M.R. Kukrit’s House is a charming heritage museum in the Sathorn area of Bangkok and makes a very interesting companion piece to Jim Thompson’s House.
Born in 1911 into a branch of the Royal family, Mom Rajawongse (M.R.) Kukrit Pramoj was educated in England. On graduating from Oxford, he returned to Thailand to run the highly influential Siam Rath newspaper.
Subsequently, he set up the country’s first political party in 1945 and ultimately served as its Prime Minister from 1975-76.
Outside of politics, M.R. Kukrit’s House was prolific in the arts. As a writer, he contributed weekly columns to his own Siam Rath newspaper, as well as authoring poetry, plays and novels. On stage, he championed traditional Thai culture, promoting it through the Khon Thammasat dance troupe which still thrives today. And on screen, he uniquely appeared in a film, Ugly American, alongside Marlon Brando.
The Home
Set in 2 acres of grounds, M.R. Kukrit’s House itself comprises 5 separate one roomed elevated teak houses, connected by an open-air terrace. In a style reminiscent of the Jim Thompson House, these buildings were sourced elsewhere in Thailand, meticulously dismantled, transported and then re-assembled on site.
Under the houses on the ground floor, there is an open dining and sitting area, guest rooms and meeting room. An elegant teak staircase takes you upstairs to the terrace, also open, where you”ll find a bedroom, shrine and private rest room located on either side and a pagoda overlooking the garden at one end.
Each room, crammed full of antiques and personal artifacts collected by Kukrit over the years, has been carefully preserved as though still in use and the whole home feels very much alive.
You can also wander about the Thai ornamental gardens with their rare plants and miniature sculpted trees, known as Mai Dat in Thai. Or you can take a stroll in the lawned gardens at the rear, a nice spot to appreciate this peaceful oasis, located in the heart of the city.
Getting There and Practicals – M.R. Kukrit’s House
M.R. Kukrit’s House is situated at 19 Soi Phra Pinit, South Sathorn Road, with the nearest BTS Skytrain station at Chong Nonsi. Leave by Exit 2, head across the main road past the BRT bus Station, walk along the side of the main road and take the first soi on the left.
The house is open every day from 10.00am to 16.00, with admission fee of 50bt for adults and 20bt for children. English speaking guides are available.
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