This is a fundamental guide of the Tabien Baan in Thailand.
Tabien Baan is one of the necessary documents for a Thai national to have in Thailand, but it is not a requirement by the law for a foreigner to have one. However, there may be specific cases in which a foreigner should have a Tabien Baan.
Let’s find out more about the Tabien Baan.
What is the Tabien Baan?
Tabien Baan, or Thai house book, is an address and residence registration booklet issued by the local government. Its sole purpose is to be proof of legal residence for the people residing in the accommodation unit, whether it is a house or apartment.
The Thai house book is not to be mistaken with the proof of ownership. The booklet is a part of the address registration papers and merely states the information about legal residents of the particular property and mentions the owner’s name (unless it is a foreigner not residing in Thailand).
Types of Tabien Baan
There are two types of house books, which are:
- Blue house book (Thor.Ror.14) issued for Thai nationals and permanent residents
- Yellow house book (Thor.Ror.13) issued for foreigners residing in Thailand
How to apply for a house book?
A house book can be issued for houses and apartments (both condominiums and mere apartments). Thai applicants receive a blue book while foreign residents can get a yellow one. However, this does not happen automatically. By default, the authorities issue blue books to everyone, and only if foreigners meet certain criteria, they can exchange it for the yellow book.
Foreigners eligible for receiving a yellow book qualify by possessing a combination of some of the following items:
- A non-immigrant visa
- Work permit
- Marriage certificate
- Apartment unit title deed (condo unit)
- Land related documents depicting the right to use it
- Building permit
How long does the process take?
The process of issuing a house book at the district office can be done within an hour or for remote district office, it may take several days if signoffs from senior officers are required.
Benefits of the Tabien Baan
The Tabien Baan can be used when Thai authorities need formal proof of residency in Thailand.
It can be used to open a bank account, getting a driver’s license, purchasing and transferring the ownership of a car, motorcycle or real estate or getting the phone or internet connected.
Is it necessary to live at the address where you are registered?
No, you do not need to live where you are registered. It is common for Thais to not live where they are registered.
Also, landlords do not allow their tenants to be registered on the house book.
Conclusion
Do not hesitate to contact Acclime for guidance in obtaining a Tabien Baan or for additional information.
Foreign land ownership and Thai spouse
