Democrat Party Urges Review Of Navy Frigate Bid
The Democrat Party questions a Navy frigate procurement deal where five qualified domestic shipyards were disqualified, leaving only one bidder in a tender that originally promised 100% local construction but was scaled down to 20%.
Democrat Party spokesperson Pongsakchorn Kwanmuang has expressed concern over the Navy's frigate purchase project, stating that while the party supports defense equipment procurement to strengthen military capability, it must protect the nation's highest interests. The Navy previously pledged during budget deliberations that the frigate project would require 100% domestic construction, but the actual technical specifications were scaled down to only 20%, contradicting that commitment. Four domestic shipyards and private companies confirmed readiness to build 100% of the frigate locally, with a fifth capable of at least 40% domestic construction, yet in a tender with six participants, five capable companies were disqualified, leaving only one bidder to open their sealed proposal. This eliminates genuine competitive bidding. According to Finance Ministry regulations, when only one bidder passes evaluation, the tender can be cancelled and reopened for fair competition. However, the Navy claims procedural correctness and urgent security needs justify proceeding. Kwanmuang noted that reopening the tender would add only a few months while yielding the benefit of developing a 100% domestic naval shipbuilding industry, breaking Thailand's past dependence on foreign suppliers that caused problems with previous vessels including submarine and frigate engine and weapons system failures. He called upon Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Defense Minister Anudit Buntham to demonstrate courage by the right means, cancelling the problematic project and reopening the tender to ensure Thailand can build warships independently, obtain the best vessel, and achieve genuine maximum benefit for the nation.
