Museum converted from traditional Thai-styled house of James H.W. Thompson, founder of The Thai Silk Company or commonly known as Jim Thompson Silk. Mr Thompson played a prominent role in revitalization of Thai silk industry. During his relocation to Bangkok, he began collecting Southeast Asian arts and antiques, amassing a large collection of Buddhist statues, paintings, woodworks, earthenwares, stone images, and furnitures. His collection also extends to Chinese blue-and-white Ming pieces, as well as Belgian glasses and Victorian-era chandeliers, all of which are currently displayed in the museum.