{"id":18320,"date":"2023-11-21T12:47:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T05:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blink-drive.com\/?p=18320"},"modified":"2023-11-21T13:19:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T06:19:59","slug":"teslas-forgotten-pioneers-the-plight-of-early-adopters-in-thailand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blink-drive.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/21\/teslas-forgotten-pioneers-the-plight-of-early-adopters-in-thailand\/","title":{"rendered":"Tesla’s Forgotten Pioneers: The Plight of Early Adopters in Thailand"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The landscape of electric vehicles in Thailand has been significantly shaped by over 1,000 grey market Tesla cars. These vehicles, bereft of essential navigation and map systems, represent the dedication of early adopters who embraced Tesla’s vision before its official entry into the Thai market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snapshot from 2021: The Early Tesla Adopters in Thailand Before Official Launch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cost of Early Adoption<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prior to Tesla’s official launch in Thailand in 2022, enthusiasts imported Teslas from right-hand drive (RHD) countries, such as Hong Kong and the UK. They paid steep premiums for this privilege. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+)\/Model Y SR+ fetched around 3.2 million baht (approximately $88,889 USD, at 36 baht per USD). The Tesla Model 3 Long Range (LR) was priced around 3.6 million baht (about $100,000 USD), while the Tesla Model Y LR was even costlier, at 3.7 million baht (approximately $102,778 USD). This pricing was significantly higher than the current market rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of Tesla Model 3 in 2021, Before Tesla Thailand arrive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First Tesla meeting in Thailand in 2021 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unfulfilled Promises and Support Issues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the year 2022 since its establishment in Thailand, Tesla has notably failed to deliver critical software updates to grey market vehicles. Owners of these vehicles have been particularly disadvantaged by the absence of vital navigation and map functionalities. A specific instance that underscores this issue is a commitment made by Tesla Thailand in May 2023, promising the delivery of these crucial updates by June of the same year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, as of November 2023, a full six months past the initial deadline, these updates have yet to materialize. This prolonged waiting period, marked by the lack of communication and fulfillment of promises, has significantly amplified the frustration and dissatisfaction among Tesla owners in Thailand. The continued delay not only reflects on Tesla’s customer service but also raises questions about the company’s reliability in honoring its commitments to its customer base, especially those who were early adopters of the brand in a new market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistance and Roadblocks from Tesla Singapore<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a twist, Tesla Singapore remotely updated a UK-imported Tesla Model 3 with Southeast Asian maps for 219 Singapore dollars (approximately $166 USD, with 1 Singapore dollar equaling 26.28 Thai Baht, or about 8,323 baht). However, following increased requests from Thai owners, this service ceased, reportedly due to Tesla Thailand’s intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cite: Facebook post<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial Offers Overlooked<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thai Tesla owners, including Mr. Ton, have offered up to $500 (about 18,000 baht) for enabling map and navigation services, a sum double the rate of the Singapore service. Yet, Tesla Thailand has declined these offers, leaving the issue unresolved. (Cite on this below video)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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