Jim Thompson House and Museum in Bangkok

The end of a narrow, and non-descript lane in central Bangkok contains one of the city’s most popular sights: the Jim Thompson House. The former home of James Harrison Wilson Thompson, founder of the world-renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company, the house is visited by over 400 people a day and serves as a museum that not only showcases Thai architecture and art, but also the vibrant and engaging personality of Thompson himself.

In 1946, Thompson left the American army and returned to live in the country he fell in love with while serving the army during World War II. Every inch of his home at Central Bangkok is a reflection of his personality. An architect himself, he constructed his home by modifying six small Thai-style houses, an amazing challenge which made him the talk of town. He opened the house for the public twice a week and handed over the proceeds to charity. Thompson's achievements during his 25 year stay in the Kingdom of Thailand earned him the nickname of the "Legendary American of Thailand". After his tragic disappearance in 1967, his house was preserved as a museum containing a priceless collection of Asia artifacts and antiques. Interestingly, Somerset Maugham was a guest for dinner at Jim Thompson's celebrated Thai house in 1959 -- then less than a year old.

Learn about Thailand’s vibrant history by visiting the home of Jim Thompson –an artist’s delight that houses Thai architecture and art collected over the years.

£18.32