Thailand frigate decision imminent with Hanwha Ocean reported as sole finalist

The Royal Thai Navy has completed its evaluation of bids for a new 4,000-ton frigate, worth roughly 175 billion baht (~800 billion won) and expandable toward 4 trillion won with follow-on ships, and Korean reporting on September 1, 2026 says Hanwha Ocean was the only bidder to clear the first qualification and technical round. The result has been forwarded to the Thai Defense Ministry and cabinet for final approval, with an announcement expected within days. Hanwha Ocean holds an edge from its 2018 delivery of the 3,700-ton HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej and its improved Ocean-40F export design, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries countered with a roughly 40% local-production pitch. No final signature had been confirmed as of September 3.