8.8 billion baht new US Consulate breaks ground

 | Fri 25 Sep 2020 21:28 ICT

The US Consulate General held a groundbreaking ceremony today at the location of its 8.8 billion baht ($284 million) new consulate, which will be completed by 2023.

US Ambassador Michael DeSombre was joined by US Consul General to Chiang Mai Sean K. O’Neill, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Governor of Chiang Mai Charoenrit Sanguansat and members of the media.

The US Consulate in Chiang Mai by the river, which has been open for 70 years, is in need of more space to house the many staff of the consulate and affiliated organisations. This new location on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway will sit on 16.5 rai of land.

“This new consulate is designed to last at least another 70 years,” said Consul General O’Neill. “We are also very proud of how it will have very low environmental impact.”