Supamas Raids EV Showrooms, Orders Strict Product Labeling Enforcement—Six-Month Prison Sentence and 100,000 Baht Fine for Violations
Consumer Protection Minister Supamas inspected EV showrooms in Bangkok to enforce strict product labeling requirements, warning that violations carry up to six months imprisonment and 100,000 baht fines.
At 1:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025, Supamas Isoraphakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseeing the Consumer Protection Committee (สคบ.), led an inspection team to check electric vehicle labeling at BYD Hi-Class showroom on Lad Phrao Road, followed by OMODA & JAECOO showroom on the same street. The inspection included representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, the Industrial Product Standards Bureau, and consumer advocacy organizations.
Supamas stated that the inspection was a direct follow-up to a meeting held on May 11, where she convened EV manufacturers and consumer organizations to address three major complaint categories affecting consumers: defects, warranty issues, and price drops. Statistics show over 1,348 consumer complaints have been filed.
Supamas emphasized that product labels are the primary tool consumers use to verify information before purchasing. She instructed businesses to comply with three key consumer protection laws: First, EVs are controlled label products—all required information must be clearly displayed on the vehicle, including model name, trademark, manufacturer details, technical specifications, battery information, performance, driving range, usage instructions, safety warnings, price, and warranty terms.
Second, regarding advertising, especially driving range per charge—a critical purchase decision factor—sellers must clearly specify which testing standard is used (EPA, WLTP, NEDC, or CLTC) along with test conditions, average speed, temperature, road conditions, and driving patterns. Battery warranty claims must also specify clear criteria, methods, conditions, and validity dates.
Third, new car sales businesses must use standardized purchase contracts approved by the Consumer Protection Committee, fully specifying vehicle type, brand, model, production year, price, delivery date, and cancellation rights.
Initial findings from the inspection show that businesses are cooperating well and complying with the law, according to Supamas.
Electric vehicles are classified as "controlled label products" under a Consumer Protection Committee announcement effective since September 22, 2024. Under the Consumer Protection Act of 1965, businesses must display accurate, complete, and clearly legible labels on the vehicle. Violations carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of 100,000 baht.