What is the Jim Thompson House Museum in Bangkok? 

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is a destination that welcomes travellers throughout the year. As keen visitors to this fascinating city, it is unsurprising for them to be interested in exploring the intriguing Jim Thompson House, a Museum in Central Bangkok considered among the best things to do in Bangkok. Discover many interesting facts about this museum, its creator Jim Thompson and the trivia associated with this enchanting place.

Jim Thompson House

Situated on Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium in Central Bangkok Jim Thompson House is a beautiful and palatial one built in traditional Thai style. This house was home to the Asian Art collection of the Late James Thompson, an American Businessman and architect as well as his abode in Bangkok. 

Creating this beautiful home in 1959 was the culmination of tireless effort, imagination and passion of the late owner Jim. He bought 6 different Thai houses from the old Thai capital Ayutthaya and shipped important parts to Bangkok. Thereafter using his architectural know-how and skills he created the beautiful structure you witness today. This entire structure does not have nails, which is remarkable. You will note while traditional Thai features stand out catching the attention of visitors there are Western touches as well such as in the bathrooms and toilets when you explore the house. They are not seen in regular Thai houses. The entire house is surrounded by a lush garden enabling visitors to have a very pleasant and relaxing time here.

Late Jim Thompson

Born James Harrison Wilson Thompson in 1906, in Delaware USA, Jim’s parents were into textile manufacturing and were quite successful in the industry. He graduated from Princeton University and commenced his career in architecture. However, during the Second World War, he was enlisted in the army and was later stationed in Thailand as an Overseas Strategic Service (OSS) Officer. 

Once the war ended, he stayed in Thailand to work on a new and different business plan. The Thai silk industry was on a declining status and Jim with his parents' background in textile manufacturing realized the great potential of Thai silks in the USA. He went to the roots of the local industry by tracking where the best silk weaving originated and set up businesses around the areas where the best weavers were making silks. By letting them work in their surroundings he managed to revive the industry by 1947 whilst working directly with the elite fashion houses of New York City. Orders started coming in fast. Back in Bangkok, the local artisans were thrilled to have their work valued and be compensated better. Jim became a wealthy man in Bangkok known as the Thai Silk King.  In the year 1967, he disappeared while on a trip to the Malaysian Highlands and is presumed dead.

Emergence of Jim Thompson Museum 

As a wealthy businessman, Jim accumulated artwork, antiques and religious artefacts for several years with some of the items dating a century or more. Therefore, in 1958 he decided to build a house to have his collection of items acquired in Southeast Asia displayed to give them prominence and visibility.

After building his house in 1959 (the present Museum), the accumulated pieces were given their pride of place around the house. The house is open to the public for tours and visits, making it a museum. This was possible due to the magnanimity of his family who donated it to Thailand as it is an iconic symbol of Bangkok.

Today these lovingly collected and well-preserved pieces bring nostalgia and a sense of value to many locals and visitors who come to this museum. This location is a mere 15-minute ride on the BTS Skytrain for visitors using hotels such as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

Operating Hours of the Museum

Opening Hours – Daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Charges -  200THB for adults over 21 yrs, 100THB for 10 - under 21 yrs, and Free for under 10 yrs old 

No reservations are required.

Guides (proficient in Chinese, English, Thai, French and Japanese) are available at the site.