What is a Tabien Baan?
- Address and Residence Registration: It's primarily a booklet that registers the address of a house or apartment and lists all individuals legally residing there, both Thai nationals and eligible foreigners.
- Not Proof of Ownership: Importantly, it doesn't indicate ownership of the property.
- Types:
- Blue Tabien Baan (Thor.Ror.14): Issued for Thai nationals.
- Yellow Tabien Baan (Thor.Ror.13): Issued for foreigners holding long-term visas or specific work permits.
Why is it Important?
The Tabien Baan serves several administrative purposes:
- Official Verification of Residence: Used as valid proof of your address in Thailand when dealing with government agencies, opening bank accounts, getting a driver's license, applying for utilities, etc.
- Voting Rights (for Thais): Determines your eligible voting district.
- Social Benefits (for Thais): May be linked to accessing certain social services or benefits.
How to Obtain a Tabien Baan
- Property Owner: The owner of the property (Thai or foreigner) usually needs to initiate the process at the local district office (amphur) or municipality office.
- Required Documentation: Documents typically include:
- Property ownership document or rental contract
- Passports and visas/work permits of residents
- Relevant fees
- Yellow Tabien Baan for Foreigners: Often requires supporting documentation like a Certificate of Residence from your embassy or immigration.
Additional Notes:
- Updates: You need to inform the relevant office about any individuals moving in or out of the registered address to keep the Tabien Baan updated.
- Temporary Stay (TM.30): If you're staying in Thailand for short periods, your hotel or landlord should handle the TM.30 form, which is a related but separate document for temporary address reporting.
