The Cabinet has approved the United States to purchase land and a residence in Chiang Mai to serve as the new residence of the U.S. Consul General, reinforcing the strong 190-year relationship between the two countries.
On 12 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Perviwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced the Cabinet's meeting results. The meeting agreed to allow the U.S. government to purchase a house and land in Chiang Mai Province to be used as the new residence of the U.S. Consul General in Chiang Mai, following the proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The land and building are located in Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, covering a total area of 1 rai and 87.6 square wah. The property includes a two-story residential building with approximately 725 square meters of usable space. Security and relevant agencies have inspected the site and confirmed it is suitable and meets safety standards for use as the residence of a consul general. The land has no mortgages or encumbrances.
Ms. Lalida explained that this consideration follows Cabinet regulations stating that if a foreign government already owns more than 15 rai of land in Thailand and wishes to purchase more, it must seek Cabinet approval on a case-by-case basis. Since the U.S. government already holds land exceeding this limit, approval was required before transferring ownership. This purchase is exempt from taxes and fees under the existing international exchange agreement previously established.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that this approval goes beyond providing a residence; it symbolizes the enduring diplomatic relationship between Thailand and the U.S. of over 190 years. It also highlights Chiang Mai's strategic importance as a key economic and security area in the upper northern region. Procuring this new Consul General residence signals confidence and close cooperation, which will enhance consular duties, citizen services, and strengthen regional relations more effectively.