We have been to Bangkok so many times and have often bought Jim Thompson silk fabrics, shirts and other goodies. But neither Regee nor I have ever before visited the Jim Thompson Thai House and Museum which is tucked away on Soi Kaseman 2 near the National Stadium. Luckily, this was on the itinerary that Gracita had prepared for us on our first full day in Bangkok.
Jim Thompson was, of course, the founder of the famed Thai Silk Company that now bears his name. But he was also a trained architect who, after WWII, worked on the transformation of an old palace on the Chao Phraya River that became the Oriental Hotel. He became fascinated by life in Thailand and decided to stay. His interest and expertise in architecture led him to build this "house" which is actually a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses which he bought in different parts of the country and re-consructed or used at this location.
The complex was built on land that fronts the Klong Maha Nag (just beyond the wall above) and he retained the "jungle" aspect of the site which is still very densely planted. When you walk through the gardens, you can hear the boat traffic on the klong and the slosh of water sweeping along the walls. The original land was evidently part of an old summer palace and Thompson was able to buy about half an acre of this estate for his complex. A good buy!
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It was directly across from the weaving village of Ban Krua which equally fascinated him and led to his interest in reviving the Thai silk industry. Above are colorful strands of Thai silk.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the house. I did manage to get one shot of the interior staircase from outside the house (see later) but another member of our party (who shall be nameless) captured one shot of the magnificent main room above in spite the security guards and cameras.
Thompson's house was much admired in its day and an invitation to dine there was considered to be a great honor in the foreign community. The dining room was a novelty as most Thais sat on the floor to eat in those days. The beautifully carved teak dining table could only take about six diners at the most. Floors are more people friendly!
Thompson was an avid collector of all things Asian--from pottery and paintings to buddhas and massive silk hangings which can be seen on the walls leading up the stairs on the right.
Thompson "disappeared" during a jungle walk while on holiday in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967. His disappearance remains a complete mystery as his body was never found. He was a skilled jungle survivalist from his OSS training in WWII and theories run from jealous competitors to political skullduggery. However, his name and his company have famously survived.
A beautiful Chinese vase, just one of many scattered around the whole complex
A wooden carving of an elephant, much loved by Thompson. He actually was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, given to foreigners for distinguished service to Thailand.
A historical painting on ancient Thai silk
The walkway to the main house complex
Inside the dining room of the house--another illegal photo
There were orchids being planted throughout the complex
Some tourists I met on the way out!
Probably too small for you to read the text but an excellent description
of the silk making process. You can double click to make it a bit bigger.
of the silk making process. You can double click to make it a bit bigger.
Waterlilies were everywhere
Naturally, there is a huge shop full of Jim Thompson goods but Gracita
took us to a JT outlet after lunch where we were able to purchase a little more cheaply
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