Category: News

A Collaboration Between SIAM1928 and Purinut “Tan-staR” Karchai

In a world where scent and storytelling intertwine, SIAM1928 has always sought to bridge tradition with imagination, bringing the legends of old Thailand into dialogue with the modern pulse of art. This pursuit took on new life in Thai Ghosts × Tan-staR, a creative collaboration where the haunted and the heartfelt, the eerie and the endearing, converge under the glow of digital artistry.

The Artist Who Paints Without Lines: Tan-staR – Purinut Karchai

Tan-staR, or Purinut Karchai, stands at the forefront of a new generation of digital and craft artists in Thailand. His world is one where warmth meets whimsy and light replaces lines. Instead of relying on outlines, he paints with light, shadow, and color, crafting scenes that feel alive, dimensional, and emotionally charged.

His early love for animation and picture books shaped his distinctive approach, often described as cute with a messy charm. Each piece carries an intimate imperfection, the sense that imagination, not precision, is what brings characters to life. Armed with an iPad and tools such as Procreate and ToonSquid, Tan-staR moves freely between digital creation and craft-based work, turning pixels into emotion.

For him, technology opens endless creative doors but also challenges artists to keep their own voice in a world where convenience can tempt them to skip the journey of trial and error. Through years of exploration, Tan-staR has built a style that feels unmistakably his own, where every shadow hums with tenderness.

The World of Spooky Punk

Among his many creations, none stands out more vividly than Spooky Punk, a universe where fear learns to smile. At its heart are Little Batzy, a young vampire born from a failed experiment, and See-Ew, his loyal black cat companion. Batzy drinks tomato juice instead of blood, and See-Ew’s mischievous gaze hides only curiosity.

Together they lead a spectral gang of lost souls, turning loneliness and sorrow into laughter. It is a world where every ghost finds belonging, where iron and sweetness coexist, and the gothic becomes gentle.

This world would soon collide beautifully with SIAM1928’s own vision of storytelling through scent.

The Birth of Thai Ghosts × Tan-staR

At SIAM1928, we had admired Tan-staR’s art long before this collaboration began. His whimsical yet haunting style mirrors our own philosophy in perfumery, to honor tradition while daring to reimagine it.

When we set out to merge fragrance with folklore, we turned to two iconic spirits from Thai mythology: Nang Ram, the spectral dancer, and Krasue, the ghostly floating head forever searching for warmth she can never touch. Through Tan-staR’s perspective, these figures became magnetic rather than terrifying, mysterious yet tender, tragic yet beautiful.

From this shared imagination came Project Spooky Punk, a creative collision of ghostly mystique and punk rebellion where scent became story and art became emotion.

One Last Kiss – The Krasue’s Tragic Desire

Top: Bergamot, Peach, Cassis

Heart: Rose, Rhododendron Anthopogon, Putrescent Accord

Base: Labdanum, Patchouli, Civet

In the world of Spooky Punk, the Krasue drifts through the night, glowing softly with the curse of unfulfilled love. Her story, a kiss that could never be shared, became the soul of One Last Kiss.

The fragrance opens with the fleeting shimmer of bergamot and peach, a heartbeat of cassis that recalls the first touch of affection. As it deepens, rose begins to wilt into shadow, rhododendron exhales its smoky strangeness, and the putrescent accord whispers the fragility of forbidden desire. Beneath it all, labdanum, patchouli, and civet pulse with raw emotion, animalic yet heartbreakingly human.

But in Tan-staR’s world, tragedies never remain tragedies. Little Batzy and See-Ew reach for the lonely Krasue, offering friendship instead of fear. Their laughter lifts her curse, turning sorrow into freedom. One Last Kiss becomes not a requiem but a rebirth, a fragrance of liberation where sadness learns to dance.

