Jim Thompson, an American, was born in Greenville, Delaware, in 1906. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army, campaigned in Europe, and came to Asia. The war ended before the operation, however, and he arrived in Bangkok a few days later. After leaving the service he decided to return and adopted Thailand as his home.
The hand weaving of silk cloth, a long-neglected cottage industry, captured Jim Thompson's attention, and he devoted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colourist, he contributed substantially to the industry's growth and to the worldwide recognition accorded to Thai silk.
He gained further reknown through the construction of this house, combining six traditional teak buildings that represented the best of Thai domestic architecture. Most of the houses were at least two centuries old and came from various locations.
In his quest for authenticity, Jim Thompson adhered to the customs of the early builders in most respects. The houses were elevated a full storey above the ground, a practical Thai precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy season, and the roof tiles were fired in Ayudhya employing a design common centuries ago but rarely used today. The red paint on the outside walls is a preservative commonly found on many old Thai buildings. The chandeliers were electrified as a concession to modern convenience, but even they belong to a past era, having come from 18th and 19th century Bangkok palaces.
Jim Thompson moved into it in the spring of 1959. The house and the art collection soon became a point of interest that he decided to open it to the public with all proceeds donated to Thai charities.
On March 27, 1967, Jim Thompson disappeared while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Not a single valid clue has turned up in the ensuing years as to what might have happened to him. His famous Thai house, however, remains as a lasting reminder of his creative ability and his deep love of Thailand.
Open daily from 9am - 5pm
Entrance fee 100 baht
Leave a Comment
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road
Directions: Opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Rd
Website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Bangkok
email me
add as friend
on Aug 26, 2002
Comments for phil_uk_net about Bangkok