Thai Passport & Thai ID Card

[NDB052714 122]

Not exactly sure what topic applies to this issue...

 

Noom came to the US on a K-1 visa in October; we married in November and have filed his AOS/AP/EAD applications. Noom decided to change his family name to mine, and the applications reflect that. He has changed his family name on his social security card. 

 

Noom also wants to change his family name on his Thai passport and his Thai ID card. Does anyone know how we go about doing that? Can he do that through the Thai Embassy in the US or does he need to do all of that back in Thailand when we visit? And is a marriage outside Thailand a legitimate reason to change one's family name in Thailand? 

 

Not really sure how to proceed here. Thanks for any advice! 

 

~ David & Noom

 

 

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

I would think you could do it through your local Thailand Embassy. Same as if he were renewing his passport but just asking for official name change. Would definately give them a call to inquire.

[cyclone27 710]

Thailand doesn't recognize same sex marriage so I would think that changing the name on his Thai IDs might be problematic.

[TBoneTX 43,048]

*** Country-specific thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Thailand regional subforum. ***

[khwaidee1 196]

On 1/9/2017 at 9:16 AM, cyclone27 said:

Thailand doesn't recognize same sex marriage so I would think that changing the name on his Thai IDs might be problematic.

This is probably true.  And, I don't know if you plan on returning to Thailand or if Noom has property but those are considerations. My wife left her maiden name on her Thai passport, ID and drivers license for simplicity purposes and has her married name on her U.S. Passport and drivers license. Her name is on the blue book for our house. We are starting another project in March of which I'll be on title but as a minority stakeholder (49%). From what I've read, you have to an official translation done of all you marriage documents (like at one of the places across the street from the Embassy). You then have to take those to Noom's amphur to have it entered in the registry. If you're just doing a simple name change and not registering your marriage it is also my understanding that would have to be done through Noom's amphur as well but I could be wrong and I guess it could be done stateside. Thai Embassy would be your next stop.

[NDB052714 122]

On 1/11/2017 at 7:40 PM, khwaidee1 said:

This is probably true.  And, I don't know if you plan on returning to Thailand or if Noom has property but those are considerations. My wife left her maiden name on her Thai passport, ID and drivers license for simplicity purposes and has her married name on her U.S. Passport and drivers license. Her name is on the blue book for our house. We are starting another project in March of which I'll be on title but as a minority stakeholder (49%). From what I've read, you have to an official translation done of all you marriage documents (like at one of the places across the street from the Embassy). You then have to take those to Noom's amphur to have it entered in the registry. If you're just doing a simple name change and not registering your marriage it is also my understanding that would have to be done through Noom's amphur as well but I could be wrong and I guess it could be done stateside. Thai Embassy would be your next stop.

Thanks so much for your response. A little research has revealed that changing family names in Thailand (for reasons other than marriage) is a fairly common practice and a very straight forward process requiring a visit to the amphur and some paperwork. So Noom can change his name legally, if he chooses, without having to use marriage as a justification. 

 

I think it would be so much simpler to keep Thai documents as they are ... but he seems determined to change his name here and there! 

[Shavercamp 3]

Yep, Thais change names pretty regularly and i understand it is easy to do.   However, many Thais don't change their names on their Thai passport.   We live in an area with a bunch of Thais and i think they all left their Thai passport the same.  I believe it has something to do with owning property in Thailand and less scrutiny if the family name is thai.   Not sure whether it is true or not (although it is amazing how often Thai group think is right), however, if you guys are thinking about buying property in Thai this might be of interest.