My friends are called Fish, Chicken and Pepsi. Those aren't their real names. Most Thais have two: a long official name for ID cards and paperwork, and a short nickname their parents gave them at birth. In daily life everyone uses the nickname, so much that some friends never learn each other's real names. Me? I'm Tee.

Why such odd nicknames? Older generations believed spirits liked to take babies with beautiful names, so parents called their children Pig (Moo), Frog (Kob) or Chubby (Uan) to keep the spirits away. Today many parents pick names that sound rich or modern instead: Bank, Benz, Bonus, Champ.

Surnames are even newer. Thais only started using family names a little over a hundred years ago; the first one, Sukhum, was granted in 1913. Today the law says a new surname can't copy any surname already registered, and it can have up to ten Thai consonants (vowels and tone marks don't count). That's why Thai surnames are often long and unique.

So if you meet two Thais with the same surname, there's a very good chance they're family.

Next time you're in Thailand

In Thailand we use first names, not surnames. Just say "Khun" and the name: Khun Tee. If a Thai tells you their nickname, use it. They'll like that.

Why Every Thai Has a Nickname

Short answer