Jim Thompson: The Unsolved Mystery

By William Warren

Book Overview

On Easter Day, 1967, American businessman and founder of the modern Thai silk industry James H.W. Thompson disappeared while supposedly on a stroll in the jungle-clad Cameron Highlands, central Malaysia. The circumstances were unusual, and led to a massive search and investigation. Neither Jim Thompson nor his remains has ever been found . . .

Jim Thompson was already a legend in Southeast Asia. Some twenty years earlier, in middle age, he had abandoned his former life to embark on an exotic business career, establishing Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. With his fortune he built a house and art collection which are among Bangkok's top tourist attractions today.

After he vanished, Jim Thompson became the subject of a second legend, a mystery that has never been solved. The facts were first recounted by William Warren in 1970 in his book The Legendary American. Today, many people in Thompson's circle are no longer living. Now the author, who knew Thompson well, is able to write more freely. This revised edition contains new material on Thompson's private life and his alleged role as a CIA agent, drawn from interviews with people close to the events. The result is this definitive account of a true-life mystery of international proportions.
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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9814385646
• ISBN13: 9789814385640
• Release Date: December 2014
• Publisher: Editions Didier Millet
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Silk King

After having travelled to Thailand and seen Jim Thompson's house in Bangkok, I was interested in learning more about Jim's life & disappearance. This book appears to give a fair and balanced look at Jim's life (although some may disagree since the author was a personal friend). It's a good read, interesting, but not without fault. The editing for one had some lapses. There are quite a few times where I found typos or missing words. That gets annoying after a while. Of the many theories surrounding Jim's disappearnce in the Cameroon Highlands in Malaysia, the author holds a view that makes the most sense to me. I won't reveal it. I recommend the book. In terms of the edition itself, the book was printed on good paper stock and is of high quality.

One of the most fascinating missing persons cases on record!

James H.W. Thompson was a legend. Born in 1906, he served during WWII in the O.S.S which later became the C.I.A. His real claims to fame however were first as the 'Thai Silk King' and secondly as a missing person rivaling Judge Crater and Jimmy Hoffa for mystery. This book should have inspired several others on Thompson since he lived such a legendary and fascinating life. Sadly, this is really the only authoritative book out there on him. Nearly 36 years have done nothing to dispel the myths and rumors about what may have happened to him during a fateful weekend in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia (Easter weekend of 1967). For those who love a real-life mystery, tantalizing clues, possibilities, and innuendos keep the reader guessing as to his possible fate. You won't find any definitive answers here, but what you will find is an extraordinary life laid out in the most entertaining of biographical narratives.

Curiouser and curiouser

Bought this book on a recent trip to Thailand. Have known of the many stories surrounding Jim Thompson and wanted to read the definitive book on the subject. Unfortunately, I'm no further ahead in learning the solution but the book is fascinating and a page turner.And since the author is a true fan of Jim Thompson, is what HE wrote the truth or is there still more out there?This book will just make the reader want to know more.

Thailand's Colorful Mystery Man

I began this book on Christmas day while visiting Singapore after having spent a few days in Thailand. My son wouldn't give up possession of this book as he was also reading it. It just was made available this Spring in the U.S. I can't wait to get a copy and finish it! It is a great mystery story and also a fascinating account of a man who was instrumental in revitalizing Thailand's silk industry.