Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
The legendary Jim Thompson, former intelligence operative for the U.S. and Thai silk merchant, disappeared on Easter Sunday, 1967, without a trace. He was vacationing in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, left the house for an afternoon walk and was never found. The Highlands, among the tea plantations, have been a favorite holiday destination for the wealthy of Bangkok. It is relatively near the city and offers cool respite from the city's heat and humidity.
There are many theories about his disappearance ranging from eaten by a tiger, to abducted because he was on clandestine mission to contact the Malaysian Communist insurgency. He left behind a beautiful home in Bangkok, built of teak in a traditional Thai style, filled with a fabulous collection of art. On a previous trip I visited it. It's on a canal, one of many in Bangkok and thus Bangkok has been called "the Venice of the east." (A small digression here: I teach at the school at Wat Klang...Wat means temple and Klang means canal, thus I teach at 'the temple on the canal.')
Much of Thompson's fame came from his interest in Thai silk. In the early 1960's silk production in Thailand had languished. He recognized the value and beauty of silk and began actively marketing it through his 'Jim Thompson Silk Company'. He is credited with reviving the silk industry of Thailand. His company is thriving and today is one of the major commercial entities of Thailand.
Yesterday I visited the Bangkok store (see pictures) which is near my guesthouse. It's five stories of teak and marble with beautiful silks exquisitely displayed. Quite different from my usual habitat of Fleet Farm. It's worth a visit just to see the beauty of the building and all the gorgeous silk; bedspreads, tablecloths, napkins, dresses, ties, clothing and more. The staff, all dressed in silk, are discretely present and helpful, speak English well, but are not pushy.
Blessings,
Al
There are many theories about his disappearance ranging from eaten by a tiger, to abducted because he was on clandestine mission to contact the Malaysian Communist insurgency. He left behind a beautiful home in Bangkok, built of teak in a traditional Thai style, filled with a fabulous collection of art. On a previous trip I visited it. It's on a canal, one of many in Bangkok and thus Bangkok has been called "the Venice of the east." (A small digression here: I teach at the school at Wat Klang...Wat means temple and Klang means canal, thus I teach at 'the temple on the canal.')
Much of Thompson's fame came from his interest in Thai silk. In the early 1960's silk production in Thailand had languished. He recognized the value and beauty of silk and began actively marketing it through his 'Jim Thompson Silk Company'. He is credited with reviving the silk industry of Thailand. His company is thriving and today is one of the major commercial entities of Thailand.
Yesterday I visited the Bangkok store (see pictures) which is near my guesthouse. It's five stories of teak and marble with beautiful silks exquisitely displayed. Quite different from my usual habitat of Fleet Farm. It's worth a visit just to see the beauty of the building and all the gorgeous silk; bedspreads, tablecloths, napkins, dresses, ties, clothing and more. The staff, all dressed in silk, are discretely present and helpful, speak English well, but are not pushy.
Blessings,
Al
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