Thai culture always interests tourists due to its simplicity. Yet it i5 full of beauty, making it even more interesting for visitors from all over the world. Thai culture i5 reflected in traditions and lifestyles which arc visible anywhere within the kingdom.
Culture dissemination helps foreigners to better understand the identity of regions in Thailand; the people's lifestyles and the way cultural beliefs have been passed down through generations. It also
shows how people seek to entertain themselves .
Bangkok is the centre for culture dissemination, housing all the various institutes that you can visit around the city.
 Jim Thompson's Thai House
This remarkable Thai-style house, was the work of Mr.Jim Thompson an American who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and revived the silk industry, His later
disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson's collection of
Asian artifacts, such as blue-white Chinaware; Cambodian stone figures; Bencharong (a multicoloured porcelain made in China); wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques. Jim Thompson's House is open every day from 09:00 to 16:30 hours and admission is 100 baht. Volunteer guides are on hand to explain the collection to visitors.
 Ban Kamthiang
Ban Kamthiang is an old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200years ago, that was donated to the Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house, which is at 131 Soi Asok (Soi 21) Sukhumvit Road. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen.
It is open daily, except Sundays and public holidays, from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. An admission fee of 50 baht is charged to help maintain the property and grounds.
 Narayanaphand
This is a handicraft centre, under government supervision, located on Ratchadamri Road. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available include Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquersware, bronze objects and Khon masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 hours.
Goethe Institue
Located at 18/1 Soi 1, Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok, the Goethe Institute is one of the 136 branches of German Cultural Institutes.
The main activities of the institute are to promote the German language and disseminate its culture while participating in cultural co-operation between Thailand and the Federal Republic of Germany.
It also holds art exhibitions, theatres, motion pictures and video shows. For further information on the institute's activities and programmes you are invited to call 287-0942.
 Ascient Mon pottery House or Kwan Aman
his house is located in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Pak Kret has been a settlement location of the Mon community for over two centuries. People in the area have maintained their culture and simple lifestyle, making a living out of their homespun pottery industry. They produce pots for various purposes including water jars and howls. You can reach this place overland or by river.
 The National Art Gallery
Located opposite the National Theatre, Chao Fa Road, Krung Thon Bridge, Bangkok, the National Art Gallery exhibits works produced by Thai and some foreign artists.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Thursday between 09:00 and 16:00 hours, and closed on Mondays, Fridays and public holidays. For information, call 281-2224.
Bangkok Gallery
The Bangkok Gallery can be found at Sukhumvit Soi 20, Khlong Toei and is run by Thai artist Hongjorn Sanehngarmcharoen. The galley exhibits works of Thai artists and is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 hours.
 Carpetucm Gallery
This gallery is at 806/2 Sukhumvit Soi 55, close to the Thong Lo Police Station, Bangkok and exhibits works by established and new Asian artists. For information on programmes please call 662-7140.
 Neilson Hays Library
The Neilson Hays Library is at 195 Surawong Road,Bangkok. The institute holds English technical dissemination, as well as English culture and joint Thai-English culture, plus activi- ties to promote relations between the two countries. For information on the programme please call 233-1731.
|
