Bangkok: South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co. announced on Wednesday that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for a significant frigate project commissioned by the Royal Thai Navy. This project entails the construction of a state-of-the-art 4,000-ton-class frigate, complete with associated equipment and extensive maintenance and logistics support. The Royal Thai Navy has estimated the project's value at 16.73 billion baht (approximately US$509 million), as mentioned in their bid notice.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hanwha Ocean revealed in a regulatory filing that it is set to enter detailed negotiations with the Royal Thai Navy to finalize the terms of the contract. This selection underscores Hanwha Ocean's established reputation and successful track record in the Southeast Asian region.

Previously, in 2013, the company, known then as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co., secured an order to construct a 3,600-ton-class frigate for the Royal Thai Navy, which was successfully delivered in 2018. The current deal not only highlights Hanwha Ocean's continued presence in Thailand but also opens the door for potential future collaborations as the country aims to modernize its naval capabilities.