Jim Thompson: The Unsolved Mystery

by William Warren

On Easter Day, 1967, American businessmen and founder of the modern Thai silk industry James H. W. Thompson disappeared while supposedly on a stroll in the jungle-clad Cameron Highlands in Central Malaysia. Neither Jim Thompson nor his remains has ever been found.Some twenty years earlier Jim Thompson had abandoned his former life to embark on an exotic business career in Southeast Asia. After establishing the Thai Silk Company, Thompson built a house and an art collection which are among Bangkok's top tourist attractions today. After vanishing, he became the subject of a massive search and investigation, and a mystery that has never been solved. This definitive account of the life of Jim Thompson, written by a man who knew him well, gives the reader a first-hand glance into his private affairs and his alleged role as an agent for the CIA.

This true-life mystery will keep you turning the pages to the final chapter.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Asia, Crime

248 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads provides reviewers with the option to "Hide entire review because of spoilers". This is a purely academic consideration in review of the work at hand. Jim Thompson vanished, seemingly into thin air. That is all we know. Was he abducted by the CIA in connection with his purported involvement with the escalating Vietnam conflict? Despite his experience and familiarity with the jungle, did he simply get lost or fall victim to the otherwise non-confrontational jungle-dwelling highlander natives on that fateful Easter Sunday stroll in the Cameron highlands of Malaysia? Was he rubbed out by rival silk-merchants? Could he have been abducted in a botched ransom-kidnap plot? As there were never and legitimate claims for ransom, this option is unlikely.

His long shadow has been cast over the Southeast Asian theatre for decades. Like a phantom, he has been reportedly sighted by friends and acquaintances in his expatriate city of residence, Bangkok, as well as in numerous other locations in the Asian continent and surrounding islands. Most nefariously, he was reportedly spotted by a colorful former prostitute on the dry docks of Singapore a few weeks following his disappearance, seemingly drugged and being whisked into a waiting boat by armed thugs.

An extremely interesting read whose subject is a fascinating man with a larger than life legacy. Best pondered in his alluring canal-side compound in Bangkok.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

As some other reviewers have stated, there is a ton of extra background for context in this book. I found the background to be quite helpful in understanding the story.

I only decided to read this book after visiting the Jim Thompson museum and I'm glad I did. He sure was an interesting man and this was a great read on all of the different theories of how he might have disappeared.

[Paul Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Thompson, the American "King of Thai Silk" (not the likely more famous Jim Thompson, the Texas author of hard boiled noir thrillers) remains a legend in Bangkok even today, some 54 years after his mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. This book, originally published in 1970 and updated in 1998, by William Warren, someone who knew Thompson, does a fairly thorough job of going through all the theories about his disappearance--accident, kidnapping, political abduction, suicide. Where he fails, I think, is with the background biography. Warren came to Bangkok in 1959 and was present for a large part of the Thai Silk Company's growth. I wish he had spent more time on that, as well as more time talking about Thompson's life in the Fifties. I'm also guessing that Warren was still in Thailand in 1998, when he published the updated edition, because he was still reluctant to name names, places, and institutions associated with anything questionable about Thompson. Understandable, if he had to deal with Thai defamation laws, which provide for criminal penalties and where truth is not a defense.

Still, there is much here to go through. And I do like how Warren recreates the atmosphere of Bangkok from the late 1940s through the 1960s. Similarly, he gives wonderfully detailed descriptions of Cameron Highlands in the Sixties, too. There are many, many books out there about Thompson. But this one is a great one to start with.

Finally, funny thing. I've lived in Bangkok for 11 years, and I've gone past the street leading to Thompson's house many times. But I've never actually gone there. It is really built up in comparison to what Warren describes of the Sixties or even Nineties. So much of Bangkok is diappearing under concrete and condos. I had better pay a visit before something stupid happens.

[Daniel Warriner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very intriguing look at Jim Thompson's life, from his work in the OSS and the establishment of his silk business in Thailand to his mysterious disappearance in the Malaysian Cameron Highlands on March 26, 1967. I'm not sure how I was already familiar with much of the story surrounding his disappearance and some of the theories that attempted to explain it—perhaps from an old Lonely Planet guide or magazine articles. However, Warren's book leaves no stone unturned, with any repetition serving to delve deeper into the possible reasons for Thompson's vanishing. It's a smooth read throughout and at many points a real page-turner.

