Thailand Female Title Act

The Female Title Act of 2008 is explained. A shift in legislation began with the Constitutional Court ruling on Thai women’s right to retain their maiden surnames. Subsequently, changes were implemented, including the Female Title Act of 2008 and amendments to the Person’s Name Act.

In brief, in Thailand, the issuance of National Identification Cards is a routine process for citizens, starting at the age of 15. Furthermore, children are issued Child ID cards at the age of 7. It’s important to emphasize that the designations on these ID cards are based on an individual’s gender assigned at birth. Moreover, all subsequent official documents, such as passports, must reflect the same designations as the ID cards. See our Thai Family Law page for more details. 

In addition see the table below, extracted from a 2018 report on legal gender recognition in Thailand, jointly published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, illustrates the required titles and their corresponding legal genders for Thai citizens. Note that during this period the LGBTQ community also wanted to be part of the process however this failed.  Speak to us at the well known law firm in Bangkok today.

Dekchai (Master): This title is used for males who are under the age of 15.

Dekying (Miss): It is the title for females who are under the age of 15.

Nai (Mister): This title is employed for males who are 15 years old or older.

Nangsao (Miss): It is the title used for females who are 15 years old or older.

Nang (Mrs.): This title is designated for females who are either married or divorced.

Lastly, also see the Persons Name Act (No. 3), BE 2548 (2005) on here.

Section 1. 

This legislation is titled the “Female Title Act, B.E. 2551 (2008).”

Section 2. 

The effectiveness of this Act will commence 120 days following its publication in the Government Gazette.

Section 3. 

This Act does not alter the utilization of female titles as prescribed by other laws.

Section 4. 

Unmarried females aged 15 and above shall be addressed using the title “Miss.”

Section 5. 

Married females may choose to use the title “Missus” or “Miss” by notifying the Registrar, following the provisions of family registration laws.

Section 6. 

Likewise in cases where a married female’s marriage has ceased, she may opt to use the title “Missus” or “Miss” by informing the Registrar following family registration laws.

Section 7. 

Lastly the execution of this Act falls under the responsibility and control of the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Social Development and Human Security.

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.