The history behind Jim Thompson’s House is as interesting as it is mysterious. Jim Thompson was an American architect who served in the US army in Europe before coming to Asia as part of the American forces dedicated to restoring Thailand’s independence at the end of World War II.
Arriving in Bangkok as a military intelligence officer he fell in love with Thailand and settled here. The Museum you see today is actually his former home constructed with six teak buildings that he felt best represented traditional Thai architecture.
During his time in Thailand, Jim Thompson dedicated his life to reviving the craft of Thai silk weaving. He is largely credited with the promotion of Thai silk to its position today as a premier product all over the world.
Today his house is filled with all the treasures he collected during his time in Thailand, making for nice little trip off the beaten path.
Jim Thompson himself was a man of mystery as well, with many rumours during his time spreading that he was an American spy. All this culminated on March 27 1967 when Thompson disappeared while visiting the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.
No clues have surfaced since that day and it is still a mystery as to what ever happened to him.
His beloved house however survives and in 1976 it was established as the headquarters for the James H.W. Thompson Foundation with the commitment of preserving Thailand’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Road, Bangkok. Tel: +66 0 2216 7368. Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily. Prices: 100B.
Not very big in size, but huge in reputation, the Erawan Shrine is one of the most-visited spots in Bangkok.
The shrine was built in 1955 after the Erawan hotel’s founder was told that the moment of laying the foundation stone of his hotel was not very auspicious.
According to the astrology expert, a shrine had to be erected on this spot to make up for this time-management blunder. Today when you visit, you’ll notice the main image is a four-headed Buddha made of plaster and covered in gold leaf.
This is one temple that devotees swear is one of the most powerful around for granting wishes.
Address: Ratchadamri Road (next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan). Getting there: Ratchadamri Skytrain Station.
Not very big in size, but huge in reputation, the Erawan Shrine is one of the most-visited spots in Bangkok. 