As the cool season now well under way, the Jim Thompson Farm in Pak Thong Chai district of Nakhon Ratchasima has once again thrown open its gates and as it does every year, is inviting Thais and foreigners to take in the beauty of nature and experience the Isaan way of life.
Designed around the theme “Kak-Ta-Ta! Phrae E Pho” (“Amazing Loincloth”), this year’s Farm Tour aims to broaden visitors’ knowledge of the multifunctional pa kao ma through a series of fun and educational activities.
And the pa kao ma in glorious new palettes inspired by golden rice paddies and the fields of flowers are everywhere on the farm, forming giant wind wheels and a home for giant pumpkins as part of renowned artist Navin Rawanchaikul’s multifaceted exhibition “Lost on the Farm” marking Jim Thompson’s 110th birthday.
The 600-rai farm is divided into five themed zones covering colourful flower fields, organic vegetable plantations, a wonderfully decorated pumpkin patch, a model Isaan-style village and a handicraft market. All are made for lingering and admiring the Isaan wisdom and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Like every year, the 50-rai cosmos field greets visitors with a sea of pink as the shuttle buses head to the heart of the farm. A favourite with all ages, the pumpkin patch is this year joined by a giant pumpkin-like house built from loincloths and a towering wind turbine that’s covered in vibrant tartan cloth.
New on-site attractions include a picturesque Loincloth Labyrinth and the sea of multicoloured blooms boasting white and red English roses, Blue Sundew, French sunflowers and the Sulfur Cosmos.
Standing alone on the grassland, a model castle complex, built to resemble the Phimai Historical Park, is decked out in loincloths of different shades of yellow to reflect the beauty of ripening rice fields. Next door is the 10-rai Isaan Village, which is home to many magnificent wooden houses in the Korat-style and religious buildings only found in the Northeast.
The “Lost on the Farm” exhibition is centred on the village courtyard. Veteran artist Navin and his production team from his Chiang Mai-based StudiOK are showcasing a mobile art gallery modified from the vibrant E-tan farmer’s truck
As always, the Jim Thompson Market is a perfect place to shop for refined silk clothing, fashion accessories, home furnishings and agricultural products, all of which make great festive season gifts.
And, as ever, the Jim Thompson Market is a perfect place to shop for refined silk clothing, fashion accessories, home furnishings and agricultural products, all of which make great festive season gifts.
The Jim Thompson Farm Tour runs through to January 8, daily from 9am to 5pm.
Admission on weekdays is Bt180 (Bt130 for children), Bt200 (children Bt160)on weekends and Bt240 (children Bt180) during the New Year holidays.
Find out more by calling (02) 762 2566 or visit www.JimThompsonFarm.com and the “Jim Thompson Farm” page on Facebook.
(Source: The Nation, Thailand)