BANGKOK DOLLS           For exquisite craftsmanship Thai people have been well recognised. Khunying Tongkorn Chanvimol is one of them. She is one of Thailand's leading Thai doll makers.A myriad of dolls repre-senting Thai men and women from all walks of life are painstakingly made by hand.           To the most minute details, Bangkok dolls are authentic. Extensive research preceded their design. Traditional costumes have been based on museum originals, temple murals and illustrations from books. Contemporary costumes, as of the farmer and hilltribe dolls, are reproduced. There is a museum situated in the garden.           The dolls are usually made as valuable gifts to guests of honour. The Thai dolls won first prize in an international competition held in Poland in 1978.           Her dolls were on display at world-class museums in Paris, Chicago and New Delhi. They are also on display at Thai museums, such as at Suan Pakkad Palace Collection, Vachira College, teachers' colleges in Chachoengsao, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chiang Mai, Si Nakarinwirot University Bangsaen Campus, Prince of Songkhla University Pattani Campus.           There are also several leading artists who contributed to her works, including Luang Wisan Silapakam, Mr Rewat Seniwong Na Ayudhya, Mr Chit Rienpracha, Prof Silpa Pirasi and Mr Prachum Mana. Located at 58 Soi Ratchatapan, Ratchaprarop Road, Makkasan, Ratchatewi, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 02-245-3008. Open: Mondays - Saturdays from 8:30 am - 5 pm Free admission Buses no. 13, 14, 54, 62, 63, 72, 73, 74 Air-com buses no. 13, 15, 62, 72, 73 Microbus no. 20. Reference Bangkok. Tour Rathatewi district   5 Dec 2002