Jim Thompson was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He went to Princeton and studied architecture. During WWII, he joined the U.S.Army and served in Europe and later Asia. He was sent to Bangkok as a military officier and fell in love with Thailand. After leaving the service, he returned to Bangkok to live here permanently.

He had planned to get his masters in Architecture, but failed Calculus twice, so pursued and discovered other passions. Silk hand weaving, a long neglected cottage industry, captured his interest and he devouted himself to reviving the craft. Highly gifted as a designer and textile colorist, he contributed substantially to the industries growth and worldwide recognition for Thai silk. His silks were used as costumes in the famed Broadway play - The King and I.

He constructed his own home by combining six teak buildings, most were 200+ years old and he had them dismantled and brought to the site. Some came from across the river and others as far away as the old capital of Ayudya. In his quest for authenticity, he used the customs of early builders. He raised the houses a full story above ground to avoid flooding. The roof tiles were custom made using an old process and the whole exterior painted red, with a special preservative. He added an interior stairwell and bought marble tiles floors and chandelirs from old palaces.

He also embraced Thai customs for religious rituals and astrology. His astrological reading told him the Spring of 1959, would be an auspicious time to move into his house, which he did. That same astrology reading, also predicted his death at the age of 61.

Jim also amassed a large antique collection, particularly with pieces that were slightly damaged, as he was determined to keep them out of the hands smugglers. He found ways to incorporate them and showcase them throughout his home.

Always an avid traveler, Jim was on a trip to the Cameron Jungle in Malaysia with friends, on March 26th,1967 when he went for an afternoon walk into the Jungle alone and never returned! Not a single, valid clue in his disappearance, has never emerged, in all the years since.

His Will left the business to his nephew, who sold it off to the shareholders and it is still a thriving business today. His home was made into a museum and gifted to Thailand and remains as a lasting reminder of his creative ability and deep love of Thailand.

Below is a fraction of his art collection.