The United States has officially dedicated its new, state-of-the-art Consulate General building in Chiang Mai, marking a major milestone in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the United States and Thailand.
The dedication ceremony was jointly presided over by H.E. Sean K. O’Neill, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand (recently past Consul General here in Chiang Mai), and Michael J. Rigas, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Guests of honour included H.E. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chiang Mai Governor Rattanaphon Naradisorn, several provincial governors from across the North, and Chiang Mai Mayor Assanee Buranupakorn.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador O’Neill noted that the opening of the new facility coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary this year. “It is an honour to begin this milestone year by opening this beautiful new building,” he said, adding that the U.S. has maintained a consular presence in Chiang Mai for more than 75 years. The new consulate, he said, stands as a lasting symbol of the friendship between the United States and Thailand. “We have a proud past, a bright future, and even better things ahead.”
Ahead of the ceremony, Consul General Kelia Cummins held a press conference outlining the role and capacity of the new facility. She explained that the Consulate General serves more than 21,000 U.S. residents living across northern Thailand each year, while also providing consular and visa services to Thai citizens. The new building allows these services to be delivered more safely, efficiently, and effectively.
The Consulate General’s jurisdiction covers 15 northern provinces, and the upgraded facility strengthens its ability to support U.S. diplomatic work in the region. Cummins said the new building also enhances cooperation with Thai partners in areas such as countering transnational organised crime, supporting trade and investment, and fostering economic growth that benefits both countries.
Beyond consular services, the facility is designed to deepen engagement with local communities, including collaboration with businesses, universities, and entrepreneurs in areas such as innovation and technology. The Consulate General employs approximately 100 American and Thai staff.
“Apart from our 21,000 plus US residents in the North of Thailand, we also service Thai citizens looking for visa services,” explained Consul General Cummins. “This new US consulate general in Chiang Mai gives us a greater opportunity to collaborate with local businesses, with universities, with entrepreneurs to do things like foster trade and investment and to develop innovation. Very recently we partnered with the Science and Technology Park at Chiang Mai University with a private cyber security firm and with 30 students from six northern Thai universities who got together in a tech camp.”
She went on to answer a question from a member of the press about why there was a a need for this new expensive consulate and answered, “While the old consulate buildings are beautiful and historic they lack many of the modern facilities and amenities of an office building.”
Architecturally, the new Consulate General is located off the Superhighway and is intended as an example of “architectural diplomacy, blending contemporary American innovation with the cultural heritage of northern Thailand.” The design draws on three core Lanna concepts: raised structures to promote natural ventilation and public space; a chan (veranda) layout inspired by traditional northern homes, with buildings arranged around shared communal areas; and the kuti concept, where activities are divided into smaller, connected units, a form commonly seen in temple complexes.
The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai was first established in 1950 and is the oldest foreign consulate in northern Thailand. After operating for 75 years from Khum Kaew Nawarat, historic riverside residences along the Ping River, the mission has now moved into a purpose-built modern facility designed specifically to support its expanding role.
Construction of the new Consulate General began in 2020, employing more than 1,400 temporary workers, at a cost of US$273 million. As the United States enters its third century of relations with Thailand, officials said the new building is intended to support lasting peace, security, and shared prosperity for generations to come.
