History
James Harrison Wilson Thompson, an American architect born in 1906, first came to Thailand with the US Army towards the end of World War II. After leaving military service, he decided to make Bangkok his permanent home. He became fascinated with the hand weaving of silk and recognized the potential of developing an international market for Thai silk. In 1951, The Thai Silk Company was founded and it has become the leading exporter of Thai silk that soon became renowned worldwide. For his contribution to the development of the Thai silk industry, Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant in 1962.
Jim Thompson became fascinated with Southeast Asian art and architecture and began to assemble a fine collection of antiques. In 1958-59, he reassembled six old Thai houses on a property across the Cham village that wove his silk. He proudly displayed his beautifully arranged collection of old Thai paintings, Buddhist culture, Chinese porcelain and other objets d’art in his new home, the now famous House on the Klong. Women volunteers gave guided tours of his house a few mornings a week. The proceeds were donated to charity.
On March 27, 1967, Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared while staying with friends in the Cameron Highlands, a Malaysian hill resort. Seven years later, he was declared legally dead, and his estate was left to his nephew, Henry B. Thompson III. In keeping his uncle’s intention to have his art collection remain in Thailand, his heir graciously donated the house and his antiques to the James H.W. Thompson Foundation.
Administration of the Foundation
In 1975, the Court-appointed administrator for the property of Jim Thompson received permission from government ministries of the Kingdom of Thailand to legally establish The James H.W. Thompson Foundation. Accordingly, the property was vested in the Foundation, and the house and art collection are now officially registered as a national museum. By virtue of the dictates of its charter and the abiding interests of Jim Thompson, the Foundation operates under the supervision of a seven-member Board of Trustees, and has the following objectives:
- To open the house of James H.W. Thompson as an art museum for the interest and enjoyment of the general public in order to enhance the understanding of Thai art and culture.
- To promote activities related to Thai arts and culture for the benefit of Thailand.
- To acquire, from time to time, by donation or purchase additional artefacts or properties as deemed appropriate.
Board of Trustees
Past Presidents
H.S.H. Prince Ajavadis Diskul, 1975 – 1977
H.S.H Prince Subhadradis Diskul, 1977 – 1999
Professor William J. Klausner, 1999 – 2009
Board of Trustees
Vudthi Nathamethikul
Pinaree Sanpitak
Pawapun Bunnag Booth
Punthumadee Katawandee
Rachaporn Choochuey
Devid Teh
Philosophy and Objectives
The James H. W. Thompson Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and dissemination of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Through its support of research, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and publications, the Foundation has endeavored to create a better understanding and appreciation of such traditional Thai art forms as sculpture, painting, literature, dance, song, puppetry and textiles. It is this cultural patrimony which is at the core of Thai identity.
However, Thai identity, and the culture which imbues it, are dynamic, not static. They are constantly evolving. Articulating and extolling the past and its traditions should not be at the expense of appreciating and encouraging those emergent forms of cultural expression which find their inspiration, but not their limits, in the bedrock of traditional culture. Similarly, embracing change and innovation in Thai art forms should not entail a rejection or denial of the value of Thailand’s cultural past. It has been said that “the past is the best prophet of the future.” However, the past and its traditions should not control the future but rather provide a guide to the roots and meaning, the shape and pace of change.
Jim Thompson, in creating an international market for Thai silk, appreciated the value of the past while embracing the creative energy of innovative change. The James H. W. Thompson Foundation, established in his name and infused with and fortified by his love for Thailand and its arts, will continue to both cherish the past and welcome the future.
Professor William J. Klausner, 1999 – 2009.
Activities
As a non-profit organization, the Foundation relies entirely on its own funding to carry out its activities.
Jim Thompson House Museum
The Foundation operates the Jim Thompson House Museum, one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions. In recent years, the Foundation has slightly rearranged the collection and rooms in the house in the interest of security and convenience of visitors. However, the Foundation has maintained a general policy of not selling, and, thus, the collection owned by Jim Thompson has remained virtually intact. Two small buildings, formerly servants’ quarters, have been turned into additional museum display space.
The Jim Thompson Art Center
The mission of the Art Center is to nurture artistic activities and create public awareness of contemporary arts within social historical context. Among its many activities, the Art Center organizes exhibitions, conducts educational programs, produces publications, and networks and collaborates with local and international cultural institutions.
The Jim Thompson Farm
Our agricultural tourism destination harmonizes local Isan culture with a link to Jim Thompson’s silk production. Beyond providing entertainment, we aim to immerse visitors in nature and Isan’s unique culture. Simultaneously, our mission is to share the intrinsic value of the Isan way of life and reconnect younger generations with their vibrant cultural roots, fostering pride in their heritage.
The William Warren Library
The library is named after William Warren, who is the author of many books including The Unsolved Mystery, the biography of Jim Thompson. Visitors can access our services free of charge. There is no entrance fee and no membership is required. Simply store your belongings in the lockers located in front of the library and you can start using our services immediately. However, if you wish to borrow books, you must register as a member.
Other Activities
Support of The Siam Society Lecture Series
The Foundation has supported a series of lectures at The Siam Society over several years. It has also contributed to publications related to Thai history and culture, as well as supported museums in organizing exhibitions of Southeast Asian arts and launching books related to Thai and Southeast Asian studies.
Friends of Ancient Champa Society
The Foundation has made contributions to La Société des Amis du Champa Ancien (Friends of Ancient Champa Society) to promote a better understanding of Ancient Champa—an Indianized civilization that once thrived along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula.