Jim Thompson has commemorated its 75th anniversary with the release of “Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand”, the brand’s first coffee table book. Published in partnership with luxury publisher Assouline, the title was unveiled at an international launch held at the Assouline boutique in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris.
The Paris premiere reflects Jim Thompson’s continued expansion beyond its Thai roots and positions the brand within a global cultural context. The launch event featured a curated bookshelf installation dedicated to the brand, alongside presentations by Frank Cancelloni, group CEO of Jim Thompson and Alexandre Assouline, president of Assouline. Guests included representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, the Department of International Trade Promotion of Thailand, the Ministry of Commerce and Thai Airways.
Founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, Jim Thompson played a central role in reviving Thailand’s silk industry and introducing Thai textiles to an international audience. Over the decades, the company has grown from a silk producer into a lifestyle brand spanning fashion, interiors, hospitality and food and beverage.
The book documents this evolution through newly commissioned photography by Chris Schalkx, supported by archival and brand imagery, with text by journalist Stephen Wallis. Across its pages, the publication traces the brand’s commitment to Thai craftsmanship while examining how contemporary design and technology have shaped its identity today.
Beyond chronicling silk production, the book explores Jim Thompson’s wider cultural footprint, including its presence in global hotels, interior projects and creative collaborations. It also reflects on the legacy of its founder — often referred to as the “Thai Silk King” — whose life (and disappearance) remain an enduring part of the brand’s mythology.
Frank Cancelloni described the publication as a reflection of both heritage and ambition, noting that the brand continues to look beyond silk and beyond Thailand as it builds towards becoming Asia’s first global lifestyle brand. Alexandre Assouline added that the project represents a shared commitment to cultural preservation, craftsmanship and creative storytelling.
“Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand” is available in two editions. The Classic edition features a hardback cover with archival imagery and contains 286 pages of full-colour photography. The Silk Slipcase edition is presented in a case crafted from handwoven Thai silk in the brand’s signature cinnabar red. Both editions are available in English, French, Japanese and Chinese.
The book is available at select Jim Thompson stores in Thailand and online at jimthompson.com, with worldwide shipping. The Classic edition is also distributed through Assouline’s global retail network and via assouline.com.
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