Shut your teeth

Shut your teeth is a kinetic visual novel set in a remote, run-down condominium in Thailand. Alexey, a young man in financial trouble, rents an apartment there for the low price and spends the winter in a place where things feel wrong. When he suspects that seemingly innocent children are playing creepy games and his friendly neighbors have bad intentions, it is already too late. Alexey’s former classmate arrives to collect the money Alexey owes him, but gets drawn into cryptic events that will change his life.

Thai folklore

The story centers on Kuman Thong, or “Golden Boy,” a spirit from Thai folk belief said to grant wishes and protect its owner. The legend traces its origin to the sixteenth-century Ayutthaya era, where the warrior Khun Phaen created the first Kuman Thong in a black magic ritual. The ritual involved taking an unborn baby from the womb of his wife, whom he had killed for trying to poison him. In some rural areas, people still believe that stillborns can be used to make magical amulets.

Story and characters

The story draws on Thai folklore, traditions and cultural beliefs. It features 12 characters, alongside creepy children, casual evil, weird jokes, Thai recipes and other curiosities.

Story content

The visual novel includes 100 Full HD backgrounds representing actual locations and 2 hours of music composed in collaboration with contemporary musicians. Its 130,000 words take about 8–10 hours to read.