The United States charge d’affaires on Thursday denied speculation the new US consulate building in Chiang Mai is a veritable fortress targeting China.
Michael Heath, speaking to reporters at his Bangkok residence, said that the new multi-billion-baht consulate in Chiang Mai would not be a base for operatives or missiles targeting China or Myanmar, as rumours suggested.
Work on the US$280 million (9 billion baht) consulate, which covers 16.5 rai along the Chiang Mai-Lampang superhighway in Muang district, began in 2020. It is scheduled for completion next year and is designed to serve Washington’s needs for at least 70 years.
Mr Heath said the new consulate would, however, be bomb-proofed and could provide protection for the roughly 17,000 Americans in the North.
The $280 million construction budget was not huge for a US embassy or consulate. But it did need to be able to endure bombings, so the walls, doors and windows must be thick and made from good materials, he said.
Its basement would be deep and ensure a strong foundation, and also house a wastewater treatment system. It would not include a parking area, he said.
“It will not be a secret base or a base for any missiles. The US consulate in Chiang Mai will not be a threat to China or Myanmar,” Mr Heath said.
He said the existing consulate in Muang district would become a library, press centre and language school. (continues)
The charge d’affaires also denied rumours that the US had sent retired special warfare officer David Eubank to train Karen people to fight against Myanmar troops. Mr Eubank came as a missionary and did not represent the Central Intelligence Agency. He had a family in Chiang Mai.
Although he founded the Free Burma Rangers group he did not offer weapons, only humanitarian assistance to Karen, Mr Heath said.
He also denied reports that the US was trying to force the Thai air force to buy F-35 combat aircraft and that the delay in the appointment of a new ambassador had any political significance for the Thai government.
Mr Heath denied the US was benefiting from the war between Russia and Ukraine. The situation has also affected Americans in terms of shares, cryptocurrencies and energy prices, he said.
“Although Americans may not suffer as much as Ukrainians do, we do not want a war. We would like to see negotiations to end problems,” said the US official. – Bangkok Post
