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Will the Thai government accept an affirmation from a Thai solicitor about name differences for visa purposes?

Oct 11, 2019
7 years ago
Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Greetings all...

Some advice, if i may. My degree certificate and passport have slightly different names (Ben and Benjamin). In 2016 I got an affirmation by the British embassy to say they are the same person and was able to get my Non B without any problems. Now, in their infinite wisdom, the British embassy have stopped offering this service and the ministry of Foreign Affairs are saying that the old affirmation is no longer valid as I have a new passport number and have changed address.

QUESTION: Will the Thai government accept an affirmation from a Thai solicitor/notary saying that Ben and Benjamin are the same person, or will I have to travel to the UK to get it done there?

I know that an affidavit has to be done in person, so I couldn't get a family member to do it, but am hoping that the Thai government will accept it from a Thai company. Any advice or recent personal experience will be greatly appreciated. I am worried that if i get it done by a Thai solicitor, the MFA won't accept it and I would have wasted time and money and will have to travel to the UK anyway!

Many thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice regarding discrepancies in their name on different documents (degree certificate vs. passport) and whether the Thai government will accept an affirmation from a Thai solicitor stating that the names refer to the same individual. They previously received an affirmation from the British embassy but now face challenges due to changes in their passport and embassy policies. Users suggest alternative solutions such as obtaining a new passport or questioning the need for name consistency.
Tod *********
and we're done. Good Luck to the O/P in their endeavor.
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Brian **********
Benny .. not to many common sense laws here
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James **************
Why wouldnt you put benjamin in your passport if that is your actual name?
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Nina *********
Throwing out another idea, would it be easier to just get a new passport and ask them to write benjamin?
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Nina *********
@Ben ********
they also have problems if u throw in a middle name and thenother doc doesnt have it or just has an initial.
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Nina *********
@Ben ********
glad to be of service
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nina ********
This is actually looking like the best option at present.
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Ben *********
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James ********
Do you still have your old passport?
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James ********
@Ben ********
yep...I understand.
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James ********
Ellie ...the OP has a problem with documentation to obtain his NonB. I for one consider that visa related. Just brainstormed with him seeking a solution. Thank You for your concern that his question was not visa related. There are times I believe a bit of compassion is helpful and timely.
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James ********
Ben Melmoth Just a wild guess it might work. Thais love paperwork.

Also take old notarized paper which is outdated with you...have it notarized as being YOU and TRUE.
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James ********
@Ben ********
but your old passport has prior name...new passport has new name. Might be possible to get Thai Lawyer Notarize a Statement that both are same person... yours.... And current passport is correct name....??? Just brainstorming.
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, I do, but they said it is out of date as well which seemed weird as it is an official document from the embassy. Do you think having the old passport may help?
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Ben *********
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