Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American that first came to Thailand after WWII while with the OSS, the precursor to the CIA.  He fell in love with Bangkok and moved here in the 50's.  He is credited with growing the Thai silk industry and making it what it is today.  In 1967 he was visiting friends in Malaysia, went for a walk and was never seen or heard from again.

Jim Thompson

Some think he purposely disappeared and re-joined the CIA.  Others think that he could have been bitten by a snake or attacked by an animal.  The area he was walking through was known for wild animal attacks.  More likely than not Jim Thompson met his demise in the jaws of a tiger or the fangs of a poisonous snake.

His house stands as it did when he left it.  It's a neat tour of a traditional Thai house.  He was huge into eastern art so there's a ton of antiquities from Southeast Asia on display at his home.

Jim Thompson's House

Frankly, I never heard of the guy until we arrived but he's a big thing here.  He's nephew inherited the house.  Saw the marketing potential and expanded on the myth of Jim Thompson.  Aside from the house and museum there are shops throughout Bangkok that sell all sort of Jim Thompson goods.  From silk to leather to snacks.