The Thai Electric Vehicle Association recommends the government comprehensively revamp the EV ecosystem to sustainably address the energy crisis.
On 1 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Suroj Saengsanit, president of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT), said that amid global energy uncertainties from international tensions, although the government has introduced various measures to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices, structurally Thailand must accelerate laying foundations for alternative energy. Electric vehicles represent a promising option in terms of energy, economy, and future industrial development.
Consumer response recently, including trends and electric vehicle bookings at the 2026 Motor Show, clearly shows that Thai people are increasingly open to EV technology and ready to adapt to new, cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable energy forms.
The association believes that promoting electric vehicles should not be limited to vehicle sales alone but must advance systematically and comprehensively, including manufacturing, use of local parts, technology transfer, workforce development, infrastructure, charging stations, centralized data systems, government incentives, and building consumer confidence to reduce concerns about actual use, enabling a sustainable transition to alternative energy.
This approach aligns with Thailand's 30@30 policy aiming for zero-emission vehicles to constitute 30% of total vehicle production and to increase EV usage domestically to 50% by 2030, driving the country toward a low-carbon society and strengthening the competitiveness of the Thai automotive industry long-term.
The Thai Electric Vehicle Association’s proposals result from consultations with its committee during last weekend’s monthly meeting, yielding five key recommendations:
1. Promote pilot use of electric vehicles in government agencies and state educational institutions.
2. Support rapid expansion of EV charging stations to adequately meet increasing demand.
3. Push for a government-developed central application that consolidates charging station information from all providers for public accessibility.
4. Propose studying carbon tax implementation to encourage clean energy technology use and reduce oil consumption long-term.
5. Accelerate building trust in the entire system, such as after-sales service, spare parts stock, financing, insurance, home charger installation, and technician skills.
The association views these five proposals as practical and achievable in the near term, provided continuous cooperation among government, private sector, and relevant agencies.
"This oil price crisis clearly shows that Thailand must urgently create real energy alternatives for its people. Electric vehicles are not just new technology but a key solution to reduce oil dependence and lead the country toward cleaner and more sustainable energy," said the association.
The association's proposals can be implemented immediately, especially promoting EV use in the public sector, accelerating infrastructure development, and building consumer confidence. With earnest collaboration from all sectors, this crisis can become not just a challenge but a crucial opportunity to advance Thailand toward a clean energy future concretely.