Can I connect a PC HDMI port to a Apple 27" Monitor using the Thunderbolt port on back?

I have a 5 year old 27" Apple Monitor and it works great with my MacBook Pro laptop. I want to connect a PC Laptop HDMI to the open Thunderbolt port on the back. Will this work? Is there anything I must do to make this work or should it come on as soon as it detects a signal? I purchased an HDMI to Thunderbolt cable but when I plug it in the screen stays black. Any ideas?

(Yes, I disconnected the Thunderbolt cable from my MacBook Pro before doing this)