The U.S. Department of State’s mission is to protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic values and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive. The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) manages the U.S. Department of State’s building program and sets worldwide priorities for the planning, acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of overseas property. OBO provides the most effective facilities for United States diplomacy abroad.
The United States and Thailand share a longstanding and impactful relationship, marked by strong diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen these bonds, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) is constructing a new U.S. consulate general in Chiang Mai. Located just east of Chiang Mai’s historic Old City multi-building complex serves as a secure and resilient diplomatic hub and a tangible symbol of the United States’ enduring presence in northern Thailand.
Project Overview
Ennead Architects
Design Architect
Page
Architect of Record
B.L. Harbert International
Design/Build Contractor
$273 million
Project Budget
$76 million
Estimated Local Investment
2025
Estimated Completion
The new U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai project supports important diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Thailand.
It embodies OBO’s mission of providing safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that make the U.S. stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
Design & Construction
The office building is divided into four sections, connected by glass-enclosed spaces that enhance natural light. Layered screens control glare and solar heat gain with an updated design that uses metal and glass.
The site layout is organized into two parts: a public zone to the south, with the Consular office building and public entrance pavilions, and a support zone to the north.
A workforce of over 600 U.S, local, and third-country workers has supported construction.
The training, experience, and certification provided to workers expands the pool of skilled workers for future mission needs.
Building Performance
A model of building performance optimization, the resilient facility reduces risk and operating costs associated with utilities and maintenance while enhancing natural hazards adaptation.
The facility incorporates features such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and water systems, an automated building controls system, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and building-envelope heat reduction through low heat-gain windows and shading elements in the façade design.
The site and building design also blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, featuring interior gardens, green walls, and expansive views of the surrounding landscapes, which enhance air quality and maximize daylighting for interior spaces. The design uses layered screens made of metal and glass to control glare and solar heat gain.
Arts & Cultural Heritage
The new U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai embodies U.S. creativity and heritage through design and craftsmanship, fostering dialogue and diplomacy to strengthen relationships and advance U.S. interests.
A defining features of the new embassy is the incorporation of U.S. and Thai contemporary artwork throughout the building, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE).
