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Thai culture always interests tourists due to its simplicity. Yet it is full of beauty, making it even more interesting for visitors from all over the world. Thai culture is reflected in traditions and lifestyles which are 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 Thanon Rama I.

On permanent display are Mr. Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts, such as blue-white Chinaware; Cambodian stone figures; Bencharong (a multicoulured 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 fee 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 200 years 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) Thanon Sukhumvit. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen.

It is open daily, except Sundays and public hoidays, 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 Thanon Ratchadamri. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available include Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquerware, bronze objects and Khon masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 hours.

Goethe Institute
Located at 18/1 Soi 1, Thanon Sathon Tai, 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.

Ancient Mon Pottery House or Kwan Aman
This 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 bowls. You can reach this place overland or by river.

Saeng Arun Cultural Center
Located on Thanon Sathon Nua, Bang Rak, Bangkok, the centre organises various fields of Thai ways of living. For further information call 237-0090 ext. 801-5.

Art Galleries
Art is the beauty of lines, colours and spaces. Thai art has its value, beauty and identity in painting, sculpture and other visual arts. They reflect Thai society from past eras. Thai art has been developed in Bangkok which is the centre from where you can appreciate the works of Thai artists. The city also serves as an international cultural exchange centre.

The Japanese Cultural Centre
This centre was established to disseminate Japanese culture. It is located on the 10th Floor, 159 Serm Mitr Tower, Thanon Asok, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok.

Activities organised for visitors are The Japanese Tea Ceremony, Art Exhibitions by Japanese and other Asian artists; a library and Japanese motion picture shows.

Exhibitions are held from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 hours. For more information please [call] 2670-8560-4.

Marasri Art Hall
Located in Suan Pakkad Palace at352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. This is a venue for various types of art exhibitions. For information on the programme please call 245-6368.

The Alliance Francaise
Located at 29 Thanon Sathon Tai, Bangkok, The Alliance was set up as a meeting place for French expatraites and is the venue for international culture and art dissemination including technical research. For further information call 213-2122-3.

Kyoko Gallery
The Kyoko Gallery is at 52/4 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok. This art gallery is run by Kyoko Jirathiwat who exhibits both Thai and international works of art. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday between 10:30 and 19:00 hours and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. For information on the programme you should call 254-1260.

Silpa Bhirasri Gallery, Faculty of Painting, Silpakorn University
The university teaches art of various fields and is the location of art galleries, such as Faculty of Decorative Art, Silpa Bhirasri Art Gallery, and Faculty of Painting. These places exhibit works of students - mostly Thai, and occasionally foreign artists.

The art gallery is in the university campus, next to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo, and is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. For information on the programmes please call 221-7777 or 221-7760.

Vidhayatas Art Gallery, Chulalongkorn University
The university has an art gallery which exhibits works of Thai and international artists. It is a new art gallery which is currently attracting many art lovers.
The gallery is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours.

The National Art Gallery
Located opposite the National Theatre, Thanon Chao Fa, 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 gallery exhibits works of Thai artists and is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 hours.

Carpetuem 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 Thanon Surawong, Bangkok. The institute holds English technical dissemination, as well as English culture and joint Thai-English culture, plus activities to promote relations between the two countries. For information on the programme please call 233-1731.

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