marriage change of surname

[silentnine]

good morning guys.

my Thai wife and I married in the UK about 2 years ago. 

her thai passport & ID both still have her maiden name on. 

she is currently back in Thailand visiting family in chiang mai and she wants to change her Thai paperwork to the married name also. 

she has English banks and driving licence in married surname however all her Thai paperwork and visa paperwork use maiden name.

she went to the local government office with her UK marriage certificate and UK driving licence in hand and tried to change her surname but was sent away being told she needed British embassy and MFA paperwork, translations and things certified.  and also had to register the marriage in Thailand then also change names on the tabien bahn at whatever property she is listed on, but no longer lives at to Thailand before anything can be done.

is it really that hard to do ?

would it be easier to be done in UK London Thai embassy on her return

[howerde]

You will have to get things like marriage certificate done in the uk, before  MFA will accept it.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and-documentary-services-guide-for-thailand#affirmation-for-the-purpose-of-marriage-under-thai-law

 

Things embassy can not do    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notarial-and-documentary-services-guide-for-thailand#services-we-cannot-provide

Edited January 11, 2022 by howerde
missing link

[Denim]

13 minutes ago, silentnine said:

is it really that hard to do ?

From what a friend told me , it's doable but it is a hassle without any benefits to show for it. 

[howerde]

to have your UK marriage recognized in Thailand( it has to be legalized), it is a 3 step program

https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/81905-legalisation?menu=5d6636ce15e39c3bd0007344

[sanuk711]

It's so easy if you were married in Thailand--my wife just had to show the marriage certificate, and had everything changed.....(I know thats much help for you as you didn't)

[silentnine]

it's seems almost easier to just get married again in Thailand instead of updating there information 

[Blue Muton]

8 minutes ago, silentnine said:

it's seems almost easier to just get married again in Thailand instead of updating there information 

You can’t do that, in order to get married in Thailand you have to prove that you’re free to marry. Being married already rules that out.

[Maybole]

Why do you need to change names? My wife has always used her own name in Thailand and her married name (as on her UK passport) for 35 years while outside Thailand without any problem whatsoever.