Khemjira is a Thai horror-romance drama that started to air on August 9, 2025. Adapted from the novel “Khemjira Will Survive” by Cali, the series combines supernatural suspense, past-life entanglements, and romance. The story centers on Khemjira, known affectionately as Khem, a young man cursed by a family prophecy that claims all male heirs perish before reaching the age of 21.Currently, Khem is living in fear as his 21st birthday draws near. However, when supernatural disturbances intensify, he flees with his university friend Jet to seek help from Master Peem Pharan, a young mentor or shaman (a spiritual healer or guide who connects with the spirit world to help people heal, find answers, or protect themselves from negative energies) with deep knowledge of ancient Thai magic.As Khem confronts vengeful spirits tied to his past, he and Peem forge a bond that transcends time, weaving themes of fate, reincarnation, and connection. Five episodes of the series have aired so far, and the story is slowly unfolding the mystery, romance, and secrets of the characters. A detailed look at the plot, cues, and symbolism can be seen below.What does "Khemjira" mean?The name Khemjira is crafted from two Thai/Pali - Sanskrit-derived elements. The name literally means “Forever Safe”. In Khemjira, the series, this meaning carries dramatic weight. Khem is born into a family cursed so that male heirs perish before reaching adulthood.His mother, in a desperate bid to protect him, gives him a feminine name Khemjira, hoping that by doing so, she can trick fate and shield him from the curse. The series doesn’t explicitly explain why Khemjira is given a feminine name, but some linguistic and logical clues point toward the above-mentioned possible reason.Significance behind Peem's tattoosThe character Peem (the shaman) in the series supposedly possesses two traditional "Sak Yant" (traditional Thai) tattoos. These tattoos have intrigued fans, who have gone to great lengths to analyze and interpret their meanings online, with the help of references from the book.Sak Yant tattoos are considered spiritual talismans. Often featuring sacred geometry, animals, or deities combined with mantras, they are believed to provide protection, luck, and spiritual blessings. Peem is shown to have two such tattoos, one on his chest and another on his back.Chest Tattoo:His chest tattoo is believed to enhance love life and popularity. It combines two elements, two Salika birds and a Lotus. The Salika, which may refer to either magpies or common Indian mynas, is associated with the ability to mimic sounds and sweet-talk in Thai folklore. When represented as a pair of love birds, it symbolizes attraction, charm, and improved relationships.Peem's tattoos (Images via X/@moonrabbit1702)Back Tattoo:On his back, Peem bears a tattoo of the "Seven-Headed Naga King" from Kshira Sagara (the Ocean of Milk in Hindu cosmology). This Naga King is believed to bring prosperity, fortune, wealth, and success to those who worship him. According to the author Cali, this offers protection, shielding the bearer from danger and misfortune while invoking blessings of abundance.About the ghosts in the seriesThe series has introduced many ghosts so far, but not every one of them has been fully named or explained. However, a few have stood out to the audience for their distinct presence and backstories.P̄hī Bạngtā – Ghosts Blocking the Eyes:This type of ghost causes a peculiar phenomenon, making people unable to see or find what they are looking for. It is believed that the ghost steals and hides the object, creating a sense of confusion or blindness.Ramphueng - The Vengeful Mother:One of the most chilling antagonists in the series is Rampheung. Her tale is rooted in Thai folklore. She supposedly plays the role of a young mother ghost who holds a grudge against Khem in their past lives. In Thailand, the ghost of a mother with her young child is considered one of the most terrifying spirits.Antagonist ghost Rampheung (Image via X/@CrescentMoon08)Locals believe that during a certain time of day in the evening, these spirits emerge from the afterlife to dry their diapers, a period called "P̄hī tāk p̄ĥā x̂xm", literally meaning "ghost drying diapers." Thai children are often warned not to play outside during this time, fearing that these ghosts might kidnap them.The Rescue relationship chart and explanation:The story of Khemjira explores how bonds of protection, sacrifice, and care carry across lifetimes. In the past, a character, Phraya Worasingsha, had multiple wives and a maid, creating a web of complex relationships. Among the wives, the third wife was Khae-Kai, Khem's mother, who was also a mother to a small girl named Khlongwan, said to be Khem's previous life.Khemjira rescue relationship chart (Image via X/@chanthiraa4)However, the lady Khemmika has also been represented as the previous life of Khem. Khemmika is also the lover of the past life of the shaman Peem. Hence, the plot gets a little confusing here, and more explanation might be discovered as the show progresses.These intense connections did not resolve fully in their time, and their karmic ties continued beyond death. In the present, Khemjira becomes the central figure around whom these past bonds resurface. Character Charn emerges as one of Khemjira’s strongest protectors, rescuing him and forming a close, caring relationship with him.Jettana, his best friend, also shares a significant bond with Khemjira, mixing friendship with a sense of affection. These two, Charn and Jettana, are closely tied to Khemjira’s fate, much like their past counterparts Chayada and Jintana were linked through love. Surrounding this central trio are others who influence Khemjira’s safety and well-being.Phong, a close friend of Jettana, and his sister Prima often step in as protectors and helpers. Khem’s family, including his father Luang-Pinyo and his late mother Khae-Kai, provides his foundation, while figures such as Grandma Si and Peem Pharan are connected to his broader family network.Through these intertwined lives, the series shows how rescue relationships are not random; they are hints of past connections that find new meaning in the present. Those who once loved, saved, or protected one another return in new forms, their roles often repeating or transforming as they seek closure and redemption in this lifetime.More details:Another intriguing detail from the series revolves around the shaman Peem and his frequent use of sunglasses during the day. While it may seem mysterious, the reason is rather silly. In his introduction scene, when Khem and his friend Jet discuss him, Jet reveals that Peem wears sunglasses to avoid people, both men and women, from falling for him.It is rumored in town that anyone who makes eye contact with him ends up being romantically smitten. In one anecdote, he even mentions a woman fainting simply because he looked at her. To prevent such incidents, he usually keeps his sunglasses on. This gave the show its sweeter BL drama edge.With episodes dropping every Saturday until October 25, more mystery seems to be unfolding in the series, with fans eagerly waiting for the meaning behind them.