A Story of Jim Thompson’s love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage
One of the most vibrant and exciting cities of Southeast Asia is the capital city of Thailand; Bangkok. Located in Central Thailand, this bustling metropolis is the country’s most popular and urban city, and is also one of the region’s hottest tourist destinations. The city is known for its rich culture, thriving shopping & commercial districts, street food and markets, wild nightlife and many leisure attractions, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. For a comfortable stay in a luxury resort Bangkok make a reservation at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa.
Many western folk have been mesmerized by the exoticism and spirituality of Southeast Asian culture, art and heritage. But one whose bond with Southeast Asia was stronger than any other was the legendary Jim Thompson. An American by birth, Jim Thompson decided to start a life in Thailand after being discharged from the military in 1946, and thus began his “love affair” with Southeast Asian culture and heritage. Unknown to many people, Thompson built his own residence which included traditional Thai teak wood houses and filled his compound with a range of Southeast Asian pieces of art and other artefacts he collected over the years. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in the forests of Malaysia in 1967, and it was only after he was declared missing that the world got to know of what Jim Thompson had built.
The Jim Thompson House is considered to be one of the most beautiful Thai residences in existence today. Comprising six authentic traditional Thai teakwood houses built and transported from Ayutthaya, the residence is so aesthetically pleasing that locals themselves are amazed at what Jim Thompson created with the elements of their culture and heritage. The house is beautifully decorated with old Buddha statues, intricate wall hangings, paintings, antique Mahjong tables, and many other rare items. Thus, to witness the legacy of Jim Thompson; the man who fell in love with Southeast Asia, pay a visit to the Jim Thompson House.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
