How Does My Wife Change Her Surname?

[garro]

I just recently got married and was wondering how does my wife go about changing her surname to mine. We live in a fairly remote area and the local Amphoe does not not know how this is done. They seem to think that I need to show them my tabian bann which I don't have as I am not a resident.

My wife is pregnant at the moment. Will changing her surname now cause any problems for us in regards to the 30 bath healthcare system? Should we wait until after the baby is born?

[Thaddeus]

Go to the local Amphur with your wifes current ID Card, her Tabien Baan and your Marriage Certificate. 20 minute job.

It has no effect on her access to the health scheme.

P.S. I'm not suggesting anything, honest, but, it has been known for staff at local Amphurs not knowing how to do something until they see a picture of the King

//edit/ps

Edited February 10, 2007 by Thaddeus

[oxymoron]

Go to the local Amphur with your wifes current ID Card, her Tabien Baan and your Marriage Certificate. 20 minute job.

It has no effect on her access to the health scheme.

P.S. I'm not suggesting anything, honest, but, it has been known for staff at local Amphurs not knowing how to do something until they see a picture of the King

//edit/ps

A question for you to think about.

Why do I/she want my TW to change her surname???

Many women around the world DO NOT change their surname on marriage, and not only in the Western world. In Thailand retaining your Thai Identity has some advantages e.g documentation on education, ownership of land goods and chattels which were owned prior to marriage stay intact and future assets are far safer than having a farang name associated with them.

BTW my TW of 20 years, in Thailand, still uses her maiden name on all documentation.

[Rinrada]

I have suggested that the wife keeps her own name for all of the above reasons and also because it too me so long to learn how to spell it. ....17 letters......

[garro]

Thanks for the input. I am actually happy for her to keep her own name but she doesn't want to.

[thaihome]

Simple process as described above but must be done at home amphur. They should know how to do it, as it is common for Thai wives to take surname of Thai husband, process is not different. They just need to decide on the Thai spelling of your name.

My wife has had my surname for going on 10 years now. She has bought land and houses, registered with school, etc. No impact having a western surname.

TH

Edited February 12, 2007 by thaihome

[chanchao]

> They just need to decide on the Thai spelling of your name.

I'd check that spelling VERY well. (Or have it checked).

> Thanks for the input. I am actually happy for her to keep her own name but she doesn't want to.

Is she making an informed decision / i.e. is she aware of the issues outlined before?

Keep in mind this country does not have reliable legal/government system; laws and/or how they're implemented can and are changed on a whim. Heck, we don't even have a constitution currently.

I'd consider changing my own name to a Thai name, then giving my wife that name sooner than considering giving my wife a foreign name.

Come to think of that, I probably should have done that before having children.

[chanchao]

By the way, question for everyone who let their wife keep her own name: Are you legally married, and opted to keep the wife's name the same, or are you not legally married at all, i.e. just a social/family wedding without any proceedings at the district office?