Supamas has ordered Volvo Car Thailand to explain to the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) on 21 May following a fire incident involving a Volvo EX30 electric vehicle during charging. She demands the recall of 1,668 units in Thailand and has appointed Pradermchai to chair the meeting, with plans to file civil lawsuits to recover money for 45 consumers.
18 May 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), has instructed Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited to clarify the facts and action plans on 21 May 2026 at the CPB following the incident. An electric vehicle fire involving a Volvo EX30 model occurred during charging at a consumer's home on 15 May 2026 at around 9:00 p.m. Pradermchai Boonchuayluang, Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, has been appointed to chair a meeting with Mr. Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, to protect the 1,668 vehicles in Thailand subject to recall for battery replacement.
Ms. Patcharin stated that Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited has issued a letter notifying preventive measures concerning battery overheating risk if charged beyond 70% capacity, advising customers to limit charging to 70% temporarily. The company has currently suspended sales. Volvo EX30 temporarily, and 45 consumers have filed complaints with the CPB. However, consumers have yet to receive battery replacements, resulting in actual fire incidents. This shows that the measure to "charge no more than 70%" is insufficient. Ms. Supamas has therefore ordered the CPB to investigate the facts and immediately enhance consumer protection measures, in line with government policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who prioritizes electric vehicle consumer safety.
According to complaint data at the CPB from 2008 to 13 May 2026, consumers have expressed concerns about car fires involving various brands. The CPB received seven complaints about vehicle fires, settling five cases through negotiation, with two cases still pending for consideration by the Consumer Protection Committee for legal action. This reflects the CPB's strict oversight of fire incidents across all brands without discrimination. However, the Volvo EX30 case is a systemic issue affecting 1,668 vehicles, requiring higher-level legal mechanisms beyond individual settlements.
Ms. Patcharin added, that the meeting on 21 May will require Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited to clarify three main points: 1. The recall and battery replacement plan for all 1,668 vehicles, including a clear timeline; 2. Consumer relief measures while awaiting battery replacement; and 3. Explanation of the cause of the latest fire incident.
Regarding legal actions, the CPB has ordered the company to test or verify the product and report results within 30 days. Additionally, the CPB has submitted complaints to the Subcommittee on Complaint Screening and will propose to the Consumer Protection Committee to initiate civil lawsuits against the company and dealers to recover vehicle payments with interest for 45 consumers following legal procedures.
“Minister Supamas emphasized that Thursday's meeting is a critical test for Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited to take responsibility toward Thai consumers who paid millions for electric vehicles but must limit charging to 70% and face risks to life and property. The Minister will not let consumers bear the risk alone. If the company cannot present a clear plan, the CPB is ready to use all legal channels.”
Consumers using Volvo EX30 or other brands facing safety issues can file complaints via the CPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the website ocpb.go.th, or any Damrongtham centers nationwide.