[Terri ducay · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those unfamiliar with Jim Thompson, he is the person who revived the silk industry in Thailand. His silk items are works of art. His house stills stand and his stores still flourish. I wanted to know who an American came to love Thailand, crafted art and the more about his mysterious death.
The first part of the book was good, but the later part, myths about what happened to him, were a bit redundant.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written semi-biography of the renowned business tycoon. To this day the name Jim Thompson is synonymous with Thai silk and still a premium brand for luxury fashion, even if the man himself has been gone for more than half a century. The book is split into two parts, the first detailing Thompson's journey to Thailand post WW2, his first forays in the hotel business and how he came to create the silk business that made his fortune. Truly a larger than life character, he was one of the most well known expatriates in Asia and hosted the rich and famous in his Thai house by the canal - still preserved as a Bangkok tourist attraction today. The second part, which is more exciting owing to the as yet unsolved mystery status, are on the events immediately following his disappearance in Malaysia and the multitude of characters, conspiracy theories and false leads in the years after, all of which frustratingly made zero progress in uncovering the mystery.

A riveting account made all the more interesting due to it's proximity to my home, albeit happening at a time when Cameron Highlands was far less developed than it is today. Can a person truly vanish without a trace in the hill jungle? In this case the answer is a resounding YES.

[Patrick McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jim Thompson mystery, how a successful American silk manufacturer disappeared in the wilds of Malaysia was probably one of the first things I read in a guidebook about Thailand before visiting. So my first vacation while on the JET program was in Thailand and it was then that I first visited the beautiful traditional Thai-style Jim Thompson House preserved in Bangkok by the river. On subsequent return visits I often stop by to sit at the lotus pond of the cafe. I finally decided to read William Warren's definitive account of the mystery, Jim Thompson: The Unsolved Mystery (1999). To be honest I much preferred the first half of the book which recounts Thompson's life and his success with Thai silk. The background information about Thailand during and after WWII was also quite fascinating, I did not know that Thailand declared war on the US-I had always assumed they were neutral. The second half of the book meticulously looks at the many suggested answers to the mystery of Thompson's disappearance-perhaps too much attention. But it is a very compelling story with lots of good background information about Thompson’s adopted home of Thailand.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happened to Jim Thompson the ex pat who settled in Thailand and helped revive the silk industry and purchased a wealth of art to save for the nation. His body was never found and his mysterious disappearance continues to leave many unanswered questions. This book has brilliantly attempted to find answers but towards the end tended to be reptitious.

[amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

edit: i don’t remember a single thing about this book which is actually disheartening considering the amount of time it took me to get through it because it was so incredibly dense

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Jim Thompson is legendary in Thailand – first for the way he transformed the silk business and rose to fame during the 20 years following World War II, and perhaps even more notably, for his mysterious disappearance on Easter Sunday, 1967.

There are many theories about what happened to this colourful American businessman - CIA related plots, jealous business competitors, wild tigers, indigenous tribes, just getting lost on a jungle trail - but not a shred of evidence has surfaced in the 55 years since then. He just disappeared seemingly into thin air, and nothing has been found of him since then.

I moved to Thailand over 30 years ago and was caught up - or perhaps even mesmerized - by Jim Thompson’s story. He was a man not born in the right place in life, and seemed to thrive when he left his home in Delaware, in Thailand - even though he chose not to learn the Thai language during his 25 years there.

I loved my time in Thailand and wondered whether it too would transform me. While the experience did help me grow, I moved on the many other countries, and did not experience Thailand for more than five years. That said, Jim Thompson’s story never left me. I kept thinking about it and feel that it is the basis for a terrific film. Should I write a screenplay about it?

This is William Warren’s second book, published in 2007 on Jim Thompson and follows his original “Jim Thompson. The Legendary American of Thailand” which was published in 1986. The “new” book covers much the same ground as the original book – which I read 30 years ago. But it presents more detail of the attempts to solve the mysterious disappearance than the first book.

