Changing name in Thailand: 3 Considerations to Succeed

Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.

Last updated on 25 September 2026

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026. Read in Thai against the Name Act B.E. 2505, sections 12 and 13 as replaced by the Name Act (No. 3) B.E. 2548 (Royal Gazette vol. 122 part 7 Kor, 19 January 2005), and that Act’s stated reason, Constitutional Court Ruling 21/2546; and against section 6 quater(3) of the Identity Card Act B.E. 2526. The Land Office paragraph follows Ministry of Interior letter Mor Thor 0710/Wor 792 of 23 March 1999, which we cite by number and not from its text, because that text is not held in any database we can search; it has to be searched on the Department of Lands site, dol.go.th. Not verified in this review: how individual embassies, banks and airlines treat a surname that differs from a spouse’s, which is practice and varies.

Short answer: no, a Thai woman does not have to take her husband’s surname. Under section 12 of the Name Act B.E. 2505, as replaced by the Name Act (No. 3) B.E. 2548 (2005), spouses may both use the surname of either one of them, as they agree, or each keep their own. They can agree when they marry or at any time during the marriage, and they can change that agreement later. The rule applies to both spouses equally, so a husband may also take his wife’s surname.

Because it is a choice, the question is practical rather than legal. This article sets out the arguments for and against changing names, and the practical considerations for Thai women deciding.

Name changes usually follow a marriage or a divorce, both covered in our guide to Thai family law.

Benefits of Keeping the Same Surname

1. Emphasizing the Bond of Marriage in Thailand: Some couples believe that sharing the same surname strengthens the sense of unity in their marriage.
2. Eliminating Confusion in International Travel: In certain countries, the culture tends to change the maiden name after marriage. Spouses are expected to have the same surname when traveling together. However, you won’t have this problem with proper travel preparation. Bring a copy of your marriage certificate so you can show it if needed.

Reasons for Keeping Your Own Surname

Equality Between Spouses

Until 2005 there was no choice. Section 12 of the original Name Act B.E. 2505 said that a married woman shall use her husband’s surname. In Ruling 21/2546 (2003) the Constitutional Court held that section unconstitutional because it denied women the equal right to their own surname, and the Name Act (No. 3) B.E. 2548 replaced it with the rule above, which treats husband and wife alike. Some women keep their own surname for the same reason the Court gave.

Preserving Family Heritage

Changing one’s last name can feel like a break from family heritage. This can matter to some people.

Practical Considerations for Changing Name in Thailand

1. Travel: While some countries may expect spouses to share the same surname, it is common for spouses to have different names. Carrying a copy of the marriage certificate (with translation if necessary) can serve as sufficient proof of marriage.
2. Land and Property: keeping her own surname does not change how the Land Office treats a Thai woman married to a foreigner, because what matters is the marriage, not the name. When she buys land during the marriage, both spouses sign a declaration that the purchase money is her personal property and that the foreign spouse claims no interest in the land (Ministry of Interior letter Mor Thor 0710/Wor 792 of 23 March 1999). Keeping a maiden name is not a way around that declaration. Our guide to the Land Office confirmation letter explains what it does and does not do, and why foreigners cannot own land in Thailand in their own name.
3. Changing Documents: a spouse who takes the other’s surname has to update every document that carries it. The identity card must be replaced within 60 days of the new surname being entered in the house register (Identity Card Act B.E. 2526, section 6 quater(3)). The passport and bank accounts follow, each at its own office, so allow time for the paperwork.

Considerations for the Future

Divorce

If the marriage ends in divorce, or a court annuls it, the spouse who took the other’s surname must go back to their own original surname (Name Act, section 13), so every document changed at marriage has to be changed again. If the marriage ends with the other spouse’s death, the survivor may keep using that surname, but must return to their original surname on remarrying. Keeping the original name avoids that second round of paperwork.

Difficulty in Tracking Changed Names

Records held by different agencies, banks and foreign authorities are not always updated at the same time, so for a while a person can appear under two surnames. Keep the marriage certificate, and any record the district office issues for the change, for as long as older records may still be checked.

Making the Decision

When contemplating the decision to alter a Thai woman’s name post-marriage, it’s essential to recognize that this choice is deeply personal. Delving into the practical ramifications and possible drawbacks is crucial. If the wife doesn’t harbor a strong inclination towards assuming her husband’s surname, retaining her Thai maiden name could be the simplest and most beneficial route. Ultimately, it’s imperative for the couple to engage in open dialogue, weighing the options and arriving at a decision that resonates with the essence of their relationship and the path they envision walking together in the future.

Links:

• Thai government website : Bureau of Registration Administration (responsible for name registration)