“Can you assist US citizens in emergency situations?” is just one question answered daily at the Embassy of the United States of America. The Embassy of the United States in Bangkok represents the U.S. in Thailand. It stands as the fourth largest US diplomatic mission worldwide. Only the embassies in Baghdad Yerevan and Beijing are larger.
The Embassy of the United States of America has a long history. Edmund Roberts was appointed as America’s first envoy to the Far East. This happened between 1832 and 1836. He served aboard the U.S. Navy sloop-of-war Peacock. Roberts negotiated the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. This was between Siam now Thailand and the United States in 1833.
In 1896, the monarchy gifted the first diplomatic property to the U.S. This was a rare occurrence. Most diplomats at the time had to pay for their own accommodation. The current ambassadorial residence has its own story. Henry Victor Bailey an English businessman built it in 1914. After his death it was sold to the Thai finance ministry. Great Britain wanted to punish Thailand after World War II. This was because Thailand aided Japan. The U.S. stepped in to hinder these efforts. In gratitude the Thai government gifted the house to the U.S. in 1947. It has been the official residence ever since.
The Embassy of the United States of America has also been a site of protest. About 10000 students protested outside the embassy in 1975. This was because Thai air bases were used by the U.S. Air Force to attack Cambodia. This happened without the Thai government’s permission and without informing the embassy.
Two major events mark the relationship between the two nations in the 20th century. The Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations facilitates economic access for U.S. and Thai companies. Other agreements address atomic energy agricultural commodities investment guarantees and military and economic assistance. A Free Trade Agreement was proposed in 2004.
Relationships have experienced strains since the military coup of May 2014. There have been ultra-nationalist demonstrations in front of the U.S. Embassy. There were even charges against the U.S. ambassador. The U.S. trimmed military aid to Thailand. Thailand has been developing closer relationships with China and Russia.
The current embassy complex was completed in 1996. At the time it was the second largest US diplomatic mission. Only the U.S. Embassy in Cairo was larger. A New Office Annex is under construction. It will be completed by 2025. SHoP Architects a New York firm designed it. The NOX will be built to LEED Silver Certification standards. It will incorporate traditional Thai architectural elements.
Today the Embassy of the United States of America provides many services. These include visa applications document notarization and passport issuance. The embassy also assists US citizens in emergency situations. It represents US government interests in Thailand. It also arranges legal proceedings and assists families of US persons.
The Consular Section Economic Section and other units work together. They offer wide-ranging services. The Visa Section handles visa applications. The American Citizen Services Section assists Americans in distress. The Embassy of the United States of America stands as a symbol. It represents the enduring relationship between the United States and Thailand. Its history reflects diplomacy trade and occasionally protest.