Thai Tabiean Baan: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the answers to your questions about Thai house book.
What is the purpose of the Thai Tabiean Baan?
You can use the Thai Tabiean Baan or Thai house book when Thai authorities need formal proof of your residency in Thailand. Also may use it to get a driver’s license, open a bank account, or when you purchase and transfer the ownership of a real estate, car, or motorcycle.
Key Points
- You can use the Thai Tabiean Baan when Thai authorities need formal proof of your residency in Thailand.
- The information included in your Thai Tabiean Baan will be presented in Thai.
- Applying for a Thai Tabiean Baan is free of charge.
What information appears in Thai Tabiean Baan?
The information in your Thai house book will be presented entirely in Thai. The first page of the book, or the opening page, will contain the full address of your property and the residence type (either a house or condominium). The second page will feature the full name, nationality, 13-digit citizen ID number, and the date of birth of the ‘householder.’ The householder may or may not be the property owner. The remaining pages show the information of every other non-resident foreign occupant (called the ‘dependent) who lives at the same address.
Where do I apply for a Thai house book?
You can apply for a Yellow Tabiean Baan at the Amphoe or Municipal government office responsible for managing civil registrations.
The Thai Tabiean Baan can help make your life in Thailand easier.
How long does the process of obtaining a Thai Tabiean Baan take?
The processing time depends on how familiar your district office is with issuing them. In general, you should be able to get your Tabiean Baan within an hour or two. For more remote district offices, it may take longer. If sign-offs from senior officials in that specific office are required, it may take several days. In some district offices, the officers may want to interview you to verify your relationship (if you are married) and to double-check why you want to be registered.
If you need help with the requirements, documents, and application process, there are numerous services that can help you.
Is there a fee to get a Thai house book?
No, the whole process of obtaining a house book is free. However, if you lose or damage your Tabiean Baan, you will have to pay a small fee for a replacement.
Do I need to live where I’m registered?
Many Thai citizens, especially those who move to provinces for work, choose to register their residency in a different location than where they actually live. Additionally, landlords typically refuse to allow their tenants to register on their Tabiean Baan.
Can a foreigner own a property and have a Tabiean Baan registered there?
Yes, absolutely. Even if you own the property as a foreigner, you can register yourself as the householder in the Yellow Tabien Baan. You’ll just need to show the ownership documents for the property during the application process.
I don’t have a Thai spouse but I co-habit with someone who has a Blue house book. Can I register there?
Discussing Thai spouses or related to the requirements for registering as a co-habiting partner can vary by district office. It’s best to check with them directly. Generally, you’ll need proof of cohabitation and your passport with a valid visa.