With the run-down of ore-mining in the area, Thum (like many other towns and villages in the Ore Mountains) turned to wooden toy manufacture – such as Schwibbogen and Christmas pyramids – as well as bobbin lace as a matter of economic survival.

This Thumer Netz was part of the narrow gauge railways in Saxony and was expanded throughout the early 20th century.

With the zoning reforms in the 1990s, the neighbouring Reihendorf villages of Jahnsbach and Herold were incorporated into Thum.

The original brewery, founded in the 14th century, was the property of the church until 1546 when it was acquired by the town, and a brewing cooperative was formed.

After the death of Böttger, in 1926 his widow sold the brewery back to the town of Thum, which was unable to find a buyer.