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BANGKOK - JIM THOMPSON'S HOUSE |
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Jim Thompson was an American who was born in Greenville, Delaware, in
1906. A practicing architect prior to World War II, he volunteered for
service in the U.S. Army, campaigned in Europe, and came to Asia as part
of the force that planned to liberate Thailand. However, the war ended
before the operation. He arrived in Bangkok a short time later as a
military intelligence officer attached to the O.S.S. After leaving the
service, he decided to return and live in Thailand permanently.
The hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry, captured Jim Thompson's attention, and he devoted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colourist, he contributed substantially to the industry's growth and to the worldwide recognition accorded to Thai silk. He gained further renown through the construction of his house combining six teak buildings which represented the best of traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses were at least two centuries old and were easily dismantled and brought to the present site, some from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya.
In his quest for authenticity, Jim Thompson adhered to the customs of the early builders in most respects. The houses were elevated a full story above the ground, a practical Thai precaution to avoid flooding during the rainy season, and the roof tiles were fired in Ayutthaya employing a design common centuries ago but rarely used today. The red paint on the outside walls is a preservative commonly found on many old Thai buildings. The chandeliers were electrified as a concession to modern convenience, but even they belong to a past era, having come from 18th and 19th century Bangkok palaces.
All the traditional religious procedures were followed during construction of the house, and on a date in the spring of 1959, decreed as being auspicious by astrologers, Jim Thompson moved in. The house and the art collection soon became such a point of interest that he decided to open it to the public with proceeds donated to Thai charities and to projects directed at the preservation of Thailand's rich cultural heritage. On March 27th 1967, Jim Thompson disappeared while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Not a single valid clue has turned up in the ensuing years as to what might have happened to him. His famous Thai house, however, remains as a lasting reminder of his creative ability and his deep love of Thailand.
WARNING: Do not believe anyone you meet who might say to you that Jim Thompson's House is closed. This is a common trick to get you to go with them to another "tourist attraction" and then ending up in a gem store. It is a con, be careful. ( CLICK HERE )
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