Mother and child different surnames

[JohnK]

A friend in Thailand has to show the birth certificate of her children whenever she flies (domestically) as they have their father's surname. Can't speak for international travel as she hasn't done that yet, but so far, no issues for her in any way domestically - you have to show ID when checking in for *all* flights there.

My point earlier is why a birth certificate and not passport? The passport can only be obtained with a birth certificate and is official ID recognised around the world?

 

[Archphoto]

My point earlier is why a birth certificate and not passport? The passport can only be obtained with a birth certificate and is official ID recognised around the world?

To be honest I don't see the difference either, but it's not up to me to argue the obvious with them; if that's the rules, it's honestly easier to follow their line of reasoning than argue. I do remember my friend calling the airline prior to see what she needed to travel, and they stated "Birth Certificate" *not* passport - guess they figure everyone has one of those? I thought the same as you but I guess that's a "western" line of thought. ie: outside the square.

I've learned through working in various Asian countries lateral thinking often appears to be in short supply, and obviousness doesn't come into the equation. If their "rules" state you need A (regardless of the fact that items B-Z need item A to be issued), they will refuse the latter items simply because the rules say "Item A must be produced for boarding/visa/licence" etc.

 

[JohnK]

To be honest I don't see the difference either, but it's not up to me to argue the obvious with them; if that's the rules, it's honestly easier to follow their line of reasoning than argue. I do remember my friend calling the airline prior to see what she needed to travel, and they stated "Birth Certificate" *not* passport - guess they figure everyone has one of those? I thought the same as you but I guess that's a "western" line of thought. ie: outside the square.

I'd be happy to follow rules but this is not a strict rule. The check-in desks happily accepted passport as the form of ID without a word said. It would appear the first couple of times we had trigger happy immigration officers who must have been thinking promotion points on offer.

P.S. Nothing has changed the past few trips other than the farang holding the baby and not as easily bullied as the Thai citizen. We still travel together.

 

[Zulaiha]

My point earlier is why a birth certificate and not passport? The passport can only be obtained with a birth certificate and is official ID recognised around the world?

Passports will not show relations between child and his/her parents, birth certificate do as both parents name will be in the child's birth certificate.

 

[Seat0B]

Yes, I agree with Zulaiha - they need to see that you are rally the parent and not abducting a child across an international border. I know someone who had an issue with different last names travelling between Europe and Australia just this year. It was sorted out, after consideravpble stress and delay. She was told to always have a certified copy of the birth certificate and a written permission from the father for future travel.
Some years ago, we had a similar issue travelling in the US and Canada with our then teenage son who has both Australian and American citizenship. He was compelled to use his US passport to enter the US, as they would not give him a visa into his Australian one. The rest of us are only on Australian passports. You should have seen the kerfuffle trying to explain that all at the various borders! Best ever reaction is when you tell them (truthfully) that it is a result of military service - then they salute and say “thank you for your service”. Hilarious.