CHIANG MAI – The US Consulate General in Chiang Mai has pushed back on rumors that its new office complex is being used as a hidden military operations site. The consulate says the facility’s purpose is straightforward, serve American citizens and support cooperation with Northern Thailand.
Consular officials say the office helps look after more than 21,000 US citizens living across 15 northern provinces. They add that the new building, which cost $273 million, was built to improve day-to-day services and provide a modern workspace, replacing the previous site that had been used for over 75 years and was closer to a residential home design than a working consulate.
Official opening in Chiang Mai
US Consul General Kealia Cummins welcomed members of the media during the official opening of the new US Consulate General in Chiang Mai. The complex sits on a 16.5-rai plot along the Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway in Nong Pa Khrang Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province.
The opening ceremony on January 23, 2026, was co-chaired by Michael J. Rigas, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, and Sean K. O’Neill, US Ambassador to Thailand. Thai officials and representatives from government agencies, as well as public and private sector leaders from across the 15 northern provinces, also attended.
Addressing concerns about a secret military role, Cummins said the United States does not operate any military base in Thailand. She also said the Chiang Mai post is the only US consulate in the country, and it has been in Chiang Mai since 1950. She described its mission as similar to that of Thai consulates in the United States, providing services to citizens while supporting shared interests and cooperation.
Why the Building is so Large and Expensive
Cummins said the scale and cost of the new consulate reflect practical needs, more space for services, more efficient operations, and a better experience for visitors. She said the former consulate building, while historic and attractive, was originally designed as a home. That made it less suitable for official events and routine consular work.
The previous property is owned by the Thai government and has been leased to the United States since 1950. The consulate said the process to return the site is now underway.
Cummins also described the new facility as a symbol of long-standing US-Thai ties. She said the design combines American innovation with Lanna architectural elements, and the construction relied on local specialists, reflecting a consulate presence that is tied to the local community and built with long-term use in mind.
No Secret Base or Covert Operation
The consulate also addressed claims that more than 1,000 staff work at the new site, including alleged intelligence officers. Cummins said the consulate has about 100 full-time employees, a mix of American and Thai staff, focused on helping US citizens and assisting Thai visitors who contact the office.
She added that other personnel may be involved in cooperation programs between the two countries, such as efforts against transnational crime and work related to trade and investment. The consulate said that does not mean there is any secret base or covert operation.
As for the 1,000-plus figure, the consulate said it refers to construction employment. About 1,400 local workers were hired during the build, and those jobs ended when construction finished. The consulate said many workers received skills training that can help with future work.
Cummins also responded to talk that the United States might favor certain Thai politicians or parties ahead of elections. She said the US does not back any individual candidate or party in Thailand’s elections, and that Thai voters have the right to choose freely.
She added that the United States is ready to work with the Thai government to support shared interests and maintain strong relations.
