Jim Thompson’s House

The Jim Thompson House is the home of James H.W. Thompson who came to Thailand as an officer in the US Forces during World War II, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.

Thompson disappeared under mysterious circumstances whilst on a walk in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967. Many theories have been put forward to explain his disappearance but the truth remains a mystery. Suggestions of a conspiracy involving his CIA connections have been proposed in explanation, but so too have jungle tigers, heart attacks and Communist insurgents. He just was leaving behind for this house of historical value as his memorial in Thailand.

Jim Thompson, this remarkable house-cum-museum accommodates Thompson’s vast collection of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region. Notable items include priceless examples of blue and white Ming porcelain and 19th century Vessantara Jataka paintings, which cover the walls of the rooms. Don’t miss the headless Buddha figure in the garden, which dates from the 6th century. This early Dvaravati image is one of the oldest surviving Buddha statues in the world.