will remain unaffected.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Nara Khunthothom, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, stated that the Royal Thai Navy urgently needs to acquire frigates to enhance its naval capabilities. However, the budget for this procurement is currently under review, and discussions are ongoing with relevant agencies to ensure the budget is appropriately allocated. While the initial plan may be postponed beyond the 2027 fiscal year, further clarification on the timeline is still required.
It has been confirmed that the project for procuring the first frigate is proceeding as planned and on schedule. It was emphasized that even if the procurement of the new ship is delayed, the Royal Thai Navy will be able to maintain the combat readiness of its current fleet, ensuring continuous support for national security missions.