No More Love – The Dancer’s Farewell

Top: Cumin, Caraway, Blue Chamomile

Heart: Jasmine Sambac, Tuberose, Orange Blossom, Champaca, Frangipani

Base: Lipstick Accord, Cosmetic Powder Accord, Musk

Beneath the pale moon, Nang Ram dances alone. Her silk sleeves flow like whispers, her smile conceals a storm of emotion. This is no performance of love or joy but a ritual to bury tenderness that once lived in her heart.

No More Love opens with the heat of cumin and caraway, the restless breath of a body in motion, soothed by the cool veil of blue chamomile. In the heart blooms a garland of narcotic flowers — jasmine sambac, tuberose, and orange blossom, wrapped in the fragile sweetness of champaca and frangipani. The beauty is intoxicating, but it hides grief.

When the applause fades, only traces remain: lipstick, powder, and musk. Yet before she disappears into silence, Batzy and See-Ew appear once again. They take her hand, leading her away from the stage into the neon carnival of Spooky Punk, where sorrow melts into mischief and every tear becomes a sparkle of light. No More Love turns from farewell to beginning, a scent of freedom and rediscovery.

Spooky Punk – The Essence of Batzy and See-Ew

Top: Tomato Juice Accord, Metallic Note, Cinnamon

Heart: Leather, Clove, Candied Accord

Base: Vetiver, Incense, Labdanum

Spooky Punk captures the very heart of Tan-staR’s world. It is the scent of Little Batzy and See-Ew, half monster and half child, walking together through a neon dream.

It opens with tomato juice and metallic sparks, recalling Frankenstein’s lab and Batzy’s strange innocence. The cool glint of iron blends with leather and clove, while a hint of candied sweetness lingers like laughter in the dark. Vetiver and incense breathe below, grounding the scent in earth and smoke as labdanum glows with soft warmth.

To wear it is to walk beside Batzy and See-Ew through the carnival of shadows, to find joy in the eerie and sweetness in the strange. It is not just a perfume but the essence of Spooky Punk itself, whimsical yet haunting, stitched together from iron, leather, and laughter.

Beyond Fragrance: A New Thai Gothic

Thai Ghosts × Tan-staR is more than a collaboration between art and perfume. It is a dialogue between past and future, between folklore and pop culture. Together, SIAM1928 and Tan-staR reimagine the ghosts of Thailand not as figures of fear but as stories of emotion, friendship, and freedom.

Through his art and our perfumery, the macabre becomes magical. Under the neon glow of Spooky Punk, the spirits of Thailand are reborn, dancing between worlds where the eerie feels tender and every shadow carries a smile.

SIAM1928 × Tan-staR

Where the haunted becomes human and every spirit learns to smile.

In Thai mythology, Naga (พญานาค) represents a legendary serpent-like creature, revered and feared for its mystical powers. These majestic beings, adorned with shimmering scales, have been intertwined with the cultural fabric of Thailand and its neighboring countries for centuries. Nagas are known for their immense strength, ability to shapeshift, and venom so potent that it can even kill deities.

The origins of Naga trace back to Indian mythology, introduced to Southeast Asia through religious and cultural exchanges. They became a central figure in Thai folklore, symbolizing both protection and destruction, and are often depicted as guardians of rivers, temples, and treasures.

In the Tribhum Phra Ruang, an ancient Thai cosmological text, Nagas are categorized into four major lineages, each distinguished by the color of their scales: gold, green, multicolored, and black. These lineages not only differ in appearance but also in their origins, abilities, and dispositions.

1. Viroopaksa (วิรูปักษ์) – The Golden Nagas

The Viroopaksa lineage is the most powerful and revered among the Nagas. They possess golden scales that glisten like sunlight and are considered semi-divine beings. All Viroopaksa Nagas are said to be born through opapatika, a miraculous birth where they appear fully formed, often descending from the heavens amidst storms and lightning.

These celestial Nagas reside in the heavenly realms, living in opulent palaces akin to those of angels and gods. Their wisdom and magical prowess make them leaders among Nagas, often serving as intermediaries between the divine and mortal worlds.

