🇹🇭 Thai by Descent: How to Get a Tabien Baan (ทะเบียนบ้าน) Without a Thai ID

If you’re a foreigner by birth but have at least one Thai parent, then you are a Thai citizen by descent (jus sanguinis) — whether or not you currently have Thai documents. That means you are entitled to a Thai birth certificate, a Thai ID card, and to be listed in a Thai house registration book (Tabien Baan / ทะเบียนบ้าน).

This guide will walk you through how to go from no Thai documents at all to being officially recognized as a Thai citizen and included in a Blue Tabien Baan — even if you were born and raised outside Thailand.

🌍 Dual Citizenship Warning!

Before you start this process, it's important to check if your country allows dual citizenship.

Thailand has allowed dual nationality since 1992, but many other countries still do not — although, like Thailand, their policies could change in the future. If you become a Thai citizen (or assert your Thai citizenship by descent), your current citizenship may be affected depending on your country’s laws.

👶 Step 1: Prove You’re a Thai Citizen

Even if you don’t have Thai documents yet, you are likely already a Thai citizen by law — but you need to prove it to the Thai government.

You’ll need to show:

• Your foreign birth certificate (showing your Thai parent’s name)
• Your Thai parent’s documents, such as:
  • Thai ID card
  • Tabien Baan (house book)
  • Thai passport (optional but helpful)
  • Parent’s marriage certificate (if applicable)

If your Thai parent registered your birth at a Thai embassy, you may already have a Thai birth certificate — check that first. If not, continue to Step 2.

📝 Step 2: Register Your Birth in Thailand

To get recognized as a Thai citizen and be issued a Thai ID, your birth must be registered in Thailand.

Where to register:

• Inside Thailand: At the local district office (Amphur or Khet) where your Thai parent is registered
• Outside Thailand: At a Thai Embassy or Consulate

Documents needed:

• Your foreign birth certificate, translated into Thai and legalized
• Thai parent’s ID card and Tabien Baan
• Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable)
• Your passport(s) and any name change documents

Once accepted, you’ll receive a Thai birth certificate — this officially confirms your Thai citizenship.

🏠 Step 3: Get Listed in a Blue Tabien Baan (ทะเบียนบ้านเล่มสีน้ำเงิน)

In Thailand, everyone must be listed in a house registration book, known as the Tabien Baan. This is the foundation of your civil status in Thailand.

As a Thai citizen, you must be added to the Blue Tabien Baan (Thor.Ror.14), which is for Thai nationals only. (Foreigners get a Yellow Tabien Baan — but that’s not you.)

Two ways to be added:

• Join a family member’s house registration (e.g., your Thai parent)
  • Go to their local district office with them
  • Bring your Thai birth certificate
  • Parent must bring their ID and house book
• Create your own Tabien Baan
  • If you own or live at a Thai property, you may be able to register it as your residence
  • Some districts may require Thai citizenship proof and ownership/residency documents

💡 Many people prefer to join a parent’s Tabien Baan first, then later transfer to their own.

🆔 Step 4: Apply for a Thai National ID Card

Once your name is in a Blue Tabien Baan, you can apply for your first Thai national ID card (บัตรประชาชน).

Requirements:

• Thai birth certificate
• Tabien Baan (with your name listed)
• Thai parent’s ID (if it’s your first ID)
• You must apply in person at the district office

Your Thai ID card confirms your legal status and gives you access to rights and services in Thailand — including property ownership, banking, healthcare, and more.

✅ Summary: From Foreign Birth to Thai Tabien Baan

🌏 Not in Thailand Yet?

You can start this process at your nearest Thai embassy or consulate. They can help you register your birth and begin your paperwork. Later, you can complete the Tabien Baan and ID process inside Thailand.

💡 Need Help?

We’re building TabienBaan.com to make this process easier. Whether you’re trying to get a Thai ID, register your Thai birth, or finally get added to the family Tabien Baan — you’ll find clear steps, templates, and legal guidance here.

👉 Coming soon: document checklists, embassy contact templates, and real success stories.

Note: The following video is in formal Thai. If you find it hard to understand, dont worry - we've summarised the key points in plain English below