The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua Collection honors the legacy of Jim Thompson, paying tribute to its historic relationship with the Baan Krua weaving community in Bangkok that 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 dedication to preserving the rich heritage of traditional silk weaving. The return of this collaboration, after almost five decades, reaffirms Jim Thompson’s enduring role as a custodian of Thailand’s silk heritage.
The collection derives from the brand’s long-term collaboration with Thai silk artisans, reinterpreting the traditional ‘Pakaoma’ stripes and showcasing the original pattern through four signature pieces: women’s fisherman pants, handwoven silk scarves, men’s pocket squares, and neckties. The contemporary fashionwear range presents four distinctive patterns and four colorways – Pakaoma Rose Pink, Border Stripes Blue, Horizontal Stripes Beige, and Border Stripes Pink– each highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the Baan Krua community.
Drawing inspiration from archived patterns and weaving techniques passed down through generations, the collection blends the rich heritage of Thai silk with modern design sensibilities, connecting the brand’s rich history with today’s global fashion audience.
Baan Krua is a historic community along Bangkok’s Saen Saep Canal, directly opposite the Jim Thompson House Museum. Renowned for its silk-weaving heritage, the neighborhood has been producing sarongs and loincloths or Pakaoma for more than 130 years. In 1951, American entrepreneur Jim Thompson recognized their artistry and began working with the weavers through his newly founded Thai Silk Company. Jim Thompson introduced new dyeing techniques that produced vivid shades and personally designed fabric patterns. These innovations brought Thai silk onto the international stage, where it was celebrated for its novel motifs, bright pigments, and distinctive designs. His vision and success in popularizing Thai silk in the United States earned him the title of Thailand’s ‘Silk King’.
Following his mysterious disappearance, the community continued weaving for another decade to complete outstanding orders before many skilled artisans later joined the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company factory.
Today, this legacy continues at Jim Thompson’s weaving studio in northeastern Thailand, where the brand continues to use the same kind of traditional handlooms once employed by the Baan Krua weavers. Today, approximately 60 local artisans are skillfully working, preserving a timeless link between heritage and the present. These silks are available exclusively through Jim Thompson retail stores.
Mr. Niphon Manuthas, the 77-year-old owner of the last remaining Baan Krua weaving business, commented, “My mother started our silk business in 1927. Jim Thompson visited our community every morning to support our work, guiding us with patterns, colors, and weaving techniques. It is such a delight to see the new collection, which draws inspiration from our original collaboration, and preserves my family’s long tradition in textiles.”
“The Jim Thompson X Baan Krua Collection celebrates our brand’s rich heritage by reimagining our earliest Pakaoma stripes design into a contemporary 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 brings these timeless designs to a global audience through versatile fashion pieces.”
To celebrate this collaboration, the collection – together with archival materials and photographs documenting its history – will be showcased at the Jim Thompson House Museum from 1 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, as part of the museum’s special exhibition program. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the evolution of the brand’s iconic silk patterns and witness the artistry and dedication of the Baan Krua community, honoring 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 within the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter.
