Women - both married and divorced - yesterday flocked to district offices across the country to register changes to their name titles from "Mrs" to "Miss".

The Women's Title Act, which became effective yesterday, has been described as a declaration of independence for women.

Proponents of the legislation say it will reduce social pressure on women and "make them feel young". But others worry there will be legal complications down the road.

Rectifying a wrong

"I am very happy to be Miss again. It's wrong women remain known as Mrs after a divorce," says Pirana Tohs-ophon, 60. She's been divorced for 30 years.

First in the queue at Muang Phitsanulok district office, Jaruwan Phosinak, 32, took the opportunity to change her title and name. She's now Miss Poonyavee.

Two years ago, she got married and became a Mrs. The union lasted 10 days. She found her husband was already married and had children.

She went on to study in Sydney, Australia, and returned home last September. She's now changing her title in documents and will apply for a new passport to travel back to Australia next month.

"I never thought I'd get my title back. I'm happy and thankful the government's given me this right," she adds.

In Bangkok, almost 400 women applied for title changes at all 50 districts. Don Muang saw the most with 25, followed by 18 in Bang Sue. Sai Mai, Sathorn and Chatuchak each saw 15 changes.

Huai Kwang district chief Pavanee Amatthat says she made up her mind to change a long time ago. But yesterday her husband and children stopped her. She will try and get them to change their minds.

Not an easy process

Making the alteration is not easy. Myriad documents and records are required. In the southern province of Surat Thani, some district offices were apologising for delays. Paperwork needs to be checked thoroughly.

Divorced women will no longer have to explain their marital status when conducting personal business. Some find it a source of distress.

Netnapa Saeton, 25, says the new law allows them to use their family names. She doesn't predict legal complications down the road.

Electronic data links should make things easy.

Former Khon Kaen senator Rabiabrat Pongpanich won't change her title but says the law brings about gender equity.

What's in a title?

• The Women's Title Act came into effect yesterday.
• The Act has widely been known as the declaration of independence for women.
• Backers of the legislation believe it will reduce the social pressure on women.
• Divorced women will no longer have to state their marital status.