I found the book well written and fascinating although not very different from the first book. It’s a real page turner and one I recommend for anyone who has feelings for Thailand, is interested in how some people seem to be born in the “wrong place” and for those nostalgic for their expatriate lives in Asia.

I also enjoyed the photos as these helped make the story so much more tangible.

[Ccdemaio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a tough one, since it tells a story that each reader really wants the answer to, wants to know the ending. But of course, no one knows what happened to Jim Thompson . I like how William Warren divided the store between the two legends of Jim Thompson-the one before his disappearance and the one after. There are many pieces in the first legend that I didn’t know, and this appreciated in the reading. The second legend was how that his reputation grew the longer it was that he was missing. I found this second part of the book somewhat tedious, because, after all, each theory ended up being just that, another theory.

Had this book on my shelf for years so glad that I finally picked it up and read it. Tick done.

[Lindsay]

This is a comment rather than a review. As a person that grew up in Malaya and lived in Thailand for ten years later, I knew that we would never know what happened to Jim Thompson. Still, I hope, but not in my lifetime ☹

I used to have this book, obviously I must have lent it to someone and never received it back. At the end of my days so to speak, I felt an urge to read it again, says it all that I feel about the book or rather the story of Jim Thompson. I came here to Goodreads just to check the title again before I purchased the ebook. Well worth a read especially for those interested in Asia in the 50's ....

[John Dolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a masterly account of the life of American businessman Jim Thompson – ‘The Thai Silk King’ – and deals in detail with his mysterious disappearance while on a stroll through the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967. Various ‘solutions’ to his vanishing are postulated and examined, but the reader will have to make up their own mind. All-in-all a rattling good read from an author who actually knew the great man himself. It almost reads like a novel, such was the complex and enigmatic nature of Thompson. Highly recommended.

[Libby Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Jim Thompson! This man is a legend in my own wardrobe. His silk legacy, his restaurant and his incredible house on the klong in Bangkok are testimony to what an extraordinary man he was. This book focuses on Jim’s disappearance and the theories around at the time. At times it dwells on theories that I consider ridiculous. However, the author was lucky enough to know JT and gives an interesting insight into his character.

[N L K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by someone who knew him, it is filled with interesting theories on how he went missing and the possibilities. Of course, with the nystery still remaining, and possibly will always be unsolved.

It took me a while to finish as I stopped midway and had just continued. There's something missing that doesn't pull me to finish, kind of like a story that can be shortened but elongated to fulfill a requirement.

Nevertheless, worth an abridged version. Or perhaps I'm a terrible reader.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interested in the subject material after getting to visit the Jim Thompson house in Bangkok. Wish I would have be read this before! There are many details, it's not always presented chronologically, not always presented by topic, so it could get a bit confusing. However, enjoyed learning a good deal about Jim Thompson.

[Kelly Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading the story, especially being American and living in Thailand. I just wish we knew what actually happened to him! Definitely read this if you're looking for a mysterious story, but don't expect it to be written in that style. It's a straightforward read, pretty dry at times, actually, with several writing errors throughout. Even so, it held my attention to the end.

[Barbara Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever visited Bangkok and visited the Jim Thompson House or his store, you will enjoy this book. Jim Thompson was an American expat who re-vitalized the Thai silk industry. This book tells the story of Jim's work in the silk industry and his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967. It reads like a novel and it made me want to go back to Bangkok and visit his house and shop again.

[Ruben M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much about Jim and his personal life. Such a great read, made me come to couple possible conclusions on his disappearance.
Only those who know the Jim Thompson story should read, otherwise it may be boring for you.

[HailzXMcc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of the book was fascinating and well informed. I had trouble connecting with much of it due to the formatting, but that is likely just a matter of personal preference. This case will always bewilder me and I appreciated how much work went into compiling the theories presented! I

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a satisfactory amount of biographical information for Thompson but focuses primarily on his disappearance and the various theories surrounding it.
Worth a read if you visit the Jim Thompson house in Bangkok!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this over my vacation in Thailand. Bought this book off a visit from Jim Thompson home. Interesting how a man has received such a unique status in the Thai society.

