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What is the process for obtaining a Yellow Book in Thailand and how can I navigate the requirements?

Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone had experience in getting a yellow book recently? My local Amphur Wang Noi Ayutthaya say i need a certified copy of my passport from the British Embassy so I went to the British Embassy yesterday and they said I need to apply on line so I have been trying all morning and to get one i need proof of address and ironically the 1st one is basically a yellow book 🫣 and the other ways all relate to being in the UK 🤔 so as i see it i am unable to do it that way 😳 is this something a agent can help me with?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of obtaining a yellow book in Thailand can be complex and varies by location, with requirements differing between Amphur offices. Many expats note the necessity of a certified copy of their passport, often obtained through the British Embassy, which itself requires proof of residence. Experiences shared indicate that some individuals have successfully navigated the process with minimal documentation, while others have faced significant hurdles, leading to frustrations and even opting to forgo the yellow book altogether. Legal assistance from agents may be beneficial, but personal experiences show that outcomes can greatly differ based on local practices.
Joe **********
How much plainer can they make it YOUR NOT WANTED HERE! Vietnam is rather nice........and much more welcoming.
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Joe Wongsena must admit sometimes it feels like that 😔
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Gary ********
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JF *******
You make an appointment at the British Embassy and you take your passport with you on the date. Done in 30 minutes. Cost £25.

I have an appointment in February
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Robert **********
You may find this article useful, unfortunately most Amphur have their own set of requirements so it’s worth just asking at the Amphur first.

For a proof of residency to get a certified copy of your passport get a residency certificate from your local immigrant.

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SunnyChe*********
When I got my Yellow Book anything relevant, such as degree certificates, mine and and my parents birth certificates certified using the services at Milton Keynes. It was then sent to the Thai Embassy in London who stamped the back. Sent to me then legalised translations and stamped at MFA.
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SunnyChe*********
Like I said first thing is to go and ask EXACTLY what they require. Some of the busier Amphurs have a list they give out. Then ask if there is a way of expediting or speeding up the process! Mine still took about 6 months - heard nothing - so we went down there and the Yellow Book was sitting in someone’s drawer!
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
SunnyChestnut4369 sorry but that's no help getting a yellow book in Thailand 🤔😳
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SunnyChe*********
Gary Cooper that’s how you get some of your documents legally apostillised (certified) in the UK. Samut Prakan asked for my parents birth certificates etc.
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SunnyChe*********
Gary Cooper of course it is because that’s what some Amphurs ask for 😂 (got mine 6 years ago in a Samut Prakan)
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
SunnyChestnut4369 but you was talking about Milton Keynes and London 🤔
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Gary ********
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Steve *******
Just done one on line bud just answer the questions fill in the form and pay £27 they send you confirmation and tell you to send them yea passport with the confirmation number on a peace of paper registered post about 40 bht they return it all in 10 working days hope this helps
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Steve *******
You then may be asked for it to be translated i was so take it get it translated then stamped in MFA office good luck !
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Steve *******
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Alan *******
Been 3 times to my Local Amphur. Given the run around 1st time. 2nd time took Sister in law (Lawyer) and a witness. Given run around 2.0. 3rd time different. Just answered NO ! 😀 Fook Them !
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Mark ******
I went into the local Amphur office (Chon Buri) with my passport (Australian), my wife and her Blue Book. I think they relented and gave me my Yellow Book just to stop my wife talking!
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Snorbitz ***
Mark Gale I went to amphur proof of residence wife blue book. Got my pink id card and yellow book same afternoon in samui
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Jim *******
Mark Gale Takes a month or longer to get the Yellow Book. Do not lie here.
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Jim *******
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok guys thank you very much for your input but I've decided to leave it for now as its seems its not worth the headache 555 I'll cross that bridge if it every needs to be in the future.. for now I'm going to chill out go for a swim and a few beers Again thanks for ya input 👍🙏😃
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Stuart ***********
I got mine in Hua Hin a few months ago and the Amphur had me running around in circles for things the same. Some people seem to get the yellow book and Thai ID with hardly any documentation, so it really is up to your Amphur. I requested my certified passport online from the British Embassy and it came back a few days later , I don't remember them asking for proof of residence. I then had to have it translated and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, luckily for me they have an office in Hua Hin. Good luck, it's a real palaver!
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Stuart Chiverton and they want £25 for it 5555
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah I gunna give it a miss for now but thanks for your input 👍
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Bob **********
Gary Cooper not a whole lots of benefit out of a yellow book or a pink id card
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Bob **********
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Michael ********
I used certified copy from British embassy. (Had from permission to marry) Had to make online appointment. I put my sister address in UK which i use as banking/tax stuff.
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Michael Dawson yeah I don't have anything in the UK only a bank account with my Thai address
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Michael ********
Gary Cooper Well just ask embassy after you made appointment what they will accept
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Michael ********
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Summer ******
You can’t go to the embassy without an appointment.. idk about British embassy but US embassy takes weeks to get an appointment.. however you can go to immigration and get a paper from them that’s good for 30days to prove residency.. that might be suitable.. I would still go ahead and make the appointment at the embassy to get your passport certified and translated because you need that to do lots of things it’s always good to have.. a lawyer could likely help you with a power of attorney and a nice fee of course.
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Max **********
Residency certificate from immigration then go to your district office. All documents they require have to be translated to Thai. I did mine last year and did not need certified copy of passport.
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Martyn ***********
Waste of time.. Don't bother, this is just the start.. Just hassle for next to nothing.
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Larry ***************
I bought my condo 23 years ago at that time I spoke with the attorney about getting a yellow book. He told me he could do it but it's tons of hoops would have to be jumped through and I would never find any reason to need it. 23 years later he was right I've bought a condo cars bikes never had to have it for anything. Some people say you save a little money if you go to something local where they have dual pricing and maybe you can use it for other things but I just have never had to use it.
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Atrustwor*********
Larry Lee Gearhart I found 3 weeks ago with yellow book and passport was all I needed to open another bank account and visa of course. Was so easy done in 30 minutes
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Ross **********
Larry Lee I think the farang that say they get money off just say that because they jumped through said hoops for no real reason
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Larry ***************
Ross A Smith maybe but when I went to get mine with the attorney he advised me that he didn't think I'd ever need it now he was going to charge me to do the work so he turned down business. But those that have it if it works for them that's great
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Larry ***************
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Larry Lee Gearhart yes I heard that a lot but I've heard you need one to renew your driving licences..I lost my wallet with my licences in when I went to replace them they did ask if I had a yellow book but I said no but the excepted my tm30 and a letter from immigration saying I can apply for one 😳🤔
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Gary ********
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John **********
A residence certificate from immigration?
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
no apparently i need a certified copy of my passport and a translated copy 🥴
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John **********
@Gary *******
i meant to prove your address
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Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
O but when I was trying to do it online it didn't give me that option 🤔
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Gary ********
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