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Buyer's Guide

UNDERSTANDING THAILAND’S TABIEN BAAN HOUSE REGISTRATION BOOK

A Tabien Baan is a government-issued house registration book used in Thailand. It serves as an official proof of residential address for Thai citizens and lists all individuals registered at a specific address.

Blue Book, Yellow Book, or None at All? There is no legal requirement for foreigners to have a Tabien Baan, but long-term residents or property owners may find it useful to have one. The Blue Book is issued to Thais, while the Yellow Book is specifically for foreign residents.

Getting a Yellow Book: What You Need to Know The requirements for obtaining a Yellow Book vary depending on the Amphoe (municipality), so it’s best to contact your local municipal office to find out what they require before you apply. Here’s a list of what you’ll usually need:

  • Your old Blue Book
  • Your current passport
  • Your work permit (if applicable)
  • Your marriage certificate (if applicable) with Thai wife’s ID card and her Blue Book
  • If you’re renting or leasing, your agreement together with the ID of your landlord, and his or her Blue Tabien Baan

Advantages of Having a Tabien Baan For foreigners married to a Thai spouse or long-term residents, having a Tabien Baan can make life easier when it comes to government services. It can also be helpful if you plan to apply for Thai citizenship or return to your home country with your Thai family.

Where to Apply: Local Amphoe Offices in Phuket There are three main Amphoe offices in Phuket that issue Tabien Baans: Kathu District, Phuket Town, and Thalang. You’ll need to find out which district you come under and make sure you visit the correct office.

Why Keep Your Tabien Baan Safe?

When you buy a property in Phuket, you will receive a Blue Tabien Baan, which is an important document that you should keep safe. At the very least, you will need it to sell the property at some point in the future. And for a foreigner who wants to integrate more into Thai society and feel more secure, applying for a Yellow Book is also an option open to you.

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