2. Chappaya Putta (ฉัพพยาปุตตะ) – The Rainbow Nagas

The rarest and most enigmatic lineage, Chappaya Putta Nagas are adorned with iridescent scales that shimmer in hues of the rainbow. They are a symbol of beauty and rarity, often appearing only during moments of great significance, accompanied by rain and rainbows.

These Nagas are born through chalaputta, a human-like birth process where they are carried and born from a mother. This lineage is believed to house souls who have accumulated great merit in past lives. Their purpose often transcends earthly concerns, focusing on spiritual pursuits and meditation.

Legends suggest that Chappaya Putta Nagas are deeply connected to rain and fertility, blessing lands with prosperity when they emerge from their hidden sanctuaries.

3. Kanhakotama (กัณหาโคตมะ) – The Black Nagas

The Kanhakotama lineage is renowned for its unparalleled strength and combat prowess. With dark, obsidian-like scales, these Nagas exude an aura of intimidation and power. They are born through sangsetaja, emerging from sweat or moisture, a form of birth associated with primal energy and raw strength.

Despite their lowly origins, Kanhakotama Nagas are fierce warriors, often taking center stage in myths involving battles. They are known for their temperamental and aggressive nature but can achieve extraordinary power if born through higher means, such as opapatika.

One of the most famous legends speaks of Saen Sirichantranakaraj, a black Naga born through opapatika, who possessed enough power to rival even the mighty Garuda, the eternal nemesis of the Nagas.

4. Aerapata (เอราปถะ) – The Green Nagas

Aerapata Nagas, with their vibrant green scales, are the most familiar to humans. They are often depicted as guardians of rivers and temples and are deeply rooted in Thai folklore. These Nagas are born through andaja, the process of hatching from eggs, symbolizing their connection to nature and the earthly realm.

Known for their expertise in venom, they are both protectors and warriors. Many tales recount Aerapata Nagas disguising themselves as humans to interact with mortals, forming bonds of love and loyalty. Their proximity to humans has made them the face of Naga imagery in Thai art and culture, particularly in temple architecture.

Nagas in Thai Culture

Nagas are much more than mythical creatures in Thai culture; they are spiritual guardians and symbols of protection, fertility, and transformation. They are often associated with the Mekong River, believed to dwell in its depths, and are celebrated in festivals like the Naga Fireball phenomenon.

From the shimmering gold of Viroopaksa to the enigmatic beauty of Chappaya Putta, each lineage carries its own lore and significance, painting a vivid tapestry of Thai mythology. These tales remind us of the enduring connection between the natural, human, and divine realms, bridged by the awe-inspiring Nagas.

“Kakee Kam Klon or Poem of Kakee (The Beginning)” stands as a poetic marvel birthed during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) in the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Penned by Chao Phraya Phra Klang (Hon), it draws from Buddhist scriptures, transformed into exquisite poetry. Further verses were woven into its tapestry throughout the reigns of Kings Rama IV and V, culminating in its completion.

The narrative unfolds with Kakee, the consort of King Phrommathat of Paranasri, renowned for her peerless beauty and a fragrance surpassing earthly blooms, lingering for seven days and nights upon those who chance touch her.

One fateful encounter with Wentai, the King of the Garuda, amidst a gambling bout with King Phrommathat, he encountered Kakee and fell deeply in love with her. Against her will, Kakee is whisked away and ascends to the status of his queen. Yet, the demigod Natakuvera endeavors to reclaim her for King Phrommathat, leading to a journey where her beauty becomes a curse, resulting in violation.

Returning to Paranasri, Kakee is unjustly exiled by King Phrommathat, accused of infidelity. Her path intertwines with various men, culminating in conflict and warfare, with love remaining an elusive dream, overshadowed by her overwhelming allure.

