Bangkok: A group of NETA electric vehicle dealers from various provinces across the country have come together to submit a letter to the Excise Department, urging them to investigate and expedite the resolution of NETA Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd.’s outstanding subsidy payments. These payments are part of the agreement in the project to promote the use of electric vehicles.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatdanai Khomruthai, a representative of the dealers, stated that numerous dealers have been adversely affected by the parent company’s failure to disburse subsidies as outlined in their contracts. Despite persistent inquiries since the end of 2024, they have not received a satisfactory response. Some dealers have reported damages amounting to nearly 200 million baht. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding product warranties, including those for batteries and electric motor systems, which could pose future risks to consumers if there is no clarity on claims and after-sales support.
Dealers have also expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in the company’s structural changes, the appointment of new directors, and the sourcing of parts from external parties without guarantees of compensation. This situation has forced dealers to absorb the costs without any form of redress.
The group of dealer representatives has therefore appealed to the government, particularly the Excise Department, to consider whether the remaining subsidy under the EV promotion measure, which has not yet been paid to NETA, could be allocated to directly assist dealers affected by the company’s outstanding payments.
Mr. Panupong Sriket, Deputy Director-General of the Excise Department, personally received the letter and clarified that the subsidy in question is part of the tax-based promotion measures for electric vehicles. He confirmed that while NETA has already received some subsidies, other items remain pending due to the company’s inability to fully meet certain conditions, such as bank guarantees and domestic production requirements.
The Deputy Director-General further explained that the proposal for the department to use the subsidy funds to assist dealers may exceed the department’s jurisdiction, as it involves a dispute between private parties that must be resolved through legal channels. Nonetheless, the department has agreed to review the letter to determine if there are any issues that can be addressed or coordinated within the legal framework.