Supamas Orders Probe Into EV Fire Incident, Demands Company Explanation on May 21; Pushes Recall of 1,668 Vehicles in Thailand
A vehicle fire at a consumer's home on May 15 prompted Thailand's Consumer Protection Board to demand explanations from an EV manufacturer on May 21 regarding a battery defect affecting 1,668 recalled vehicles nationwide.
Supamas Orders Probe Into EV Fire Incident, Demands Company Explanation on May 21; Pushes Recall of 1,668 Vehicles in Thailand; Consumer Protection Committee to Consider Civil Lawsuit Against Company and Distributor.
On May 18, 2025, Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, announced that Supamas Iserapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseeing the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), has ordered an EV manufacturer to provide clarification on facts and operational plans on May 21, 2025 at CPB headquarters.
This action comes after an electric vehicle caught fire while charging at a consumer's home on May 15, 2025 at approximately 9:00 p.m. Pradeemchai Boonchooaylue, an advisor to the Prime Minister, will chair the meeting alongside Ranrong Poolphipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, to protect all 1,668 consumers in Thailand whose vehicles are subject to battery replacement recalls.
Patcharin explained that the EV company had issued a notice about preventive measures regarding potential battery overheating if charging exceeds 70 percent of battery capacity, and had temporarily advised customers to limit charging to 70 percent. The company has suspended sales temporarily, and 45 consumers have filed complaints with the CPB. However, consumers have not yet received battery replacements, and a fire has now occurred—demonstrating that the "do not charge beyond 70 percent" measure is insufficient.
Minister Supamas has instructed the CPB to investigate the facts and escalate consumer protection measures immediately, in line with the government's policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership, which prioritizes safety for EV consumers.
Patcharin further stated that according to CPB's complaint system data from 2008 through May 13, 2025, consumers have raised concerns about vehicle fires across multiple brands. The CPB has received seven vehicle fire complaints, resolving five through negotiated settlements and mediation. Two cases remain under investigation for potential civil lawsuits. This shows the CPB monitors vehicle fires without discrimination, but this case represents a systemic issue affecting 1,668 consumers, requiring higher-level legal mechanisms beyond individual mediation.
Patcharin noted that the May 21, 2025 meeting will require the EV company to address three main points: first, a clear timeline for recalling and replacing batteries in all 1,668 vehicles; second, compensation measures for consumers while awaiting battery replacement; and third, clarification on the cause of the recent fire.
Regarding legal action, the CPB will exercise authority to order the company to test or verify the product and submit results within 30 days. The CPB has also presented the complaints to a subcommittee for initial review and will propose to the Consumer Protection Committee to pursue civil litigation against the company and distributor to recover the vehicle purchase price plus interest for 45 consumers, following proper procedures.
"Minister Supamas emphasized that Thursday's meeting is a critical test for the EV company to demonstrate responsibility to Thai consumers who paid millions of baht for electric vehicles but can only charge them to 70 percent and risk their lives and property. The minister will not allow consumers to bear this burden," Patcharin concluded.
