The Archive of Malai(s) 2023-present
[Ongoing project, speculative narrative, visual storytelling]

An ongoing speculative visual storytelling project started from a research question: How can the untold struggles and aspirations of Thai women of diverse economic statuses, identities, and epochs be conveyed through a Thai contemporary artifact: 'Malai' or traditional Thai flower craft? It tells fictional stories of individuals, which are being weaved together from the remaining archives; memories, conversations, hidden histories, photographs, and objects.

The project aims to communicate hidden stories, to question and to comment on systemic oppression that has camouflaged within the old tradition and heritage, but at the same time try to preserve and reposition them into a modern society. Semi-surrealistic collage illustrations are used here as one of the best ways to connect fragmented elements altogether and fill in the missing gap that cannot be done through the traditional archaeological or historical process.’

As a student in the UK working on Thai heritage, there are several limitations in terms of research and resources. Thus, I took this concern as a prominent part of my project. I decided to use a speculative narrative as a way to embody the current distance between me and my home country; the disconnectivity and diasporic feeling I am experiencing at the moment.

[Visual explorations - feel free to drag these images around!]

[Writing exploration]


Will you believe me If I tell you that...

There was a time when genders were binarised.

There was a time when we were not equal.

There was a time when “women” were framed.

There was a time when “women” were objectified.

There was a time when “women” needed to sacrifice.

There was a time when my homeland was polarized.

There was a time when plants still grew and flowers still bloomed.

There was a time when “women” were deemed as nature as if they were flowers, land.

Fragile, beautiful, complicated, delicate, orthodox, quiet, silent, caring, and unable.

There was a time when “men” were deemed as the dominant, the conquerer, and the civilization.

Strong, logical, loud, ruler, leader, able.


It was I discovered this antique craft called Malai.

That I started noticing their stories.

The voices of these women, who somehow paved the way for us.


They may be my ancestors or they may not be.

I might or I might know them.


But before us, truly, there were them.

Before us living liberally, there were those trying to resist. Defy. and surrender.


I hated that time, but there were things to remember, to cherish, to conserve.


And I’m now taking you through the stories of these “ordinary” women who are hidden behind these meticulous Malai (s).

Panita [She/Her]
is a Thai visual communication designer based in London, currently an MA Visual Communication student at Royal College of Art. Her works revolve around socio-politics, culture, intersectional feminism, individual stories, history, and memories. Her methodology is a combination of storytelling and mixed media. She is currently exploring the possibility of surrealistic visuals to convey the hidden emotions and conversations between time-space, human-object, and the lost archives.