U.S. Ambassadors Fund Donation to Traditional Lanna Culture

December 18

The United States Government presented a $150,000 grant to Chiang Mai University’s Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture to conserve traditional Lanna architecture in Chiang Mai. The U.S. Mission to Thailand, represented by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath, provided the grant through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program which supports efforts to preserve cultural heritage that is in danger of being lost. The ceremony took place at Chiang Mai University’s Lanna Traditional House Museum. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath explained ‘Through this project we will help to preserve traditional architecture and train a new generation of artisans in traditional Lanna crafts, demonstrating our deep respect for Thai culture and history, after two centuries of friendship between our two countries. U.S. Consul General Sean O’Neill added ‘Americans have lived and worked in northern Thailand for over 150 years. We cherish our shared history with the people of northern Thailand and are excited for the future. After the ceremony, CMU President Professor Niwes and Assistant Professor Vilawan escorted the group of dignitaries to tour the historic Lanna houses.