Jim Thompson House: Bangkok's Iconic Silk & Heritage Museum
Jim Thompson House, one of Bangkok’s top cultural attractions, showcases exquisite Thai architecture and the fascinating history of silk craftsmanship. A true institution in Thailand, this historic home tells the fascinating story of silk, craftsmanship, and mystery.
What is Jim Thompson House?
It’s true that the house is full of charm, remarkable for its blend of Thai tradition and carefully measured touches of innovative materials and timely modifications. It also boasts a small, aesthetically pleasing garden. It is made up of a very dense mix of plants, but leaves enough room for orchids to add a few splashes of colour to the many greens.
Jim Thompson House History: A Masterpiece of Thai Architecture
The house, or rather all 6 buildings, are made of teak and are representative of traditional Thai dwellings as they were found over 200 years ago. Some of them were bought in the Ayutthaya region and others in the north of the country. After being dismantled, they were all grouped together on land acquired by Jim Thompson on the banks of a khlong in 1959. Built on stilts with traditional roof tiles, the house contains many beautiful handicrafts and a collection of objets d’art such as porcelain, statues and dyes.
Jim Thompson and the Thai Silk Industry Revival
Jim Thompson’s success and fame are largely the result of his investment in the craft of hand-woven Thai silk. In 1950, when the textile industry was being industrialised in Europe and the United States, Jim Thompson took up the challenge of reviving this manual production while adding his eye for colour and his talent as a draughtsman. Through his actions, he revived a moribund activity and contributed to the development of an idea that had hitherto been of little importance in Thailand: heritage.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Jim Thompson
The character himself is interesting, with many grey areas surrounding his success, his friendships, his loves and above all his disappearance. In 1967, he went away for a weekend to visit friends in Malaysia and disappeared. No trace, no evidence of murder, accident, kidnapping - in short, no witness testimony - has made it possible to understand what happened to him. The mystery remains, as do the rumours, but what remains is his home, which is now a museum and the emblem of a highly profitable industry.
Jim Thompson House: Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get There
- Address : Jim Thompson House - 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330.
- Open daily from 11am to 7pm - guided tour (English-speaking guide available)
- Admission: 200 baht for over-22s - 100 baht for under-22s. Children under 10 enter free of charge
- Transport: BTS National Stadium Station + free shuttle bus (tuk-tuk) or walk (between 5 and 10 minutes)
- Official website: Jim Thompson House
FAQ: Jim Thompson House Bangkok
What is Jim Thompson House famous for?
Jim Thompson House, a must-visit attraction in Bangkok, is famous for its stunning Thai architecture, its role in reviving Thai silk, and the mystery surrounding Jim Thompson’s disappearance.
How much is the entrance fee to Jim Thompson House?
The entry fee is 200 baht for adults (22+), 100 baht for visitors under 22, and free for children under 10.
How to get to Jim Thompson House in Bangkok?
Take the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium Station, then use the free tuk-tuk shuttle or walk 5-10 minutes.
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