Bangkok: The Consumer Council is meeting with the government to urgently address a growing wave of complaints regarding the quality and after-sales service of electric vehicles (EVs). This follows a notable increase in consumer grievances related to insufficient home battery charging equipment, delays in spare parts, issues with license plate registration, and insurance coverage denials.
According to Thai News Agency, the surge in complaints has prompted the Consumer Council to convene a meeting with both public and private sectors on September 3, 2025. The goal is to develop policies or measures to provide concrete relief to consumers and prepare a proposal for the Prime Minister to establish a long-term policy on electric vehicles in the country. Mr. Itboon Onwongsa, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Consumer Council, reported over 300 complaints have been filed, highlighting three main issues: after-sales service and spare parts problems, defective battery chargers, and pending spare parts issues impacting consumer claims.
Consumers are facing additional costs by switching to alternative transportation methods due to incomplete home charger installations, incompatible home electrical systems, and insurance denial for vehicles under promotional programs. These issues have led to strained customer relations and financial difficulties for the companies involved. Sales and registration problems have also emerged, including delays in receiving white license plates, failure to refund red license plate deposits, and overall financial instability within the industry.
For NETA vehicles, complaints include missing white license plates, unreturned red license plate deposits, and unfulfilled warranty contracts due to service center closures. This has led many consumers to undertake repairs themselves, causing a lack of confidence. Despite a written promise from NETA Thailand to resolve these issues by July, complaints persist.
Ms. Wilawan Anchamnan from the Excise Department outlined the department’s role in supporting EV usage through tax reductions and subsidies, with specific production targets for companies importing vehicles between 2022 and 2023. NETA Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is participating in this initiative but has faced production delays due to issues at its parent company in China.
Mr. Parames Thongcharoen from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) highlighted four main issues concerning EVs: delays in warranty repairs, missing charging equipment, and dealership uncertainties. The OCPB has expedited the resolution of registration and license plate issues and coordinated with NETA to ensure warranty repair commitments.
Insurance concerns have been raised, with Class 3 insurance planned for NETA vehicles next year due to spare parts procurement challenges. The Thai Electric Vehicle Association is working to support domestic manufacturers like Bangchan General Assembly Co., Ltd. and address expensive EV insurance issues, while promoting the use of domestic parts in Thai-manufactured EVs.