[Tim Laven · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is certainly a story with twists and turns but still
a mystery..

[laura o'neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good
Interesting

[Pam Ela · Rating 3 out of 5]

theories on his disappearance

[Deborah Croft]

This real life mystery by William Warren fascinated me and I found the book to be very well written. Next, I willread the book, Solved, by Edward DeSouza.

[Natalia Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque empezó entreteniendome mucho....la verdad es que el último cuarto se me he hecho larguísimo...

[Valerie Suwanseree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and comprehensive review of an interesting part of Bangkok history.

[Shauneen Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a novel but is a fabulous account of a true story. Mystery that was never solved. Wonderful details about the Silk Road and Bangkok.

[Gaspard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jim Thompson: The Unsolved Mystery by William Warren is a book on Thompson's private life and what he has accomplished over the years. The book starts with a small introduction of his disappearance then the book talks about his early life, slowly building itself back up to the moment of the disappearance. The introduction of his disappearance starts with the Cameron Highlands and the history of the area. It is full of interesting facts and information about the area such as, the Cameron Highlands is actually 6,666 feet above sea level!. The Cameron Highlands was discovered by a British surveyor in 1885. Named after William Cameron, he was commissioned by the colonial government to map out the area. The area was controlled by colonial England during a period of time. As you read through the book it will tell you about his early life, the family he grew up with and his jobs. James H.W Thompson( Jim Thompson) was named after his grandfather James Harrison Wilson, during Thompson's early life he had a heap of hobbies. He was very interested on bantam chickens, he started when he was around 11 years old and he became such an expert that he traveled along the east coast showing and winning prizes in chicken shows and even wrote a learned pamphlet on the subject for the U.S Department of Agriculture. When the war broke out Thompson met Captain Edwin Black who formed a group called the Office of Strategic Services(OSS). Black urged Thompson to transfer to OSS, Black saw potential in him. After the war OSS evolved into the CIA. During the time Thompson was in the OSS he was taught bloody and gruesome skills such as miam, he was taught to chop an adversary's windpipe with his hand, he was also he was taught how to grip an arm so that the finger bones could be crushed. Thompson was sent to Thailand to reenforce the front line, after the war a love for Thailand grew in Thompsons heart so he decided to stay. During the time Thompson spent in Bangkok he established a huge industry that made him a millionaire, Thai Silk. Thompson had a passion for the silk. As the book goes on it tells you more about how he established the silk company and why he did it. It will also tell you about the disappearance in detail. If you what to know about that you will have to read the book.

The story of Jim Thompson is based in South East Asia, and for a while in the U.S. I really liked the book because of the way the author writes it, I especially liked how he first told the audience about the mysterious disappearance but vaguely detailed, which hooks the reader so he reads more and he slowly builds up the story through his life to the moment of his disappearance but this time in more detail. The book really tells you about Thompson and what he did, the book has very small details that are very interesting and makes you wonder how the author got hold of these small details. The book is pretty much a biography of Jim Thompson's life, and it is very fascinating. I liked several parts in the book and here are my top three.
1) I found it very interesting that Jim Thompson was in the OSS during the war, I found it fascinating because I did not know this before and it made me wonder why he joined because the later tells you that he was taught gruesome things. This part was detailed so the audience can get all the parts and put it into one picture.
2) I was interested that Jim Thompson was an antique collecter, and he had so many rare or expensive antiques around him. I did not know that Thompson had a huge love for art, and because I did not know this I kept on reading. This particular part told me a lot on Thompson and what kind of personality he had.
3) My favorite part was the ending when the author talks about his disappearance, this part had lots of suspense and had lots of information, during the time I was reading the book I found out that Thompson did forest survival training when he was with the OSS, so if Thompson had gotten lost in jungle why did he not use this skill to save himself. I also asked myself what if he did not get lost on the jungle, what if he got kidnapped. When I was reading the book I did find it a bit boring in some parts but other then that it was great. I would recommend this book to 11+ because it is a challenging book.