BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Land Transport has clarified that a proposed regulation requiring electric vehicles (EVs) to use reflective blue license plates is not yet in force and will not require existing EV owners to change their current plates. Director-General Sarapong Paitoonpong confirmed on June 1 that the draft ministerial regulation is still under public consultation and has not been legally enforced. The clarification comes after public confusion over reports suggesting mandatory plate changes for all EVs. Under the proposed framework, new privately owned EVs would be issued blue reflective plates, while public service and special-use EVs would retain standard plates but display a special identifying mark. Importantly, vehicles already registered as EVs will not be required to replace their plates, including personalized and existing white plates, but will instead add a supplementary identification mark within one year after the regulation takes effect.
Authorities said the visual identification system is intended to improve road safety and emergency response. In accident situations, responders would be able to immediately recognize EVs, which require specialized handling due to high-voltage battery systems and potential fire risks. The system is also expected to support future policies such as toll discounts, low-emission zones, and other EV-related benefits without needing database checks at checkpoints. The department is inviting public feedback through the central legal consultation platform at www.law.go.th under the section on EV license plate regulations, before final approval is made. (TNA)
