BYD Thailand Fires Staff After Dashcam Captures Service Center Misconduct in Chon Buri

BYD Rever Thailand has dismissed multiple service technicians and dealership employees after dashcam footage from a customer in Chon Buri province documented staff deliberately tampering with vehicle cameras, using profane language, and conducting unsafe test drives. The incident occurred on April 29, 2026, at an authorized service center and prompted immediate action from the distributor.

What the Dashcam Revealed

Suriya Sudsanit brought his BYD vehicle to a Chon Buri service center for a routine inspection and to investigate an unusual sound from the undercarriage. When he retrieved the car, both the front-facing and interior dashcams had been unplugged—a detail he only noticed after leaving the facility.

Upon reconnecting the cameras and reviewing saved footage, Sudsanit identified three separate issues:

Camera tampering: A technician is seen laughing while disconnecting the cameras, remarking aloud that "the owner won't notice."

Profane language: A staff member was recorded using obscene language inside the vehicle, apparently discussing the customer or the service job.

Unsafe driving: Another employee took the car for a test drive without wearing a seatbelt and while using a mobile phone—both violations of Thailand's traffic laws.

The footage was shared on Thai social media, prompting BYD Rever Thailand to issue a public apology on April 30.

BYD's Response

In a statement released the day after the incident gained attention, BYD Rever Thailand—the official distributor of BYD vehicles in the country—confirmed that all individuals involved were dealership employees and had been terminated with immediate effect. The company described the conduct as "contrary to our standards and professional ethics" and pledged to review its dealer oversight mechanisms.

The service general manager of the Chon Buri dealership also personally visited Sudsanit to apologize, according to reports in Thai media.

What This Means for BYD Owners in Thailand

For BYD owners in Thailand, this incident raises practical questions worth considering:

Privacy and monitoring: The deliberate unplugging of dashcams demonstrates that owners should verify their recording devices are operational when collecting vehicles from service centers. Consider checking your dashcam immediately upon pickup, or inquire with the service advisor about camera handling procedures before leaving your vehicle.

Service standards: The incident underscores the importance of maintaining documentation for any service visit. Keep records of work performed and, if possible, document vehicle condition before and after service visits.

Legal protections: Under Thailand's Consumer Protection Act, customers are entitled to service that meets reasonable standards of care and professionalism. If you experience similar issues at any service center, you have grounds to pursue complaints through official channels.

Recent Service-Related Challenges

BYD Thailand has faced several customer relations issues in recent years. In 2024–2025, over 50 customers filed complaints with Thailand's Consumer Protection Board regarding pricing practices, though the board ruled the discounts did not violate advertising law. Rever Automotive was fined ฿120,000 for failing to disclose promotional giveaway values. Additionally, a 2025 incident involved a dealership recommending a transmission fluid change for an electric vehicle—a service not applicable to EVs.

These situations highlight the importance of verifying that service recommendations are appropriate for electric vehicle technology.

Practical Steps for Residents

If you own a BYD vehicle or are considering purchasing one:

• Research before servicing: Verify that your chosen service center has staff trained specifically for EV maintenance

• Document interactions: Keep records of all service work and communications

• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Thailand's consumer protection provisions for vehicle service

• Stay informed: Join local EV owner communities to share experiences and recommendations

The Chon Buri incident led to swift action from BYD management, and the company's willingness to address misconduct directly should be noted. However, as with any service provider, due diligence and documentation remain essential practices for protecting your vehicle and ensuring quality service.