Life in ThailandThai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsongkram, known among the public as Jom Phon Por ('General' Por [Por from the first letter of Plaek]), Thai society underwent a significant number of changes and developments, particularly with relation to culture and politics.
As well as changing the country’s name from Siam to Thailand during his first stint as premier (1938-1944), Jom Phon Por issued several Rattha Niyom ('cultural mandates'), including one regarding the naming of children.
Historically, only the children of the nation's upper classes had 'elegant'-sounding names with positive meanings since the majority of the population was illiterate. Ordinary folk would often give their children a familiar name or ask monks to assist in the naming process. Some names, which have become common nicknames more recently, have little meaning or a very simple meaning, such as Boon Mee ('Be lucky'), Daeng ('red'), Dam ('black'), or Maew ('cat').
In a bid to blur class distinctions, which could up until that point be easily identified by a person's name, Jom Phon Por issued a mandate insisting that citizens give 'strong' or 'powerful' names to baby boys and 'gentle', feminine sounding names to baby girls. Up until this time, it was even difficult to tell someone's gender based upon a name, so there was also a practical reason for this move.
Jom Phon Por also instructed all citizens to use Thai words, and so people with foreign-sounding names were expected to change them.
This mandate lasted a surprisingly long time, and it wasn't abolished until 1993 when then prime minister Chuan Leekpai decided that the ruling was out of step with the times. This development allowed people who were uncomfortable or dissatisfied with their name to change it.
A simple process
Somsak Ketwong, an official at Phra Nakorn district office, says the process of changing your name these days is simple and straightforward.
“Nowadays, more and more people come here to change their name. Some think their original name isn't suitable and think a change will improve their luck. Sometimes, a whole family comes here together to carry out the procedure,” he said.
Somsak pointed out that before the lifting of Jom Phon Por's mandate in the 1990s, people weren't interested in changing their names since they felt satisfied that the name given to them by their parents.
Now that the process of changing a name has been simplified, it has encouraged many more people to consider this step. Since 2003, people no longer have to complete long forms and wait ages to process the change, as officials can input their new names into a computer system. This process can take less than 10 minutes, and the official only needs to check that the name carries no impolite meanings and is spelled correctly.
“We used to be very strict about the choice of name and restricted the use of unfamiliar words. But since we now allow the use of any kind of words, people are able to create their own combinations of Sanskrit words or Balinese names. Some are created with use of complex numerological or astrological calculations,” according to Somsak.
However, Somsak also points out that some people who change their names often switch back to their original names since they find it a burden, or a bore, to have to change their names on countless forms of documents, such as bank accounts, land or other ownership documents, ID cards, passports and so on.
Stars in their eyes
Over recent years, a large number of actors and actresses have changed their names in the belief that it will bring them good fortune in their careers.
Probably the most famous internationally-known Thai to have changed his name is the martial arts superstar Tony Jaa, who was born Panom Yeerum in the northeaster province of Surin. Best known for his performances in the movies Ong Bak and Tom Yum Kung, the performer adopted the name Thatchakorn, which means 'the great creator'. He says the name was suggested by an influential mentor, but he continues to use the stage name Jaa Panom, since his local fans are already familiar with it.
Sinitta 'Noon' Boonyasak, one of the kingdom's best known actresses, claims her luck improved vastly after changing her name to ‘Daral’. She says she was invited to star in six different television series after adopting the new name.
A soothsayer urged Nopphawan
Srinikorn, another local screen star, to change both her first name and
her family name – she is now known as Natthamanakarn Srinikornchote. To
maximize the benefits, she was also told to enhance her personality and
get rid of her bad habits. Chutimon ‘Mod’ Chairat, a member of the
well known band Four-Mod, changed her name to Kunatchaya, which means
‘a wise woman who can make a good living’. A fortune teller suggested
she might suffer a fatal car accident should she not pay heed to the
advice. A path to prosperity?
Rojwijit Wongsaroj, who was previously known as Krithep Wongsaroj,
chief entertainment reporter at Star Clip magazine, was also clearly
influenced by the craze.
“I didn’t use to believe that a name change could change your life, but
I witnessed many examples that proved that it can. Actors and actresses
who did so, seemed to get more job offers after switching to another
name,” he said.
Rojwijit said a soothsayer warned him that the letter Kor, used in
Krithep (his previous name) is inauspicious for someone born on a
Sunday. After being told to use a name that rhymes with his family
name, he opted for Rojwijit. He says it’s particularly good to have the
word Roj, meaning 'success and prosperity', at the beginning and end of
your name - Rojwijit Wongsaroj providing him with such a potentially
fortuitous combination.
Rojwijit points out that it’s also a good idea to change your name on
an auspicious day, such as New Year’s Day on during Chinese New Year.
It is also good to make merit on that day be giving alms to monks, or
donating to a charity.
“After changing my name, my work has become better and things have
become smoother. This has led me to believe that our names are an
important aspect of our lives,” Rojwijit says.
Name changing has become extremely popular among Thais over recent
years, who believe a large number of entertainment stars professing
positive outcomes.
Everything on the up
Tass Wuttiwaranurak is another who suggests his life underwent a
miraculous transformation after switching to Tass from Tossapol.
“My life before wasn’t very good. There were lots of problems and I
couldn’t see any future. Since changing my name, things has got better
and I’ve been contacted by a large number of agencies. I’ve opened a
small shop, selling clothes, which generates a profit, while my love
life has vastly improved,’ Tass says.
Despite such apparently miraculous events, however, Tass also
recognizes that a change of name alone cannot be responsible for such
changes in fortune, suggesting that a good deal of it is down to his
own hard work and continuous dedication. - Translated into English and
republished with the kind permission of ASTV Manager Online.
Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
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