"We are very proud to receive visits from the two princes and very glad that both are very interested in Thai arts and cultures," said Professor William Klausner, president of the James HW Thompson Foundation under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The Jim Thompson Museum, famous for its showcase of Thompson's extensive collection of Thai and Asian art and antiques, was closed to the public during the morning to host Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

At 9.20am Prince Alois arrived at The Jim Thompson House to a warm welcome from Klausner, who escorted the prince through the complex of six traditional Thai houses.

"I explained to him the history of the house as well as the story of Jim - how he became interested in Thai silk," Klausner said.

During the 45-minute tour Prince Alois was very attentive and particularly interested in the museum's management, Klausner said.

"He mentioned that his family also collected European antiques and recently opened a museum in his palace," Klausner said.

He said the prince was very keen to learn how to attract as many people as The Jim Thompson House, which last year drew more than 170,000 visitors.

The museum also presented a necktie to Prince Alois, a scarf to his wife Sophie, Duchess of Bavaria, and T-shirts for all four of their children, said Klausner.

After visiting the museum, Prince Alois planned to go to the Suan Pakkad Palace and the National Museum.

At 10.30am, Klausner hosted another 45-minute tour for Prince Albert.

"He was very attentive, particularly to the garden. He also praised the talent of Jim in collecting beautiful antiques as well as the idea of opening his house to the public to showcase his collection."

Klausner said Prince Albert is very familiar with Thailand as he has visited the Kingdom several times.

"He said he had been to Phuket. During this trip, he was in Chiang Mai before coming to Bangkok," said Klausner, who presented a necktie to the prince upon his departure.

After visiting the house, Prince Albert presided over the opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Monaco to the Kingdom of Thailand on Sukhumvit Soi 61 and had lunch with Honorary Consul Sribhum Sukhanetr, said Piroon Laismit, the Liaison of Monaco. The two countries recently established diplomatic relations.

Sopaporn Kurz

The Nation