CityNews – 18th December 2019, at the Lanna traditional house museum, Chiang Mai University, Michael Heath, Charge d’Affaires of US Embassy of Thailand together with Sean O’Neil, US Chiang Mai Consul General gave financial support of 150,000 US dollars towards the preservation of old houses to Chucheep Phongchai, Head of Chiang Mai Provincial Office (representing Chiang Mai governor), Dr. Niwet Nanthachit, rector of Chiang Mai University and Asst. Prof. Wilawan Sawetseranee, director of the center for promotion of arts and culture, CMU.
US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) which aimed to support preservation of endangered cultural heritage decided to donate the money to help preserve ancient traditional Lanna houses and rice barns, including training of a new generation of Lanna craftspeople and artists.
Michael Heath said he was glad to be a part of helping preserve ancient Lanna arts and architecture via this fund. This also reflected US respect toward Thai culture and history, he said, which is the result of long-lasting two centuries’ worth of good relationship.