Bangkok Expat Adventure: Jim Thompson House Museum

The Bangkok Expat Adventure Club by J.C. Ryan presents Jim Thompson House Museum. This is a group of expats and locals who prefer to go see things together.

When and Where

• Date: Sunday, January 25
• Time: 2:00 pm (meet at 1:45 pm to sort tickets)
• Meeting point: In front of the main entrance to Jim Thompson House Museum (near National Stadium BTS)

If you have not purchased your ticket online yet, please arrive at 1:45 pm so you have time to buy it on-site before we enter. Online tickets can be purchased at the official website:
https://jimthompsonhouse.org/

What we are doing:
We will explore the Jim Thompson House Museum together, a beautifully preserved traditional Thai teakwood home that once belonged to Jim Thompson, the American entrepreneur who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry. The house is now a museum filled with Southeast Asian art, antiques, and textiles, surrounded by lush gardens and koi ponds that feel like a peaceful oasis in the middle of Bangkok.

Our visit will likely include:

• A guided tour (depending on group size) of the house, where you hear the story of Jim Thompson’s life, his role in making Thai silk famous, and the mystery of his disappearance in 1967.
• Time to wander the grounds, enjoy the gardens, and check out the art and architecture up close.
• Optional stop afterward at the on-site cafe/bar or a nearby spot for drinks or snacks, depending on the group’s mood.

Why this is a great first adventure

• It is an iconic Bangkok experience that many residents weirdly never get around to doing, making it ideal for expats who want to know the city more deeply.
• The house and gardens are compact but rich with details, so there is plenty to talk about without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
• The combination of art, architecture, history, and a bit of mystery (his unsolved disappearance) gives everyone something to connect with, whether you are into culture, design, or storytelling.

Money and logistics:

• Everyone pays their own way for museum tickets, drinks, and any food or transport before or after the event.
• Ticket prices and online booking are available on the official site: https://jimthompsonhouse.org/
• As always in Bangkok, it is a good idea to bring a bit of cash in case any nearby vendors or spots we visit afterward are cash or scan only.

Come along if you want a relaxed, cultural Sunday afternoon with other expats, exploring one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric houses instead of staring at four condo walls.