Family names are reserved for very formal occasions and written communications. When making introductions, simply use the person's title and their given name. Names Thai given names come first, before the family name, as in Western countries. Family names have been used in Thailand for only the past fifty years and are difficult even for Thais to pronounce. Two people who have the same last name are almost certainly related.
Nicknames are common in Thailand.
Titles Titles and ranks are very important in addressing Thais. When possible, use a person's title or rank plus his or her given name. Khun is used for men and women, married or single. If you do not know a person's name, simply address them as Khun . In informal correspondence, use Khun plus the person's given name.