Song Wat has been one of the major trade and distribution hubs in Bangkok for a long time, serving as a hub for the exchange, distribution, and trading of a variety of products and spices. The remains of its historic warehouse architecture and piers tell stories of commerce and culture that have been handed down through many generations.

As we walk through the streets of Song Wat, we can smell the distinctive blend of scents that has characterized the area for a long time. It’s a mix of many aromas, which is difficult for people nowadays to understand.

For centuries, Thai people have had a deep connection with the scents of spices, using them in various ways through the time. In the past, we used the scents of spices to enhance flavors and conceal unpleasant smells. Later, we discovered their medicinal properties, utilizing them for physical health benefits. Today, the scents of spices are blended with other fragrances, offering relaxation and mental relief as part of our modern lifestyle.

The trade of spices and various goods in the Song Wat area has long been intertwined with materials and tools used for transportation and storage, such as ropes, sacks, and nets. These materials and tools can be regarded as economic resources that are woven into the growth and history of Song Wat.

The connection between the scents of spice and Thai people has inspired Pann Singharaj and collaborators to create the concept for the installation art piece “Spice Road.” 

This work ties together and reflects the unique identity and stories of the Song Wat area through the aromas of spices. By integrating materials and tools traditionally associated with commerce in Song Wat, such as ropes and sacks, the installation weaves a network that encases spices and scents in various forms within the space of the old warehouse in the district. The arrangement of the installation guides the pathways through the space, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through time and history, exploring the relationship between scents of spices and Thai culture.

Collaborates with Charoen Wattana Co., Ltd., a long-standing importer of spices, and Ausanee Limpuangthip, the person in charge of the company’s old warehouse, one of the best-preserved in Song Wat, still holds the scent of spices that tell the story of this area.

The Artist also also collaborates with Divana, a leading brand in wellness and aromatic products, to convey the rich narratives of spices and their deep-rooted connection to Thai culture. Through this collaboration, they aim to explore diverse perspectives on the relationship between spices and Thai people while extending the legacy of Song Wat’s unique history into the future.