THE cabinet has approved the US government purchasing a landed house in Chiang Mai to serve as the residence for the US Consul-General, reinforcing the over 190-year relationship between the two countries, Amarin TV said this afternoon (May 12).
Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said this house is located in Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang district, and comprises 1 rai and 87.6 square wah (approximately 487.6 square metres) of land along with a two-storey residential building with approximately 725 square metres of usable space.
The property is free from mortgage or other encumbrances, and relevant agencies have deemed it suitable and safe for use as the US Consul-General’s residence.
This decision is based on an existing criterion stipulating that if a foreign government owns over 15 rai of land in Thailand and wishes to purchase more, it must submit a case-by-case proposal to the cabinet for consideration.
In this case, the US government already owns more land than the set limit, therefore, approval from the cabinet was required before proceeding with the purchase and transfer of ownership.
As the Thai and US governments had previously exchanged letters on acquisition of land and buildings for use as diplomatic or consular offices, this covers the new purchase with no additional exchanges needed. The buyer will be exempt from related taxes, duties, and fees under the existing agreement.
The US is a key ally of Thailand in terms of security, economy, trade, investment, and regional cooperation with Thai-US relations having been strong for over 190 years and this new purchase of a landed property in Chiang Mai reflects the importance of Thailand, particularly the role of Chiang Mai and upper Northern Thailand as a strategic area for international cooperation, she said.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana. Photo – Amarin TV
Also read:
Khon Kaen MP gets death threats after probing factory polluting farmland
Sihasak unaware of Cambodia registering scrapped MOU44 under Unclos
Anutin looks to pay personal visit to Thaksin
Plea against 400 billion baht borrowed funding decree lodged to Constitutional Court
Thaksin greets crowds of Red Shirts upon being released on parole
Owner of aircraft selling firm allegedly linked with Bhumjaithai
Thais assured to view World Cup 2026 live
Foreign Ministry taps Young Gen Thai- Muslim talent to build peace tourism
As global military spending grows, Travel & Tourism faces a perilous future
Veteran US journalist laments the Lost Horizons of Asia and America
