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Pemikatakes a step back in time and out of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok with her visit to the Jim Thompson House…
Few could write a better tale than that of Jim Thompson. Educated as an architect, Thompson found himself in Bangkok at the end of World War II as part of an American intelligence organization. Though the war ended soon after his arrival, he decided to stay in Thailand, recognizing the potential of this new and exotic place.
With a strong passion for the hand weaving of silk, Jim Thompson devoted himself to reviving this traditional Thai craft, eventually becoming a highly gifted designer and textile colorist. However, his passion for the East did not stop with textile craft; he was also well-known for using his talents as an architect to help revive Thai-style design with the construction of a traditional teak house.
The view the quiet, lush garden from the path Jim Thompson House.
The original Jim Thompson House and outbuildings were re-constructed from all or parts of six separate old houses — some more than a hundred years old — that were brought from various parts of the country to the present location.
He opened his beautifully heritage house to the public showing precious artifacts, and his collection of Thai art with the earnings to be donated to charities and projects that preserve local cultural.
Decorative pieces in traditional Thai style.
Located across the street from the National Stadium, the Jim Thompson House is more than an homage to Thai culture; it is also peaceful place away from the busy Bangkok crowds.
A tour of the house takes about 40 minutes, but the Thai-Western restaurant offers the opportunity to relax after a day of shopping of sight seeing — there are even lockers provided so you can store your purchases.
In the 20 or so year between his arrival in Asia and his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands Thompson was credited with being instrumental in reviving the Thai silk industry, along with being one of the most famous foreigners in Asia.
Unexpectedly, Thompson disappeared during a vacation in 1967. No one knows what happened with him. It has been an ongoing mysterious and the source of much global speculation. His disappearance however, does not mean the Thai silks he worked hard to revive or his Thai house are gone with him. They are standing the reminders of his deep passion for Thailand.
How to get there: Located across from the National Stadium, The Jim Thompson House is easily accessible by BST (Skytrain).
When: 9:00 – 17:00, with the last guided tour at 17:00.
Contact information:
Jim Thompson House
6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 216-7368 Fax: (662) 612-3744… Read more »
In 2012, Journeys Within partnered with Ray of Hope for a “Culture and Conservation Tour” meant to educate first hand about the separate and shared passions of each organization. Led by regional expert, Andrea Ross (right) and marine biologist, Andrea Marshall (left), guests spent one week exploring the highlights of Myanmar and the one week diving among the manta rays and learning about their plight. Ross and Marshall’s venture raises the question, can tourism help save some of the world’s most vulnerable species?
International efforts to conserve some of the world’s largest and most fascinating underwater species got a major boost at a wildlife conference in Bangkok, Monday.
A giant manta ray swims along the Myanmar coast. Manta numbers have been on the decline as a result of unsustainable fishing practices.
Similar proposals to protect marine megafauna have failed to garner enough votes around the CITES table in the past. New support from South American and West African nations – along with a promise of cash from the EU – are the driving force to this week’s tipping point.
Some are hailing this move as a shift in paradigms; countries are now beginning to recognize that the economic value of saving these species can be greater than selling off dead individuals.
Marine Megafauna Foundation, an education, research and conservation body founded by one of the world’s foremost researchers of mantas, Dr Andrea Marshall, estimates that an individual manta ray can inject $1 million annually in tourism industry; ten times the amount that the dead animal’s much sought after gill rakers provide. Individual sharks are estimated to inject $800,000 into coastline tourism communities versus the few hundred dollars that the sharks bring in dead.
Visitors flocking to catch a glimpse at endangered animals undoubtedly brings about new problems — tourism dollars can be fickle and susceptible to trends, while animals tend to suffer under large crowds and human influences. These pressure can be predicted and mitigated in a way that protects the species.
While some may lament that these animals and the other endangered species still being discussed at CITES should be recognized for their intrinsic value — sharks are after all basically living fossils — viewing the animals as having more value alive than dead is a good start.
In some ways, developing sustainable, healthy and profitable tourism may be the only chance many of these endangered animals have.
Manta rays have faced drastic drops in populations as fishermen target the species for their gill rakers — a body part used in Chinese medicines.
“Manta rays are not a species that can afford to be exploited. [These new regulations are] desperately needed as a precautionary approach to avoid the over-exploitation of these species,” explains Marshall. “Those of us studying wild populations of manta rays are seeing first-hand substantial declines in their numbers across the globe. This is a real and pressing issue.”
A recently released paper in Marine Policy journal puts the number of sharks killed at an average of 100 million per year — or between 6 and 7 per cent of the overall populations. This practice is widely regarded as an unsustainable, leaving certain species at risk for extinction with unknown consequences to the overall ecosystem.
Should the initial decision not get overturned — the decisions could be reopened for debate at the final plenary session of the summit — governments will have to start abiding by the new restriction within 18 months. Obviously there is a long way to go from policy to action, but for many who have spent their lives working to save these magnificent beasts, this could be the moment where the tides begin to turn in their favour.
