JIM THOMPSON'S HOUSE

At a distance of 4 km from Chinatown, 6 km from Grand Palace and 29 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Jim Thompson House is a museum situated on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal in Bangkok. It is one of the top places to visit in Bangkok.

Often counted amongst the top Bangkok Tourist Places, Jim Thompson House is the former home of Jim Thompson, an American business man and architect, who started the Thai silk industry after World War II. He was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand, for his contribution to the development of the Thai Silk Industry. In 1967, James H.W. Thompson went for a holiday to the Cameron Islands in Malaysia. He set out for a walk in the surrounding jungles of Cameron Islands and disappeared mysteriously.

Built in 1959, Jim Thompson House spans approximately half an acre land and a masterpiece in Thai traditional architecture. It consists of six traditional Thai-style houses and sits on a klong (canal) across from Bangkrua. The house is surrounded by a beautiful and lush garden, full of old antiques. After Jim Thompson's mysterious disappearance in 1967, his nephew Henry B Thompson III generously donated the house and its collection to the people of Thailand. The government of Thailand was converted into museum.

The museum houses all the artifacts, artworks and other souvenirs that James H.W. Thompson collected from Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Laos. The museum has an extensive antique collection of carved, painted and inlayed Thai-Chinese furniture including altar tables, beds and cabinets. In addition, there is the contemporary furniture Jim Thompson used in his home. There are some also some Thai paintings on cloth, paper and wood along with Chinese export ware and Benjarong ware. Open daily to the public for guided tours in English, Japanese, French and Thai, the museum is operated by The James H W Thompson Foundation.

The Jim Thompson Art Center, built to house special exhibitions is located in the same compound. Exhibitions in the Art Center generally focus on Asian topics or textiles, and range from traditional to modern in theme. In addition to exhibitions, the Art Center conducts educational and outreach programs, produces publications and collaborates with local and international cultural institutions. The Art Center also includes in a separate building, the William Warren Library.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Entry Fee: 200 Baht for Adults, 100 Baht for Adults below 22 Years & Free for Children below 10 Years