Yellow Book in Thailand (Tabien Baan): House Registration for Foreigners

Reviewed by ThaiLawOnline, a licensed Thai law firm practising in Thailand since 2006. Thai lawyer of record: Wichuda Atthamethakon, LL.M., Thai Bar Licence 3149/2556.

Last updated on September 5, 2026

The yellow book, or yellow tabien baan (ทะเบียนบ้าน, form Tor Ror 13), is the Thai house registration book issued to foreigners. It is the foreigner’s counterpart of the blue book (Tor Ror 14) that every Thai household keeps, and it is issued under Section 38 of the Civil Registration Act B.E. 2534 (1991). It records the house number and the people living at the address; it says nothing about who owns the house. This guide explains what the yellow house book proves, which sections of the Act govern it, how it differs from the blue book, and how to apply for one at your district office (amphur, or khet in Bangkok).

What is a Ta Bian Baan or “House Registration” in Thailand?

A Ta Bian Baan (ทะเบียนบ้าน) is Thailand’s official house registration document. It proves residency for Thai citizens and permanent residents. It lists the names and personal details of individuals registered at a specific address, establishing their legal domicile. The Yellow Tabien Baan is essential for accessing governmental services, enrolling in schools, applying for identification cards, and completing various legal and administrative processes. It is typically maintained at the district office and is required to demonstrate residency in a particular area.

It doesn’t say who the owner of the house is, but shows the house “holder(s)” and “resident(s)”. Often, Thai people think the ownership of the house is linked to the Thai house book. When translated from Thai to English, "Ta bien" means "registration." "Baan" means "house." Together, they create the term "house registration book" or "Thai House Book."

A large majority of Thai individuals possess a Thai house book. It serves as a residency verification document or a proof of address. This Thai house book holds significant importance for Thais, particularly when engaging in official transactions. For example, when someone wants to register a vehicle, this document is needed. It is important for the registration process at the Department of Transport and for transportation needs. Foreigners without this document can show a letter from the local Immigration office. This letter must verify their address. This document is referred to as a “Certificate of Residence.” You can find an article about the certificate or residence under “immigration” section of our website.

In Thailand, employers frequently inquire about the “Ta bien baan” of potential employees.

Examples of Thai House Book

Thailand has 2 types of house registration books: the yellow house registration and the blue book.

Example of Blue Thai House Book

There is one exception. Foreigners with permanent residency can be included in a Blue House Book. The statutory basis is Section 36 of the Civil Registration Act (house registration for non-Thai nationals having a residence in the Kingdom), applied through clause 44 of the Regulations of the Central Registration Bureau on Civil Registration B.E. 2535 (1992).

2) The Yellow Ta Bien Baan (To.Ro.13) for Foreigners.

Example of Yellow Ta Bien Baan

The house book should not be mistakenly taken as a legal documentation pertaining to ownership. This document states the house “holder” and people “residing” in the property. It is prepared under the Civil Registration Act B.E. 2534 (1991), as amended by Act No. 2 B.E. 2551 (2008) and Act No. 3 B.E. 2562 (2019). Section 34 paragraph four of the Act says so in terms: no person may rely on a house number or a house registration to show that he has rights in, or is the owner of, land.

Legal basis: the Civil Registration Act B.E. 2534 (1991)

The house registration system is not a local custom of each amphur. It is created by the Civil Registration Act B.E. 2534 (1991), as amended in 2551 (2008) and 2562 (2019), and administered by the Department of Provincial Administration of the Ministry of Interior. The full English text of the Act is in our Thai Law Library. The sections a foreigner should know are these:

• Section 4 defines the house, the house registration (ทะเบียนบ้าน), the householder (เจ้าบ้าน, the head of the household who possesses the house as owner, tenant or otherwise), the dweller (a person whose name appears in the book) and the Central House Registration (ทะเบียนบ้านกลาง).
• Section 29 creates the presumption that a person named in a house registration lives and has his domicile there. This is why banks, the Land Transport Office and courts accept the book as proof of address.
• Sections 30 to 30/2 require the householder to report a move-out and a move-in within fifteen days, and let the person moving report the move personally.
• Section 34 governs house numbers and, in paragraph four, states that a house number or a house registration may not be relied on to show any right in, or ownership of, land.
• Section 36 is the basis of the blue book (Tor Ror 14) for Thai nationals and for non-Thai nationals having a residence in the Kingdom, which is why a foreigner with permanent residence can be entered in a blue book.
• Section 38 is the basis of the yellow book (Tor Ror 13): the district or local registrar prepares a house registration for non-Thai nationals staying in the Kingdom temporarily under the Immigration Act, and for their children born in Thailand. When the foreigner’s permission to stay ends, the registrar removes the entry.
• Sections 38/1 to 38/3 govern the identity card for non-Thai nationals, the pink card, which is valid for ten years and must be renewed within sixty days of expiry.
• Section 39 gives the copy of the house registration to the householder for safekeeping and requires it to be updated within fifteen days of any change.
• Section 50 makes it a criminal offence to use false evidence or to obtain an unlawful entry in a house registration; for a non-Thai national the penalty is six months to five years in prison and a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht. Never let an agent “arrange” an entry at an address where you do not live.
• Section 51 and the fee schedule: a late report is regularised by paying a late-notification fee of up to 1,000 baht rather than by prosecution.

