A man goes to evening walk never to be returned again. Poof. Just disappeared from the face of the earth. A lot of conspiracy theories ensued as it always happens. This part intrigued us to visit the above-mentioned man's house in Bangkok, now converted into a museum.
After a taxing shopping in Chatuchak Weekend Market there was one thing to do before we could call it a day. From Silom station using skytrain (BTS) we got down in national stadium station. After asking a few people we reached the Jim Thompson House which is just 5 minutes walk from the station.
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| Silk Weaving |
An American born in Greenville, Delaware Jim Thompson is an architect by profession. During World War II he enrolled himself in the army. However, he didn't participate in any war because it ended soon enough. He was posted in Europe as well as Asia. As a military officer he visited Bangkok and fell in love with the city. After retiring from the service he decided to call Bangkok his home.
He took interest in hand weaving silk, a long forgotten industry. Coming up with new ideas to revive the craft was easy for him being a textile colorist and a designer. It was during his time that the Thai silk got international recognition. And he clearly made a lot of fortune in this business.
He built his house containing six teak buildings in the traditional Thai architecture. The dismantable teak parts were at least two centuries old, purchased and brought to the present site from different parts of Thailand. The houses were elevated to full story above the ground, a practical Thai precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy season. The fired roof tiles are the original Ayuthaya design many centuries ago, which is uncommon these days. A typical Mangalore tiles we would say. The brick red paint on the outside walls is a preservative often found on many old Thai buildings. All the traditional and religious rituals were followed while constructing the house. And on an auspicious day in spring 1959 Jim Thompson moved into the house as per astrological norm. Though a traditional Thai house all the modern amenities like electricity and plumbing are taken care of.
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| Canal |
Drawing room and kitchen were the center of attractions. It is said even the chandeliers belong to 18th and 19th century from Bangkok palaces. Being an avid artifact collector Jim gathered many beautiful antiques from far and wide. The collection mainly consists of sculptures, Asian paintings, porcelains, and other small collectible items. The house and art collection draw huge attention, so Jim decided to open his home to the public for a nominal fee.
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| Porcelain Collections |
One could see a traditional Thai spirit house here. It is Thai belief that a resident spirit can play a major role in the fortune and destiny of the inhabitants of the compound. Hence the location of spirit house is very important. Usually the house is found in eastern, northern, or northeast corner of the compound.
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| Spirit House |
A newly married Indian couple were part of this guided tour as well. The over enthusiastic wife couldn't contain gushing about her new found knowledge while harangued husband looked as if he wanted to be anywhere but here. They entertained us or rather she did with her antics outside the house where we sat to reminisce. Oh! The pleasure of watching homo sapiens.
Tips:
Address: Opposite The National Stadium
6 Soi Kaseman 2, Rama 1 Road
Bangkok 10330
Open Everyday-9:00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Last guided Tour: 5:00 p.m.
Admission: 150 Baht
Getting There: Can be reached by car, taxi, tuk tuk, and sky train (BTS)
Photography is not allowed inside the house
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