This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 19, 2015.

THAI aromatherapy and skincare brand Thann has officially launched its full range of products here in Malaysian. First launched in 2002, Thann is known for combining the art of natural therapy with innovative dermatological techniques, which fully reflects the vision of its founder and managing director Tony Suppattranont. The launch of Thann at Tamarind Hill in Kuala Lumpur has given Malaysians the chance to be introduced to the brand’s philosophy and product ranges. 

Inspired by travel, Suppattranont used to look out for international and local products for himself and also to bring home to his family. When living in Spain and Australia, he began to notice the people’s preference for naturally made products instead of pharmaceutical products. His love for strolling around Sunday markets led him to find unique blends of essential oils, and he noticed that many herbs and spices in the Western world were used. “In Asia we have a lot of interesting herbs and spices that we can use, not only for food but also for aromatherapy and personal care,” he observes. 

Suppattranont had always dreamt of building a brand of his own, and his passion for nature further encouraged him to make a start. He says: “At the beginning, before I started this company, I wanted to have a small brand with people becoming fans. Later when I met some fans in the store, they told me they can’t enter the bathroom without using Thann products. It was a big compliment.”

Describing his brand as “reliable and natural”, Suppattranont has merged the benefits of Mother Earth with modern science. The brand showcased six collections at the event — two of which are for skincare, and the remaining four are aromatherapy collections. The skincare range consists of the Rice and Shiso collections while the aromatherapy collections are Aromatic Wood, Sea Foam, Oriental Essence and Eden Breeze. The aromatherapy collections include a wide variety of hair and skincare products that range from shampoo to bath and massage oils. 

The core ingredient of Thann’s wide range of products is the Vitamin E-rich extract of rice bran oil. Suppattranont is keen to emphasise the use of natural ingredients in skincare and aromatherapy. “Natural ingredients have no side effects compared with chemical products,“ he comments. “It helps us emotionally when using natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Using natural ingredients also helps support the agricultural sector in Asia.” He points out that more than six million flowers are needed to make 1kg of jasmine extract, which generates a lot of income for Thai farmers. 

The popularity of the brand is not just limited to Thailand, as Thann currently has stores and spas in over 15 countries. Certain ranges are more popular in specific countries where the ingredients resonate well with customers. The Shiso range, for example, is popular in Japan as it is the first skincare brand to develop the nano shiso extract in its products. “The Japanese really understand the benefit of shiso, so this collection is very popular with Japanese expats and tourists,” said Suppattranont. “For Europeans, the Oriental Essence collection is popular as they think the lemongrass and Kaffir lime are interesting and exotic. Australians, in particular, pay strong attention to facial care due to the thinning ozone layer causing a high rate of skin cancer.”

Suppattranont attributes Thann’s success internationally to two factors. He enthuses: “Some people think Thann is successful due to the marketing and product design. However, that is called love at first sight. Product quality is the important factor, and also the service that we provide to customers in the shops and spas gives us a long-term relationship with the customers.” 

Another important factor attributed to the brand’s success is the advanced research undertaken in order to develop product ranges. 

Always keen to grow, Suppattranont sees further expansion of the brand over the next five years with the opening of new shops and spas in both existing and new markets. With the launch of Thann in Malaysia, the brand’s philosophy and interesting products are bound to attract customers looking for something new and inventive.  

Thann products are now available at the Asleep Store at 8, Jalan Dato Abu Bakar, Petaling Jaya, and Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur. They are also available online at www.thann.com.my.