Today (12 May 2026) at 13:30, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), led a delegation to inspect electric vehicle (EV) labeling at the BYD Hi-Class showroom in Lat Phrao, followed by the OMODA & JAECOO showroom in Lat Phrao. Accompanying her were Mr. Pradermchai Boonchualuea, advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, secretary to the Minister; Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board; representatives from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute; and consumer organization representatives acting on behalf of the public. The visit aimed to urge businesses to strictly comply with product labeling laws to build consumer confidence among those deciding to purchase electric vehicles.
Ms. Supamas stated that today's visit followed directly after a meeting yesterday (11 May 2026), where she convened EV manufacturers and consumer organizations to urgently address three main issues affecting consumers: "defects, abandonment, and plunging prices," with over 1,348 complaints recorded. She personally inspected the "EV labels" because these labels are the primary and most important tool consumers use to verify information before purchasing. This aligns with government policy, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasizes consumer protection alongside supporting the growth of Thailand's EV industry to ensure a responsible, standardized, and fair EV market for consumers.
"I have instructed businesses to comply with three key consumer protection laws. First, electric vehicles are controlled products requiring labels clearly displayed and readable on each vehicle, covering all items: product name, model, trademark, manufacturer or importer, technical details, battery information, performance, driving range, usage instructions, recommendations, safety warnings, price, and warranty terms. Second, advertising—especially 'driving range per full charge,' a critical purchase factor—must clearly state the testing standard referenced, whether EPA, WLTP, NEDC, or CLTC, along with testing conditions such as average speed, temperature, route conditions, and driving style. Advertising of freebies, benefits, and battery warranty must specify criteria, methods, conditions, start and end dates clearly. Third, new car sales are contract-controlled businesses; operators must use booking contracts as standardized by the CPB, specifying type, brand, model, production year, price, delivery date, and cancellation rights completely. Preliminary findings from today’s visit show good cooperation and legal compliance by businesses," Ms. Supamas said.
Electric vehicles are classified as "products requiring controlled labels" under the Labeling Committee’s announcement, which designated cars and EVs as products under label control. This was published in the Government Gazette on 22 September 2025 and enforced under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Businesses must display accurate, complete labels clearly visible on the vehicle. Violators face imprisonment of up to six months, fines up to 100,000 baht, or both, according to Section 52 of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522.
"I urge all EV businesses to understand that product labels are not just stickers but promises made to consumers. Please ensure labels provide complete, accurate, and truthful information, especially regarding driving range per charge, clearly stating the testing standards to prevent consumer disappointment during actual use. For the public considering EV purchases, use labels as a key tool to verify information. Read all label items carefully, inquire about the driving range test standards, scrutinize booking contracts thoroughly, and keep receipts, booking forms, brochures, and all advertising materials as evidence. If labels are incomplete, information is inaccurate, or if consumers are unfairly treated, report immediately to the CPB. I am ready to listen and stand with all consumers," Ms. Supamas concluded.
Consumers harmed by EV purchases or other goods and services can file complaints via the CPB hotline at 1166, the OCPB Complaint system, the OCPB Connect application, the website ocpb.go.th, or the "Tang Rat" application. Regional and local complaints can be submitted at Damrongtham Centers located in provincial halls nationwide.
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