Team Spice Road
Spice Road
Song Wat District has long been Bangkok's major hub for trade and goods distribution. Traces of old piers and warehouses still tell the stories of commerce and the cultural heritage passed down through generations.
As you walk along Song Wat Road, a distinctive aroma lingers in the air—one that has been part of this neighborhood since the past. This scent is a blend of various spices which is difficult to distinguish.
Spices have always played an integral role in Thai culture. They are used in cooking to enhance flavor and aroma, to eliminate unwanted odors, and even for medicinal purposes to cure disease and promote health and well-being. Today, the scents of these spices are also blended with fragrances to create a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
The deep connection between the scent of spices and Thai people has inspired the artist collective to create the installation art piece "Spice Road" which weaves together the journey of scents in Song Wat District, reimagining the evolution of aromas across different eras.
The artist has designed the piece in three distinct periods. The first, called the "Pioneering Era," invites visitors to experience the scents of Song Wat while exploring the history of the spice trade and its importation from various regions.
The second era, known as the "Blending Era," allows visitors to experience the fragrant aromas of spices as they are integrated into Thai cuisine—enhancing aromas, adding flavors, and offering health benefits.
For this phase, the artist collaborated with Charoen Watana Co., Ltd., a leading importer and distributor of spices, food products, and seeds. The project was supported by Ausanee Limpuangthip, a company director and owner of Charoen Watana Warehouse, one of Song Wat’s historic spice storage facilities.
The installation incorporates materials tied to the district’s trade history, such as traditional craft wares and everyday items including ropes provided by Somchai Kwangtongpanich which represent transportation and storage. They are arranged into a network that encases the spices.
The third era, known as the “Up+Rising Era,” is a collaboration between the artist and Divana, a leading brand in wellness and aromatherapy. This phase reimagines the scent of Song Wat by blending key local spices—such as cinnamon and star anise, sourced from Charoen Watana—with Divana’s Sunrise essential oil, a fragrance that embodies the essence of spices. Through this fusion, the installation offers visitors an immersive experience, tracing the evolution of scent in Thai culture while carrying forward the rich history of Song Wat into the future.
The installation piece, “Spice Road,” is more than just an artwork—it is a living memory, once confined to the quiet halls of old spice warehouses, now reawakened to inspire creativity, positivity, and fresh perspectives among visitors and the local community. By showcasing the potential of materials, products, and cultural heritage, the project helps propel Song Wat toward becoming one of Bangkok’s most significant Creative and Cultural Districts.
Designer
- Pann Singharaj
- Supawich Rojsaranrom
- Sirirak Wongsim
- Phattranit Wiangkhamma
- Porramain Gulgattimas
- Chutikan Kummuchpon
- Krit Thongrod
- Prin Tumsatan

