Thailand consumer protection for electric vehicles

Consumer protection agencies in Thailand have recorded over 1,300 complaints regarding Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) between 2024 and 2026. Chinese brands dominate more than 80% of the country’s pure electric vehicle segment, but consumers have reported significant issues including vehicle defects, failure to refund deposits, and rapid price depreciation. Notably, 52% of complaints involve after-sales service, such as the closure of service centers and a lack of replacement parts.

In response to these issues, Thailand is advancing new consumer protection legislation, frequently called a ‘lemon law’. Approved by the Cabinet and Parliament in June 2026, the bill grants consumers the right to demand repairs, replacements, price reductions, or contract cancellations. The law also allows buyers to suspend installment payments for defective vehicles that are unusable.

These legislative efforts follow specific industry disruptions, such as the termination of distribution agreements by Deepal dealers and consumer complaints regarding the brand Neta following its parent company’s bankruptcy filing.