What exactly do the new protections mean?
The listing on CITES Appendix II — the classification for the protections granted this week — means that any countries exporting those animals listed would need to prove that the catches came from sustainable and legal stocks.
According to CITES, “International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.”
While wealthier countries like Australia and the U.S. can afford separate oceanic monitoring and enforcement to protect endangered populations, developing countries tend to rely on customs and regular law-enforcement. The new listing is meant to give those bodies additional powers to limit what is exported thereby helping curb the trade of endangered species.
Who is CITES?
Founded 40 years ago, the convention aims to afford varying degrees of protection to the world’s plant and animal species that are subject to international trade.
“Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.” – CITES website
According to the CITES website, there are 177 member countries from all over the globe.
Pemika from the Journeys Within Thailand office gives her take on Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, one of Bangkok’s newer museums that showcase Thai life in the area from the 1700s to present day…
Welcome to Siamese Rattanakosin Era, the fourth Thai kingdom, at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. One of the newer tourist attractions in Bangkok, the multimedia showcase is designed to give visitors a feel for Thai culture, history, and religion using amazing, interactive multimedia.
Guests start with “The Colorful Thai Way of Living Hall” to see how Thai riverside lifestyle evolve from simpler times to a more modern lifestyle.
A traditional Thai village at work.
Thailand has many rivers and canals, and traditionally houses were set up alongside the river. This exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into how this water was used, past to present; from taking water for washing clothes and showering to traveling by boat — floating market are very popular – and catching fish and prawn to eat.
After talking about life on the riverside, guests are invited to take a trip down the “river” in their own “boat”. Life along the river is animated on a multimedia screen while guests take their seat small cart, whose movements simulate that of a boats.
View from the “boat” that takes you on a tour of river-side life.
Thai life is so simple and based on nature, this section helped show how the river is very important to my people. Even as Thais become more modernized – we now have roads and travel by cars – our connection to the water remains.
After the trip down the 3-D river, the screen then changes into the old city with the first road in Thailand while the seated voyage continues on as a faux-tram.
Next take in “The Heart and Soul of the Nation Hall” which illustrates the royal stories of 9 Kings of the Chakri Dynasty who bestowed great mercy one their people. Here you can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some royal ceremonies and traditions.
The two-hour tour ends with “Grandeur Rattanakosin Hall” which gives a historical account of the construction of Royal Palace, Bangkok and surrounding temples. I was impressed by the light and sound performance of this exhibit; definitely worth seeing.
Ever wonder how all the traditional hand-made goods you see scattered around Bangkok are made? The museum uses multi-touch screens to give a glimpse of those Thai handicrafts that originate from the 12 communities of Rattanakosin Island.
Architecture buffs will come to appreciate those styles – Chinese and Western – that influenced Thai buildings over time. They will also get a look at the heritage and design of some of the area’s most notable projects like Wat Prakaew and the Grand Palace. Not to mention the great view of current day buildings from a viewing area on the third floor.
The view from the 3rd floor of the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall. From here you can see the temple of metal castle at Ratchanadda Temple.
The exhibition hall has two routes; you can choose either one or do both, with each route taking about two hours. Just don’t forget to have a bite to eat before heading in!
It should also be noted that the exhibit is not entirely wheelchair friendly; the ground is uneven and has slopes built to fit with Thai theme. The tour is also not provided in English, though there are audio guides for rental. This presents a great opportunity to take your private guide along and have them answer any questions you may have.
The museum is located in Rattanakosin Island and can be combined with other nearby tourist attractions such as Wat Prakaew, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho. And while some visitors may come to take in the puppet shows and traditional dancing, which are not to be missed, most will leave with a better overall understanding of the area and its history.
Why not let us design your days in Bangkok with the added Siamese experience?
Please let me share my first experience watching one of the most wonderful royal ceremonies of Thailand – the “Royal Krathin Ceremony” or “ Royal Barge Procession.” It is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has taken place for nearly 700 years. It is also the 16th occurrence during King Bhumiphol Adulyadej (Rama IX)’s reign.
You may be wondering what Krathin is? It’s a Buddhist festival which comes at the end of Buddhist Lent (the three-month rainy season retreat for Theravada Buddhists), and it involves honoring the monks over a month long period by presenting them with Krathin robes (a monk’s robe). It also earns the earns merit to the bearers of the gifts by showing their support.
I popped into the restaurant by Chao Phraya River opposite the landmark temple Wat Arun to observe this event. This year His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided the Royal Barge on behalf of His majesty the King, proceeding to Wat Arun to give merit. These barges are manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession navigates down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place, taking in the historical sites of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and Wat Po, ending at Wat Arun.
I was delighted when the procession stopped within my view. The craftsman paddled the calm water to steady the barges, while the leader sang a poem right in front of us. This was an absolutely magical sight. I am so proud that Thailand has such a rich culture and a tradition of doing this for 700 years. I am proud to be a part of Thailand and its history in the making.
