Regarding Names and Terms of Address in Bangkok
When my brother went traveling, he came back and told us how the foreigners kept calling him by his surname. So, instead of Lincoln, they kept calling him Chua, even though they knew that that is the Family Name.
So before you head off to Bangkok, here are some tips on Bangkok names and how you should address …say, your friend’s Mum.
Thais have a first name and a family name. However, if you are introduced to someone, you should address the person by the first name, prefixed by “Khun” (Mr/ Ms).
No one is ever addressed by Khun *surname* . Which means in Thailand, someone would address me as Ms Joy instead of Ms Chua.
Which also means that unlike Western countries, when a man is introduced to you as Khun Pirom, his wife would NOT be Khun Pirom as well. (Compare with a Western country, where the wife of Mr Smith would be Mrs Smith)
Among friends and relatives, Phii, meaning older brother or sister, is often used instead of Khun. Or Nong, meaning younger brother or sister. However, as a traveler, addressing by Khun is a safer bet.
Origins of Names
Many Thai first names originated from Sanskrit and have meanings to them. Boon means good deeds, while Porn means blessings. Sri means glory, and Thawee means 'to increase'.
Nicknames:
Most Thais of all ages are commonly known by their nicknames rather than their official names. It seems like this is done to “confuse the spirits” who may take an unhealthy interest in the child once the official name is given.
Common nicknames are Lek or Noi (Little), Neung (Number One/Eldest), Saam (Number Three) and even English names like . …Pepsi!
Family Names:
Family Names were introduced only in 1913 by Rama VI. Often used in formal situations. And guess what, it’s quite usual for good friends to never know each other’s surnames.
Some Thai surnames include Somboon, Srisai, and long ones like Sonthanasumpun (usually of Chinese origin).
