Supamas Tackles Three Major EV Complaints: Defects, Abandoned Vehicles, and Price Drops; Seeks 103 Million Baht Compensation

At 12:12 p.m. on May 11, 2026, at Government House, Supamas Issaraphakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), announced consumer protection measures aimed at boosting confidence in electric vehicle purchases. While the government has promoted the switch to renewable and alternative energy sources to address the energy crisis, three major issues have emerged: defective vehicles, abandoned vehicles after company closures or service center shutdowns leaving owners without repair options, and rapidly depreciating prices after purchase.

These problems have caused distress to consumers and raised concerns about vehicle safety, quality, component standards, assembly processes, and after-sales service. Between 2567-2569, the CPB received 556 complaints from consumers about electric vehicles and forwarded 792 cases to consumer advocacy organizations, totaling 1,348 cases. The CPB has resolved 402 disputes.

The top five problems are: defects (47.3%), non-refundable deposits (18.2%), post-purchase price reductions (14.7%), missing promised items (13.1%), and accidents or delayed repairs (2.9%). The most common issues involve after-sales service (288 cases), purchase transactions (183 cases), and delivery problems (85 cases). Consumers worry about service center closures (329 cases), damaged equipment (164 cases), missing parts requiring long waits (94 cases), and inability to return vehicles when companies close (52 cases).

The CPB has resolved to file civil cases against businesses to claim damages exceeding 103.1 million baht for consumers. Electric vehicles are controlled-label products under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522, requiring manufacturers to provide accurate and complete labeling. Violations carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment, fines up to 100,000 baht, or both.

The meeting resolved to assign the CPB to create an e-Book on "Electric Vehicle Labels" by collecting labels from all EV models sold in Thailand from manufacturers and importers. The e-book will present label information for all brands with explanations of label content, consumer rights, and pre-purchase verification methods. This information will be distributed through websites, applications, social media, and various platforms to ensure easy and quick access for public comparison before purchase decisions. The board will also monitor advertising and ensure businesses use standard booking contracts. Additionally, manufacturers and dealers must clearly advertise quality information, technical specifications, performance, warranty conditions, and usage limitations. Standards include: defined repair timeframes in contracts, service center distribution every 150-200 kilometers, adequate spare parts inventory, vehicle recall system development to address safety defects, right-to-repair provisions allowing maintenance beyond warranty periods, and establishment of coordination centers.