Does a Thai citizen living in a rental property need a new House Registration book with each address change?

Question

Hi everyone. As background, my wife (Thai) and I retired in Thailand (Jomtien) starting in May of this year. Prior to that my wife had lived in the US for 30 years.  So her idea of many Thai government requirements and procedures is based on how things were done 30-40 years ago rather than today.

My questions pertain to House Registration Books. She is originally from Yasothon, though she has had no property or ties to there for decades. She did make a trip there over 25 years ago to register our marriage that was done in the US.

When we arrived in Thailand this year her national ID card had expired, so we went to Pattaya City Hall and got a new one. At the time we were still living in a hotel waiting to move into a condo. We did that the next month. One other piece of info: she and her adult son own a house in Chachoengsao that we bought 20 years ago. She never actually lived there and never will.

So with all that in mind, my reading indicates that Thai House Registration books are used to report and provide proof of where you actual reside, not whether you are the ownerof the property or not. So it seems to me that she would need to get a new book with our condo address in Jomtien as the registered address. She however is under the impression that she either needs tophysically go to Yasothon to fix this or to Chachoengsao since she is half owner of a house there.

Ive also read that now all the district offices share info by internet and there is no need tophysically go to those other locations but could do whatever we need to do here in Chonburi district office.

So my main question is, does a Thai citizen who lives in a rental property need a new House Registration book that reflects that address and needs a new book each time the rental address changes? And would that be done at the district office of the rental location?

And lastly, I have seen references to a yellow house registration book for foreigners. I am here on a 10 year visa and intend to stay for my remaining years. Is that registration required, or optional, and is there value in getting it?

Thanks.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around whether a Thai citizen, who resides in a rental property, is required to have a House Registration book reflecting their current address and the process involved, including the importance of registering at the district office corresponding with the rental location. There are references to the yellow house registration book for foreigners, its benefits for proof of address, and implications concerning access to health schemes in Thailand.

Xjwhudkwhry ******** · Answer

She and her son owns the house you've paid for? Lol.

Kay ******************** · Answer

Hi Mike,

The system here is not the same as in the States where address on your ID card is your actual address either you rent or own the place.

Here, address on your ID card is where you registered on the house registration book. It can be the one you own or owned by family or friend who allows you to be registered on their book.

I own condo in Pattaya and also rent a condo in Bangkok. Even though Bangkok condo is actually my home base but landlord (normally) don’t allow tenant to be registered on their book therefore Pattaya condo is the address shown on my ID where my name is registered on the house registration book that I own.

I was in the state for 35 years so I took me a little while to figure out the Thai’s way of do things when I moved back here 6 years ago. 😁

Twiggy ****** · Answer

With the yellow book, you can apply for a pink ID card. It is handy when you buy train tickets in Thailand for example, that you don’t need to show them the passport.

Alastair ******** · Answer

Every Thai citizen is meant to be registered in a house book. It's very common that they don't live in the same address. Many rental owners don't like to register their tenants in the house book of that address.

Copies of house book is often required when dealing with different government departments.

The yellow house book allows non-citizens to be registered, and can assist as proof of address for dealing with banks, immigration, etc. Also helpful if you qualify for immigration / citizenship pathways.

James ********* · Answer

Many knowledgeable people in this group, (I'm not one of them) but it's a Friday and not always the best day for an answer, as many go traveling, are socializing, etc today. Check for answers here tomorrow 🙏

Dave ****** · Answer

Why would a Thai citizen need to register with immigration?

Does a Thai citizen living in a rental property need a new House Registration book with each address change?

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