An early partner in the Oriental Hotel, Jim Thompson. an American serving here, decided to devote his energies to develop a thriving Thai silk industry. Due to his effbns, Thai silk is now famous the world over and justly renowned for its quality, colours and patterning. Thompson, trained as an architect and gardener, also built a fine collection of traditional Thai houses, fashioned into one dwelling where he lived (luring his lifetime. He died tragically early, but the house remains, preserved as a museum, and contains a priceless collection of Asian objets d'art. The museum is located centrally at Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road and accessible by taxi and the skytrain. Entry is 100 baht and the museum is open Monday to Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.