As Beer leo has indicated, there are some amphurs that are reluctant to issue the yellow book. Not sure who one can complain to when this happens.
When one eventually obtains the Yellow Book, then the next move is to apply for the Pink ID Card at the amphur office. It is very similar to the Thai ID Card, everything is written in Thai, and it is valid for 5 years unless one is aged over 60, when it is valid for life. There is much information online about this card, and anyone interested should Google it.
Technically it is only permissable to use the card in the province where it was issued, but I have used mine in Bangkok and elsewhere when checking into hotels or flying with domestic airlines where passoports are not required. It will also (usually) allow admittance to national Parks and other places that have dual pricing, for the Thai admission price.