About Us

Our Mission

The Austin-Chiang Mai Sister City Committee promotes peace, friendship, and cultural understanding between Austin, Texas and Chiang Mai, Thailand through citizen diplomacy, educational exchanges, law enforcement cooperation, and economic development.

Our Story

In February 2025, Austin and Chiang Mai were fast-tracked into official Sister City status, thanks to the leadership of Former U.S. Consul General to Chiang Mai, Ms. Lisa Buzenas, and the dedication of board members and volunteers in both cities.

Chiang Mai became Austin’s newest sister city, joining 12 other international partnerships under Austin Sister Cities International.

What We Do

Education

  • MOU between Prince Royal’s College and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School – Faculty and student exchanges planned for 2026-2027
  • UT Austin Maymester – First-ever program in Chiang Mai, led by Dr. Nuttada Panpradist
  • Texas State & Maejo University – Dual-degree programs in Business and Public Administration
  • School partnerships – Griffin and Magellan International schools expressing interest

Law Enforcement

  • Bilateral visits between Royal Thai Police and Austin Police Department
  • Meetings with DEA, FBI, and cybersecurity experts
  • Focus on human trafficking, drug enforcement, and community engagement
  • Tours of Mae Kong delta to understand Thai approaches to scam centers

Culture

  • SXSW participation – Chiang Mai board members attending annually
  • Lanna Expo – Large Austin-Chiang Mai booth showcasing the relationship
  • “The Anti-Hustle” movement – Panel proposal for SXSW about the Chiang Mai approach to building better, not faster, companies
  • Passport to the World Festival – Annual Austin celebration

Economic Development

  • Business exploration support for Thai companies entering Texas market
  • Market analysis and due diligence services
  • Biochar technology – Collaboration between Texas State University and Chiang Mai universities to combat crop burning
  • Connections for organic products, food, and tech companies

Why Austin & Chiang Mai?

Austin, Texas

  • “Live Music Capital of the World”
  • Population: ~1 million metro
  • Known for: Tech industry, SXSW, food scene, UT Austin, outdoor recreation

Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • “Rose of the North”
  • Population: ~1.2 million metro
  • Known for: 700+ ancient temples, traditional Lanna culture, digital nomad hub, culinary excellence

Part of Austin Sister Cities International

We are one of 13 sister city committees under Austin Sister Cities International.

Austin’s Sister Cities: Adelaide (Australia) | Angers (France) | Antalya (Turkey) | Chiang Mai (Thailand) | Gwangmyeong (South Korea) | Koblenz (Germany) | Limerick (Ireland) | Lima (Peru) | Maseru (Lesotho) | Oita (Japan) | Pune (India) | Saltillo (Mexico) | Taichung (Taiwan)