South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a next-generation frigate for the Royal Thai Navy, in a deal worth around 16.73 billion baht (about USD 510 million). The project covers one 4,000‑ton class frigate and is expected to pave the way for potential follow‑on orders, marking Hanwha Ocean’s first major overseas warship order since its launch in 2023.
According to Thai and Korean business media, on September 8–9, 2026 the Royal Thai Navy announced that Hanwha Ocean had been chosen as the preferred contractor for its next‑generation frigate programme, covering the construction of one frigate of about 4,000 tons displacement. The bid price is reported at roughly 16.73 billion baht, equivalent to around 508–510 million US dollars, including taxes and associated costs, and the project is framed as a stepping stone toward a possible series of additional vessels.
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