Navy pushes new frigate plan

Key facts

• The Royal Thai Navy has defended its plan to procure a second frigate after funding for the vessel was removed from the proposed 2027 fiscal budget, insisting the service still lacks sufficient combat capability to carry out its maritime missions.
• Adm Pairote Fuangchan, commander-in-chief of the navy, spoke after the navy's annual exercise in Sattahip district of Chon Buri ended on Friday, reaffirming the force's requirement for eight frigates under its long-term development plan. He said the navy would resubmit the proposal in the 2028 budget if necessary, while acknowledging government budget constraints.
• Despite the cut, Adm Pairote stressed that operational needs remain urgent, noting the navy continues to face a shortage of vessels to support its missions amid evolving maritime security challenges.
• "Naval warfare is not a gentleman's duel where ships are matched one against one," he said. "We need superior capability to deter and defeat threats."
• He added that maintaining stronger forces could prevent conflict altogether by discouraging potential adversaries.