Thai frigate contract signing suspended after losing bidders file objections with the State Audit Office

The Royal Thai Navy formally announced the award of its 16.73 billion baht (~$508 million) next-generation frigate to Hanwha Ocean on September 18, 2026, but the contract signing has been postponed indefinitely after the losing bidders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, ST Engineering, Aselsan/TAIS, and Navantia, lodged objections with Thailand's State Audit Office under Section 118 of the National Procurement Act. The audit review takes 30 days and can be extended to 60, after which a rejected bidder may still sue within 90 days. The award terms require at least 20 percent of the first ship's structural work to be done in Thailand, rising to 30 percent for a second ship, with an offset package of 7.25 billion baht, or about 43 percent of contract value.