The nice thing about Bangkok hotels on the Chao Phraya River is that their boats take you places, most importantly, Central Pier (Sathorn), where you can walk to the Saphan Taksin station for the air conditioned BTS Skytrain close by. Our hotel boat was running about every 20 minutes so we had time to check out the hotel’s Spirit House.

Vaughan and Owen loved this mode of transportation.

After the boat ride, the Skytrain, and a short walk we came to the Jim Thompson House Museum. Marla and I have visited a number of times over the years and most recently with our oldest grandsons in 2019, and even a couple of trips with clients. I simply love this historic house/museum/ gallery and find it a place of wonder. After paying a small fee you schedule a tour time with an English speaking guide.

The story of Jim Thompson slowly enfolds as the tour commences. It is easy to be entranced with his unique home constructed from numerous Northern Thai buildings, his sense of style, and his Asian art collection. You learn why he came to Bangkok as a member of the OSS (a predecessor to the C.I.A) in 1945, and how he eventually created the Jim Thompson Silk Company. I have 2 fascinating videos on his life and legend later in this post.

A serene Spirit House on the museum property.

Our tour begins. A beautiful wood printing block hangs on the wall.

Owen, Vaughan, and Marla head upstairs.

Fascinating details are everywhere.

His dining room. There was no air conditioning or coverings on the open windows per Jim Thompson’s request.

Our group listens to the guide.

I am passionate about Asian art and furniture and loved all the beautiful objects and details of what he collected..

The settee is accessorized with gorgeous Jim Thompson silk pillows.

He designed tall ceilings in the home wherever possible.

The living room was often the center of many parties and special events. During his lifetime in Bangkok his home was a magnet for important politicians (including Ted Kennedy), business leaders, and movie stars from around the world.

Jim Thompson’s bed.

Another bedroom.

A look at the gardens below.

Jim Thompson, The Thai Silk King, is a wonderful story. The site he chose to build his home is on Klong Mahanag (San Saeb) and across from the Cham weavers of Ban Khrua. They became the source for his gorgeous Thai silk and the inspirations for the beginning of the “Thai Silk Co. Ltd.”

Jim Thompson inspecting silk from a Cham weaver near his house.

Jim Thompson shows Queen Sirikit of Thailand one of his silk creations.

He was quite the showman for silk and his company.

Thompson disappeared from Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands while going for a walk on Sunday, 26 March 1967. Prior to his disappearance, he left Bangkok to spend a day in Penang with Mrs. Constance “Connie” Mangskau, his long-time acquaintance. On Friday, 24 March, they headed for the Highlands to holiday at the “Moonlight” bungalow (now the Jim Thompson cottage). Their hosts were Dr. Ling Tien Gi, a Singaporean-Chinese chemist, and Mrs. Helen Ling (née Dalling), his Caucasian American-born wife. No trace of him was ever found!

“JIM THOMPSON – THE MAN & THE LEGEND PART 2”

After Jim’s disappearance the silk company continued to grow. During the last six decades the company has established prominence in the home furnishing industry internationally thanks to individuals like Jack Lenor Larsen, and many other great designers.

Marla even peeked in the window of the Jim Thompson Silk showroom in Paris last summer.

Their retail gallery is amazingly colorful.

I loved the colors and style of the outfit on the left.

Marla and Vaughan are loving the showroom.

And then this happened…Vaughan said…“Papa,…what do you think of this silk shirt?” This is a guy who wears athletic attire about 110% of the time. He looked great in it, and we had to purchase it for him!

You leave the retail showroom by walking on a glass bridge over a Koi pond. This was a new addition since our 2019 visit.

Colorful Koi.

Stay tuned for more adventures.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Jim Thompson Museum. Not to be used without permission.