Study reveals flaws in Thai EV market

CONSUMER RIGHTS

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Thailand's rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market is facing significant structural gaps that pose challenges to consumer rights, including battery safety risks, unclear warranty conditions, and unfair after-sales service, according to a new Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) study.

Researchers, led by Manon Suklaimai of King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, surveyed more than 400 EV users and compared global regulatory practices as part of the study.

It found that Thai consumers remain exposed to multiple risks and called for stronger protection measures, including the introduction of "lemon laws" to ensure accountability from manufacturers. Lemon laws, found in countries such as the US, China, and Singapore, provide consumers with legal recourse if they are sold a defective vehicle.