On September 25, 2020, the United States began construction of a new U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai. America first established its Chiang Mai Consulate 70 years ago and has designed its new compound to last at least another 70 years. With the oldest foreign consulate in northern Thailand, the United States has long collaborated with Thai partners to cure diseases, fight drug trafficking, and create jobs.
Targeted for completion in 2023, the new Consulate compound will be a concrete symbol of America’s continued commitment to northern Thailand for generations to come. The United States will spend USD $284 million (THB 8.8 billion) on this project and employ over 400 local workers to build its new Consulate.
Inspired by the rich architectural landscapes and design traditions of northern Thailand, the design incorporates a lush landscape and a sala, a traditional Thai outdoor terrace that will be used for formal events. The new office building reflects traditional Lanna architecture with modules separated by public spaces.
The permanent art collection, curated by the State Department’s Office of Art in Embassies, will include art from a variety of media, including painting, photography, textiles and sculpture, by both American and Thai artists. Highlights will include site-specific commissions that reflect the diversity and richness of American and Thai cultural heritage.
The project targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver Certification. Notable green features include solar photovoltaic (PV) and water systems that support Thailand’s national goals of renewable energy implementation and improved air quality. Other sustainable features include an automated building controls system, water saving plumbing fixtures, and building envelope heat reduction through low heat gain windows and the use of shading elements in the façade design.
Ambassador Michael George DeSombre remarked: “The construction of the New Consulate Compound is a symbol of continued U.S. commitment to our partners and allies in northern Thailand. We honor the local Lanna architecture and design while seeking to invest in the local workforce and economy for a more sustainable and prosperous Thailand and America.”
“Americans and Thais have a proud history together in northern Thailand, and we look forward to the many accomplishments we will continue to achieve together in the future,” said Consul General Sean O’Neill.
“The development of the new Consulate compound signifies even more concretely our mutual trust and shared commitments as long-time friends and partners, and will open up a new era of enhanced Thai-U.S. cooperation in Northern Thailand,” said Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Vijavat Isarabhakdi.
For high resolution photos of the new Consulate compound project, please see this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UC07K8LfBYWgQQoBGGk5uyQNtFkzmPTt
For the 70th Anniversary Video, please see this link: https://bit.ly/329s4bE
To learn more about the history of the United States in northern Thailand, please see this link: https://th.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/chiang-mai/history/then-now/
For high resolution graphics of the history of the United States in northern Thailand, please see this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WvfF04yWMvyvFAK9Hx0hA8lOj5vEnebP