Wentai

Amidst the tapestry of this narrative, the legendary Garuda, Wentai, emerges as a central figure. Whether depicted as a singular entity or a species inhabiting the Himmapan forest, the essence of Garuda transcends mortal realms. In Thai mythology, Garuda resides in the first of six heavens, within the realm of the red cotton tree, its trunk adorned with thorns and blossoms ranging from crimson to orange, its fallen petals replaced by white fibers reminiscent of cotton.

Hindu lore traces Garuda’s lineage to Kashyapa and Vinata, with Wentai hailed as the mightiest among them, the progenitor of his kind. Despite his exalted status, Wentai succumbs to desire, birthing an epic saga. It is within the scene of “lovemaking in the sky” between Wentai and Kakee that we find the essence of their desires, where scent transcends mere fragrance to convey profound meanings.

In our olfactory interpretation, Aldehyde and Cardamom evoke the ethereal realm of the sky, their crisp notes symbolizing the fluidity of movement. Cumin Seed adds warmth to the passionate embrace, heightened by the spice of Black Pepper. Bulgarian Rose, representing the bold desires of Garuda, intertwines with aged Oud from Prachin Buri, embodying the unyielding fire of desire shared between mighty and maiden.

Kakee

The tragic tale of Kakee beckons reflection: What fragrance could ensnare hearts to such a degree? From this query emerged “Kakee,” a scent encapsulating her tragic allure. Tuberose takes center stage, its heady aroma intertwined with verdant nuances, embodying Kakee’s essence. Jasmine and Mimosa deepen the bouquet, yet it is Castoreum Tincture and Ambrette Seed that infuse the scent with passion and sensuality, completing the olfactory portrait of Kakee’s captivating beauty.

For aficionados of Thai literature, the “Asjan” chapter holds a one of Thai poem of significance.

Known as the “Marvellous Poem,” the “Asjan” Chapter is a rich tapestry of imagery, profound in its depth and thought-provoking in its composition. It employs poetic devices to depict “lovemaking,” likening various events to letters—be they imitating sounds, situations, environments, or natural occurrences. What sets the “Asjan” Chapter apart is its accessibility; readers often grasp the poet’s message intuitively, even without extensive linguistic knowledge, relying instead on their own imagination.

The rendition of “Asjan” utilized for Wentai and Kakee’s fragrances is a newly crafted poem by Mr. Narongsak Sonjai, a distinguished lecturer in the Thai Language Department at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University. Specializing in Thai literature and poetry, Mr. Narongsak Sonjai has maintained an esteemed collaboration with our brand, weaving depth and beauty into both of these compositions.

We invite everyone to immerse themselves in this poem and allow their imagination to roam freely.

WENTAI

Wentai, Garuda, embraces Kakee with fervent might,
Soaring over the grand, endless ocean in flight.
Towards the celestial, they gracefully ascend,
Admiring the warmth of love, a bond that won't bend.

Embraces ablaze with passion, a dance so profound,
Inhaling scents, fragrances endlessly abound.
Together, they twirl in the deep of the night,
Their fiery union, like a passionate flame's height.

KAKEE

Kakee, pierced by Cupid's aimed dart,
Heart quivers, ablaze like a flame's art.
Wentai, Garuda, sovereign of celestial might,
Embraces tight, soaring to realms so bright.

Together they transform the forest floor,
Blooms unfold, scents wafting galore.
Their fragrances entwine, inseparable and true,
Ascending to paradise, a journey for two.

Our journey as perfumers has been enriched by the guidance and support of fragrance industry experts, both domestically and internationally. Yet, it is Karnchana Wesshasartar, the third-generation heiress of Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun, who stands as our foremost mentor.

She bestowed upon us the ancient art of Thai perfume-making, transmitting the revered Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun formula, a legacy spanning nearly a century. It was through this venerable formula that we birthed our inaugural fragrances, later evolving them into SIAM1928.

Envisioning a fragrance collection as an homage to the third-generation heiress of Nam-Ob Prung Chao Khun, we dedicated ourselves to meticulous craftsmanship, from conceptualization to scent composition and packaging.

