Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua collection pays tribute to the legacy of Jim Thompson and the historic connection to the Baan Krua weaving community in Bangkok, which has been at the heart of the Jim Thompson story since the 1950s. Created in collaboration with Niphon Manuthas, the third-generation owner of the last remaining weaving house in Baan Krua, the collection reflects his commitment to preserving the rich heritage of traditional silk weaving. The resumption of this collaboration after almost five decades reaffirms Jim Thompson's ongoing role as a custodian of Thailand's silk heritage.

The collection is the result of the brand's long-standing collaboration with Thai silk artisans. It reinterprets the traditional "Pakaoma" stripes, presenting the original pattern in four signature pieces: women's fisherman's trousers, handwoven silk scarves, men's pocket squares, and ties. The contemporary line features four distinctive patterns and four color variations—Pakaoma Rose Pink, Border Stripes Blue, Horizontal Stripes Beige, and Border Stripes Pink—each highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the Baan Krua community.

The collection is inspired by archived patterns and weaving techniques passed down through generations, blending the rich heritage of Thai silk with modern design concepts. In doing so, it bridges the gap between the brand's rich history and today's global fashion audience.

Baan Krua is a historic district on the Saen Saep Canal in Bangkok, directly across from the Jim Thompson House Museum. Known for its silk weaving tradition, the district has been producing sarongs and loincloths, called pakaoma, for over 130 years. In 1951, American entrepreneur Jim Thompson recognized their artistic talent and began collaborating with the weavers through his newly founded Thai Silk Company. Thompson introduced new dyeing techniques that produced vibrant colors and designed his own fabric patterns. These innovations brought Thai silk international acclaim, where it was celebrated for its novel motifs, bright colors, and distinctive designs. His vision and success in popularizing Thai silk in the United States earned him the title "Silk King" of Thailand.

After his mysterious disappearance, the community continued weaving for another decade to fulfill outstanding orders before many skilled artisans later joined the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company factory.

Today, this tradition continues at Jim Thompson's weaving mill in northeastern Thailand. There, the brand still uses the same traditional handlooms once employed by the weavers of Baan Krua. Around 60 local artisans skillfully work on these looms, preserving the timeless connection between tradition and modernity. The silk fabrics are available exclusively at Jim Thompson stores.

Mr. Niphon Manuthas, the 77-year-old owner of the last remaining weaving mill in Baan Krua, said: “My mother founded our silk business in 1927. Jim Thompson visited our community every morning to support our work and advise us on patterns, colors, and weaving techniques. It is a great joy to see the new collection, inspired by our original collaboration and preserving my family’s long textile tradition.”

“The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua collection celebrates our brand’s rich heritage by reinterpreting our original Pakaoma stripe pattern in a modern style,” added Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson. “This historic collaboration with the Baan Krua weaving community not only preserves an iconic Thai craft but also makes these timeless designs accessible to a global audience through versatile fashion pieces.”

To mark this collaboration, the collection – along with archival materials and photographs documenting its history – will be presented at the Jim Thompson House Museum from October 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026, as part of its special exhibition program. Visitors can delve into the evolution of the brand's iconic silk patterns and experience the artistry and dedication of the Baan Krua community, which honors the enduring legacy of Jim Thompson and the timeless beauty of Thai silk.

The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua collection is available exclusively at the Jim Thompson Iconic Store in the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter.