1 February 1951

Jim Thompson establishes the Thai Silk Company

Jim Thompson, a former officer in the US Office of Strategic Services, established the Thai Silk Company after raising 500,000 baht through the sale of stock.

Fifty-one percent of the company was owned by Thais. Thompson served as the managing director, overseeing the creation of colourful fabrics from hand-woven silk for export. Using high quality chemical dyes that brought new colour ranges to traditional silks, the Thai Silk Company quickly found new markets in post-war Europe and the United States. Thompson was later credited with revitalising the Thai silk industry.

1 February 1951

Jim Thompson establishes the Thai Silk Company

Jim Thompson, a former officer in the US Office of Strategic Services, established the Thai Silk Company after raising 500,000 baht through the sale of stock.

Fifty-one percent of the company was owned by Thais. Thompson served as the managing director, overseeing the creation of colourful fabrics from hand-woven silk for export. Using high quality chemical dyes that brought new colour ranges to traditional silks, the Thai Silk Company quickly found new markets in post-war Europe and the United States. Thompson was later credited with revitalising the Thai silk industry.