When you buy a property in Phuket, whether a villa, townhouse, or condominium, one of the official documents you will come across is the Thai house book, also known as the Tabien Baan. It is important that people who buy property in Phuket know what the Thai house book for property owners is.
While it does not prove property ownership (that role belongs to the title deed), the house book is an essential document for property owners in Phuket, particularly when it comes to selling or transferring ownership in the future.
This guide explains what the Thai house book is, the difference between the blue and yellow versions, and why every property buyer in Phuket should understand its importance.
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What Is the Thai House Book?
The Thai house book (Tabien Baan) is the official house registration document in Thailand. It records the address of the property and lists the names of the occupants legally registered to live there.
There are two types of Thai house books:
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Blue Tabien Baan – Issued for properties owned by Thai citizens. Every property, including condominiums, has a blue book. Even if a foreigner owns a condo, the blue house book still exists for the unit.
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Yellow Tabien Baan – Issued for foreign nationals who reside at a property. It is optional, but can make everyday life in Phuket easier (e.g. driving licenses, visas, utility registrations).
Why the Thai House Book Matters for Property Owners in Phuket
If you are buying property in Phuket, the house book is more important than many foreigners realize:
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Required for resale – When selling a condo or villa, the blue house book must be presented at the Land Office along with the title deed. Without it, the transfer of ownership cannot be registered.
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Part of legal due diligence – Lawyers will check that the property has a properly issued Tabien Baan as part of the transaction process.
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Proof of address – The yellow house book can help foreigners with local administration, from applying for a driver’s license to dealing with banks and immigration.
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Inheritance & transfer – If the owner passes away or property is transferred, the Tabien Baan is one of the documents needed.
In short: the title deed proves ownership, but the Thai house book is necessary for practical use, sale, and administration of the property.
Do Condo Owners in Phuket Need a Thai House Book?
Yes. Even though foreign condo owners don’t personally appear in the blue Tabien Baan, every condominium unit in Phuket has a blue house book tied to its address.
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When you sell your condo, the blue book is required at the Land Office for the transaction.
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Most lawyers or agents will hold a copy for safekeeping, but owners should always know where the original is kept.
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Without it, resale can be delayed or complicated.
Applying for a Yellow Thai House Book in Phuket
Foreign property owners who actually reside in Phuket may apply for the yellow house book. This can be done at your local district office (Amphur).
You will typically need:
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Passport and valid visa
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Proof of address (such as purchase documents or lease)
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Thai witnesses
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Property ownership documents
While optional, many long-term foreign residents find the yellow Tabien Baan makes life easier in Phuket.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Thai House Book for Property Owners
What is the Thai house book in Phuket?
It is the official house registration document (Tabien Baan) issued for every property. It records the property’s address and registered residents.
What is the difference between the blue and yellow Thai house book?
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Blue = issued for every property, including condos and villas; required when selling.
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Yellow = optional book for foreigners who live in Phuket, useful for residency purposes.
Do foreigners need a Thai house book to own property in Phuket?
No. Property ownership is always recorded on the title deed, not the house book. However, the blue book is still necessary for resale, and the yellow book can be helpful for foreigners living here.
Is the Thai house book required when selling a condo in Phuket?
Yes. The blue house book must be presented along with the title deed at the Land Office when transferring ownership.
Summary
The Thai house book for property owners in Phuket is an essential but often misunderstood document.
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Every property, including condominiums, has a blue house book, which is required for resale and transfer of ownership.
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Foreign residents may also apply for a yellow house book, which can simplify daily life and certain legal processes.
While the title deed proves legal ownership, the Thai house book is a vital supporting document every property owner in Phuket should understand, keep safe, and use correctly.
Final Thoughts for Property Buyers in Phuket
For foreign investors and buyers, the Thai house book for property owners is often optional but useful. While it doesn’t affect ownership, it can make life easier when handling official matters, from utilities to visas.
If you’re considering buying property in Phuket, our team can guide you through the full process — from checking title deeds to understanding house books, leasehold structures, and ownership options.
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