The Yellow House Registration Book (Tabien Baan Thor.Ror.13) is an official document issued to foreigners who are registered as residing at an address in Thailand. It records your registered residential address but is not proof of ownership of the property. Although it is not mandatory, many foreigners choose to obtain a Yellow House Book because it can make dealing with Thai government offices and other administrative procedures easier.
Tabien baan
Yellow or blue Thai house book
What is a Tabien Baan (Thai House Book)?
A Tabien Baan (Thai House Book) is an official address and resident registration booklet issued by the local District Office (Amphur). It records the address of a house or condominium and the persons who have their registered residence at that property. The House Book is an administrative document, not proof of ownership, but the official record of the property's registered address and its registered residents.
Contrary to what is often assumed by foreigners this document has nothing to do with ownership of a house or condo and cannot be used as proof of ownership. It is a booklet issued by the local municipality (not the land department) that belongs to the official address registration papers of a home or condo and its practical use is that it registers and proves a persons place of legal residence (official domicile). A house book could state the name of the owner but in the case of a foreign non-resident owner not (unless he has official residency in Thailand).
Thailand has 2 types of house books (with a blue or yellow cover):
- - the blue tabien baan or blue house book (Thor.Ror.14) for Thai nationals, and;
- - the yellow tabien baan or yellow house book (Thor.Ror.13) for foreigners.
As a house book proves a person's domicile it is asked in official registration procedures such as the transfer of ownership of a car or real estate, opening a bank account or when applying for a new electricity or telephone line connection and gives for example Thais the right to vote in a district. As foreigners are usually not registered in a Thai house book foreigners with a non-immigrant visa can where proof of address is required alternatively show a letter of residence issued by the local immigration office, or when he is the owner a condominium unit title deed in combination with the (empty) blue tabien baan and his passport.
In case of a foreigner owns a house (separate from the land) or condominium the blue house book is usually empty, unless he has Thai nationals living with him who have their permanent home at this address.
House book application
A house book can be issued for a house, condominium apartment (whether registered under the Condominium Act or not). The official house book for Thais is the blue book and for foreigners residents a yellow book. A blue book is standard issued but in case of a foreigner it can be exchanged for a yellow book if the foreigner meets specific criteria. The documents required for the exchange of a blue book of a completed house or condominium for a yellow book could, besides the application form, could include :
(the list below is a sample list of documents that could be required in the application of a yellow book, but note that each amphur district office has their own requirements therefore always check with them first what documents they require)
- a non-immigrant visa
- copy passport with (official) translation
- work permit
- marriage certificate
- apartment unit title deed (condo unit)
- documents relating to the land and right to use and possess the land (consent land owner)
- the official land office sale of a structure document
- building permit.
The blue or yellow tabien baan is not an important document for foreigners and most foreigners owning a condominium or a house (separate from the land) will have a (empty) blue house registration book and not a yellow book. The legal value for foreigners is very limited and generally there is no need or requirement to exchange a blue tabien baan for a yellow tabien baan. A yellow book does not confer any additional rights. However, foreigners married to a Thai national living in Thailand should have their name in the house book of the marital home. For Thais a house book's primary function is that it states his or her place of legal residence (permanent home).
Pink ID Card
Many foreigners apply for a Yellow House Book together with a Pink Thai ID Card (for foreigners). Although neither document is mandatory, they can simplify dealings with Thai government offices and other administrative procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Yellow House Book
Generally, no. The Blue House Registration Book (Tabien Baan – Thor.Ror.14) is intended for Thai nationals.
A foreigner who has been granted Permanent Residence (PR) in Thailand may be registered in a Blue House Book. In most other cases, foreigners are registered in a Yellow House Book (Thor.Ror.13) instead.
Being married to a Thai citizen or owning a house in Thailand does not by itself entitle a foreigner to be registered in a Blue House Book.
Not automatically. A Yellow House Book is a record of residence, not proof of ownership.
Many foreigners who legally reside at a property in Thailand can apply, whether they own the house, lease it, or live with their Thai spouse or family. The exact requirements are determined by the local District Office (Amphur) and may vary from one office to another.
The Yellow House Book confirms your registered residential address in Thailand. It does not create or prove ownership rights over the property.
This is quite common. The Blue House Book records residents, not ownership of the condominium. When a condo is sold, the previous owner's or occupant's name is not always removed automatically.
If the previous occupant has not officially registered their move, you should contact the local District Office (Amphur) or District Registration Office. As the new owner or head of household, you can ask the registrar how the registration can be updated. The registrar may require supporting documents and will verify the facts before removing or changing the registration.
In many cases the process is straightforward, particularly if the previous occupant has already moved and can be contacted. However, procedures vary between District Offices. If the previous occupant cannot be located or there is any uncertainty, the registrar may ask for additional documents or carry out further enquiries before updating the registration.
Although unusual stories occasionally circulate online, having previous occupants listed in the Blue House Book is generally an administrative issue rather than a legal problem affecting ownership of the condominium, but it is generally a good idea to have the house registration updated. An outdated Blue House Book can occasionally result in mail, official notices, or even debt collection enquiries intended for a previous occupant being sent to your address.
No. A work permit is not a legal requirement for obtaining a Yellow House Book.
Depending on your circumstances, the local District Office (Amphur) may ask for documents such as your passport, visa, proof of residence, marriage certificate (if applicable), or other supporting documents. Some district offices may request a work permit if you have one, but many foreigners obtain a Yellow House Book without ever having held a work permit.
Documentary requirements can vary between District Offices, so it is always advisable to check with your local registration office before applying.
Read more:
- ownership of a house in thailand
- civil registration act
- Pink ID Card application
- TM.16-form Certificate of Residence
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