2. Application for a Thai House Book or Ta Bian Baan

The application for this document is done individually at the local registration office, called Amphur (or Khet in Bangkok). Application of house books are mostly done by builders, developers or architects constructing your house. The price to get this book is not very high, but you have to go through certain procedures.

Even if there is a National regulation for obtaining the Yellow House Book, each district can have their own rules. You will have to show relevant proofs of identity, which may include pictures to apply for a yellow tabien baan. Most Amphurs will require a letter from your Embassy stating that you are residing in Thailand but some don’t! You should call the local administration office. Ask them what documents you need before applying for a yellow tabien baan on your own. Interviews and witnesses can be asked.

The documents required to get a yellow Ta bian baan in Nakhon Ratchasima can be found on the link below here.

How foreigners can use their yellow ta bian baan

For Foreigners, this book can be used to get a Thai Driving License or if you want to purchase a car. You can use it while applying for an extension of visa. But it’s not necessary and a Certificate of Residence can be used instead. Some people say you can get health benefits from Thai government hospitals with a yellow house book. However, we have not been able to confirm this.

What is a Ta Bian Baan Klang?

A Ta Bian Baan Klang (ทะเบียนบ้านกลาง) is a central house registration record maintained by the local district office in Thailand. A Ta Bian Baan Klang is different from a standard house registration (tabien baan). It is for people who do not have their names in a permanent house book. It is a temporary or fallback registration for people who cannot be listed in an ordinary house book. This record ensures that Thai citizens and legal residents can still access essential governmental services and complete official procedures, including those related to residency in Thailand.

When to Use a Yellow Tabien Baan Klang?

The Ta Bian Baan Klang is especially useful in the following situations:

• Renters or Transient Residents: These are people living in rental properties. The landlord does not add them to the property’s yellow house registration.
• Homeless or Displaced Persons: Citizens without a permanent address can use this registration to secure their legal rights.
  Children or Dependents: Minors or adopted children not listed in a family’s house registration may need this. This is important for school enrollment, ID card issuance, or other legal needs.
  This type of registration helps people prove they live in a district. This is useful for those without a regular house registration.

How to Register for a Ta Bian Baan Klang?

To apply for a Ta Bian Baan Klang, follow these steps:

Visit the Local District Office: Go to the amphoe or khet where you currently reside. This is typically the administrative authority overseeing your area.
Submit the following required documents to obtain a yellow house registration book:
, A valid Thai ID card (if already issued).
, Proof of residency, such as a rental agreement or a letter from the property owner.

Additional documents like birth certificates or adoption papers for dependents may be required to obtain a yellow tabien baan.

The district office may conduct a verification process to ensure the applicant genuinely resides within their jurisdiction. Once approved, your name will be listed in the Ta Bian Baan Klang. This will let you start legal processes, like applying for an ID card or registering for social benefits, especially if you have a yellow book.

Why is a Ta Bian Baan Klang Important?

A Ta Bian Baan Klang helps people without permanent house registration. It ensures they can access rights and services under Thai law. It is a helpful solution for people in temporary living situations. It also helps those facing legal and administrative issues about residency. This system is important for protecting citizens' rights. It makes sure that no one is left out of essential benefits because of their housing status.

FAQs About Yellow House Book in Thailand

PS: If you can’t get a Yellow Ta Bien Baan or a Certificate of Residence by the Immigration Authorities, you might be able to get a police report that will do the same thing. You must go at a police station, show proof of your identity and residence. They should make a report. Some police stations refuse to do it, some will charge you 20 baht, some will charge more.

• Information in Thai about documents needed for yellow ta bian baan in Nakhon Ratchasima
• Department of Lands of Thailand