BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Navy will hold a briefing on September 18 to explain the selection process for its high-performance frigate procurement project and answer questions raised by the media and public. Rear Adm. Parach Rattanachaiphan, Royal Thai Navy spokesperson, said the Navy was aware of requests for an investigation and details of the procurement process.
The Navy respects the right of the public and all sectors to raise concerns and scrutinise government operations, saying such oversight is essential to ensuring careful, transparent and accountable procedures. The Navy previously announced on September 8 that it would disclose the selection process, criteria, reasons and key information once all procedures required under relevant laws and regulations had been completed.
The September 18 briefing will provide a full explanation based on facts and official information. Commanders and officials responsible for different stages of the procurement process will attend to explain their roles and answer questions directly. The Navy asked the media, public and interested parties to wait for the official briefing so that the project can be assessed using complete and accurate information. It also cautioned against relying on partial figures or information while the process remains unfinished.
The Navy reaffirmed that the frigate procurement project is being conducted in accordance with laws and regulations, with emphasis on transparency, fairness, value for money and accountability, while prioritizing the interests of the country and the public. “We are ready to listen to every observation and answer every question with facts, because public confidence must come from transparency and accountability,” Rear Adm. Parach said. (TNA)