For the concept, after extensive exploration, we settled on “Characters from Thai Literature and Legends,” drawing inspiration from iconic personas, narratives, influences, and pivotal scenes.

Similarly, in scent curation, we pursued uniqueness beyond convention. We scoured for rare and premium ingredients, ensuring their harmony with our chosen theme.

As for the bottles, the creation of the black ceramic vessels demanded meticulous craftsmanship. This process surpassed conventional production methods, and we adorned them with a “golden” accent, symbolizing opulence and honoring our matriarch, Karnchana (กาญจนา), whose name signifies “gold” in Thai.

This arduous journey spanned over two years to materialize the collection.

Dubbed “Nilakarnch,” translating to “Black Jewel with a Golden Sheen,” it epitomizes the black vessels embellished with golden motifs, encapsulating Thai cultural narratives into fragrances that are both artistic and intricate, yielding scents that are profound and distinctive.

The “Nilakarnch” collection will comprise both permanent and limited-edition fragrances, owing to the scarcity of certain ingredients.

Moreover, we may extend invitations to fellow Thai perfumers for future collaborative editions.

We are excited to announce the reformulation of four of our beloved fragrances: Chanalaj, Rasvika, Tipakorn, and Assan. This reformulation process has been undertaken to enhance the clarity and depth of these scents, ensuring they truly reflect the inspiration behind their creation.

As part of the reformulation, we have incorporated several high-quality, premium ingredients in greater quantities to elevate the overall sensory experience of these perfumes. However, due to the inclusion of these luxurious components, we must regrettably adjust the prices of these fragrances accordingly.

Chanalaj fragrance, meticulously crafted to showcase the exquisite essence of the lotus flower more vividly than ever before. By increasing the concentration of Lotus Absolute in the composition, we have achieved a cleaner and brighter aquatic aroma that captures the true spirit of the lotus.

Experience the revitalized Chanalaj perfume, where the enhanced clarity and purity of the lotus flower’s scent take center stage, enveloping you in its delicate yet captivating embrace. Discover the elegance and charm of our reimagined Chanalaj fragrance, and let the serene, refreshing essence of the lotus blossom transport you to a world of beauty and tranquility.

Rasvika fragrance, where we have meticulously adjusted various elements within its structure to create a more vivid and enchanting scent. By blending the rich and luxurious Orris Butter with the alluring Tuberose, we have managed to evoke the mesmerizing vision of a twilight sky, illuminated by the unmistakable presence of the Milky Way.

The addition of Oakmoss brings a touch of moisture to the composition, enhancing the realism and beauty of the primary scents. This captivating fusion transports you to a serene and magical realm.

Tipakorn fragrance has been meticulously reformulated to accentuate the bold and distinct structure of Tobacco, resulting in a scent that is both refined and elevated. Expertly blended with Amber, it creates a warm and comforting embrace that envelops the senses.

The addition of Mate Absolute imparts a sense of depth and complexity to the fragrance, while the infusion of Japanese Yuzu Essential Oil enhances its diffusion for a more captivating olfactory experience. Indulge in the luxurious world of Tipakorn, where sophistication and balance meet in perfect harmony.

Experience the revitalized and natural world of Assan Fragrance, a scent that has undergone a reformulation to enhance the distinct notes of Thai Jasmine. This has been achieved by incorporating a higher concentration of Jasmine Absolute in the formula.

The reformulated scent also features a reduced amount of the oceanic note, resulting in a more pronounced and authentic essence of Jasmine. The addition of Neroli lends a refreshing touch to the fragrance, evoking images of crystal-clear water surfaces and invigorating watery.

We appreciate your understanding and assure you that our commitment to providing exceptional perfumes remains unwavering. By investing in these refined formulations, we are confident that you will enjoy an even more captivating and memorable scent experience.

Thank you for your continued support, and we invite you to indulge in the enhanced beauty of our reformulated Chanalaj, Rasvika, Tipakorn, and Assan fragrances.