Sattahip: South Korea has delivered new engines to Thailand, marking a significant milestone for the Royal Thai Navy, which showcased the delivery and is preparing to install them on the Bhumibol frigate. The Royal Thai Navy received the engines in a formal ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance of this upgrade for its naval capabilities.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkarach Udomamnuay, a Member of Parliament for Bangkok from the People's Party and Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, led a committee visit to the Mahidol Adulyadej Royal Thai Navy Dockyard in Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. Welcomed by Rear Admiral Sumit Chobsad, Director of the Engineering Planning Department, the committee aimed to assess the progress of the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej's maintenance project.
Mr. Ekkarach highlighted that the visit was to ensure the maintenance project is on track. The Military Affairs Committee is closely monitoring the frigate's status, which includes both new acquisitions and ongoing maintenance. Although the repair plan's specifics remain classified, the committee has engaged with relevant agencies to ensure the project progresses as scheduled, with some budget allocations expected for 2027.
He expressed concerns about investment in the maritime sector, urging the government, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Minister of Interior, to bolster the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard's capabilities in technology transfer for shipbuilding. Mr. Ekkarach emphasized the urgency of establishing facilities for building ships domestically, warning that delaying these plans could hinder Thailand's ability to construct its own frigates in the future. He advocated for strategic planning in location and investment to stimulate economic growth over the next decade.
The committee also inspected the MTU engine, a crucial component in resolving existing issues with the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Royal Thai Navy Ordnance Department is addressing the non-operational Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) to prevent similar issues in future frigate projects, slated for selection in the 2026 budget.
Rear Admiral Sumit addressed concerns about whether the Royal Thai Navy shipyard could manage the offset for the first frigate project of 2026, noting the shipyard's previous successful construction of HTMS Krabi and HTMS Prachuap, which demonstrates its shipbuilding expertise. However, he admitted that the offset specifications are not yet known, leaving the shipyard's readiness uncertain.