Decalcomania: New Thai-Singapore Thriller Stars Pierre Png and Cynthia Koh

In a groundbreaking collaboration between Thailand and Singapore, acclaimed actors Pierre Png and Cynthia Koh are set to star in the new thriller 'Decalcomania.' The series, currently in production, explores the themes of identity and social class through the story of two long-lost twins from vastly different backgrounds who experience a body swap following a traumatic car accident. The show features a diverse cast including Thai actress Mookda Narinrak, known for her versatile performances, and is produced by Singapore’s Mocha Chai Laboratories in partnership with Thailand's The One Enterprise.

Filming for 'Decalcomania' is taking place in both Bangkok and Singapore, showcasing the rich landscapes and culture of these two Southeast Asian nations. The narrative focuses on the contrasting lives of a privileged socialite in Singapore and a nightclub owner in Bangkok. Mookda Narinrak plays both roles, bringing to life the complexities of each character’s existence.

Pierre Png, recognized internationally for his role in 'Crazy Rich Asians,' portrays a dedicated policeman embroiled in a personal vendetta against a wealthy businessman. He describes his character as serious and hard-nosed at work, yet deeply respectful towards his wife at home. “It’s the twist – how you assume it’s going to go down this way, but along the way, there are a few clever detours,” Png explained in an interview. Despite his limited knowledge of the Thai language, he expressed admiration for Thai cinema's storytelling capabilities, highlighting the cleverness of its comedy and narrative structure.

Cynthia Koh, another prominent figure in the Singaporean entertainment industry, along with Hong Huifang and new talent Gladys Ng, adds to the star-studded cast. Koh expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting its unique ability to merge different cultural perspectives. “It’s important that we showcase Southeast Asian stories that resonate with both local and international audiences,” she stated.

The executive producer, Michelle Chang, emphasized the collaborative nature of the production, stating that Png was the first choice for his role due to his proven versatility in both comedic and dramatic performances. Chang, along with director Chai Yee Wei and writer Chance Wanlass, is committed to creating a narrative that reflects Southeast Asian identity and issues. “Rich or poor, everyone has their own problems. The world is very chaotic right now, because we can never get enough wealth, power, everything. But if you can find satisfaction within yourself, you won’t have to fight for anything,” Chang remarked, underscoring the show's thematic depth.

As the production unfolds, the team navigates the complexities of script translation between English and Thai, ensuring that both cultural nuances and storytelling integrity are preserved. This effort has fostered a collaborative spirit among the crew, who have found common ground despite language barriers, further demonstrating the unifying power of cinema.

'Decalcomania' is expected to premiere on Thai TV channel ONE31 and on the OneD app by the end of the year, with a subsequent release on Singapore’s mewatch platform early next year. This series not only aims to entertain but also seeks to elevate Southeast Asian narratives in the global entertainment landscape, showcasing the region's talent and cultural richness.

With the rise of streaming platforms and a growing appetite for diverse storytelling, 'Decalcomania' could mark a significant step forward in the representation of Southeast Asian narratives on the world stage. As audiences await its release, the project symbolizes a promising future for regional collaborations in the film and television industry.