The Place All Expatriates Should Visit: Bangkok's Jim Thompson House and Museum

Every expatriate, no matter from where, should visit this place. Thompson was an American who first came to Southeast Asia during World War II as a member of the Office of Special Services (or OSS, a forerunner to the Central Intelligence Agency), and is credited with restarting the Thai silk industry. He “built” the house – more connected existing houses on the property – in 1958-59, and lived there for about a decade, before he vanished without a trace in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands during a walk in 1968.

The reason every expat should visit is because we should all aspire to live this way: in a grand home built in the classic style of our adopted country. Jim knew how to live and his parties at the house were legendary. After his disappearance, his household staff continued to prepare dinner for him each night, hoping that he would suddenly reappear, hungry but happy to be home. Sadly, that never happened, and the house is in the care of one of Thailand’s princesses. It’s free to visit but travelers must join an organized tour.

Jim Thompson House and Museum, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok. +66 2612 3601.Open daily 10am to 5 pm.

More on Thursday. One road flat safe.

Photo: Wikimedia