Supamas assigned Pradermchai to monitor as the Consumer Protection Board summons Volvo to explain issues regarding electric cars catching fire while charging. Volvo has offered new cars and battery replacements but refuses to buy back vehicles. A new case of an XC60 fire on motorway M81 has emerged. The Consumer Protection Board has ordered urgent clarification.
At 09:30 on 21 May 2026 at the Consumer Protection Board office, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office overseeing the Consumer Protection Board, assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuayluang, advisor to the Minister, to follow up on developments regarding consumer damages from using the Volvo EX30 electric car. The Consumer Protection Board summoned Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited to clarify the facts, with affected consumers present to listen.
Mr. Pradermchai disclosed that the meeting discussed measures to compensate consumers affected, including buyers of the Volvo EX30 electric car. Regarding the two reported fire incidents, the company has negotiated to replace vehicles and compensate damages, with some cases settled and others ongoing. For other cars, the company plans to replace defective batteries—about 90% full battery replacements and 10% module replacements. The company assures that replacement batteries have been improved and safety tested by foreign agencies. While repairs proceed, the company requests users to charge batteries only up to 70%, offers an 8,500 baht charging coupon, and provides replacement vehicles for those unable to use their current cars. The first batch of 800 batteries arrived in Thailand on 18 May and replacement will start from 25 May, supported by 15 service centers with experts able to replace about 22 cars daily, aiming to complete by 31 August 2026. However, the company currently has no buyback policy and will consult the parent company regarding vehicle exchanges.
"Most consumer feedback shows dissatisfaction with the compensation measures, as they bought the cars trusting in safety standards. After multiple incidents, confidence in safety and standards has declined. Some consumers wish to return their vehicles, proposing buybacks. The Consumer Protection Board will consider filing civil lawsuits to claim full damages for consumers. The Prime Minister and Minister Supamas have emphasized comprehensive consumer protection. I added that criminal matters related to advertising, which have not yet been addressed, must also be pursued. The Consumer Protection Board has been assigned to urgently investigate this, since the company’s advertising built consumer confidence leading to purchases. If criminal elements are found, the company could face imprisonment and fines," said Mr. Pradermchai. Mr. Pradermchai said.
During the morning discussions, a Volvo XC60 caught fire on motorway M81. This model is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The Consumer Protection Board has issued additional orders for the company to urgently investigate and provide explanations.