After a prolonged delay in procuring a Chinese submarine, Thailand’s newly appointed Defense Minister is now looking to purchase a Chinese frigate. According to a report from the “Bangkok Post” on October 21st, the new Thai Defense Minister, Suthep, mentioned during his visit to the Thai Navy headquarters on October 20th that the Thai Navy is considering importing a frigate from China instead of a submarine. Suthep also stated that the S26T submarine project has not been canceled, just temporarily shelved.
Regarding the reasons for purchasing the frigate, Suthep explained that such a ship can perform various operations in the air, on the surface, and underwater. Its price is comparable to that of a submarine and can effectively counter them. However, if neither a submarine nor a frigate is procured, the Thai Navy might opt for patrol boats instead.
In 2016, the Thai military approved the project to import the S26T submarine from China. Thailand requested that the submarine be equipped with a German-made MTU 396 diesel engine. However, due to EU restrictions on military hardware exports to China, Germany couldn’t export the engine, leading to a deadlock in the submarine project. China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation had earlier suggested replacing the German engine with a Chinese-made one, but this proposal was not accepted by the Thai Navy.
Suthep also stated that the government will establish a committee responsible for discussing the frigate procurement with China and will initiate consultations this week. Both parties expect to finalize the revised procurement contract next month. The Thai government and military are seeking a solution that does not harm naval interests and satisfies the public. If plans to purchase submarines or frigates fall through, the Thai Navy may also consider patrol boats.
Previously, the Thai Navy had plans to double its current frigate fleet from four to eight. During his visit to the Navy headquarters, Suthep opposed the purchase of four frigates, saying that even after revising the submarine contract and including the 2024 fiscal year budget, the Navy would only have six frigates in total.
On the matter of the submarine being shelved, Suthep mentioned that China agreed to jointly seek solutions. The Thai Navy might still have an opportunity to continue procuring submarines, as the agreement hasn’t been paused yet. However, it might be challenging as it’s still unclear whether the new submarine would be from China or another country, but a decision will be made within four years.
Historically, the Thai Navy has procured various Chinese frigates, including the F25T type frigate, Chao Phraya-class corvettes, and Pattani-class patrol boats.
Although choosing frigates over submarines might weaken the Thai Navy’s power, the defense minister, who advocates for disarmament, asserted that frigates can handle submarines. The Thai government is also discussing details like funding, technology bans, and legal issues.
Currently, the Thai Navy has a shortage of one frigate. Last year on December 18th, the Thai Royal Navy frigate “Sukhothai” sank in the Gulf of Thailand due to malfunctions. The ship, built by the American Tacoma Shipbuilding Company, was launched in 1984 and began its service in 1987.
In the 2023 elections, the Pheu Thai Party regained the majority of votes, becoming the largest governing party in the parliament. On September 2nd, the Thai cabinet was announced, with Pheu Thai’s Suthep elected as the new Defense Minister. Since taking office, Defense Minister Suthep has been advocating for reduced military spending and reform of the conscription system.
Earlier, on September 9th, Suthep had stated his intentions to propose to the Prime Minister to cancel the submarine contract with China and instead import Chinese fertilizers.