Must Watch Thai BL Series

I’m not sure what prompted me to recently watch Thai BL (Boys’ Love) series. I would consider the fact that one, I was curious, and two, I may or may not have read a number of AU (alternative universe) novels that sparked that curiosity. I searched this popular Thai BL series called 2Gether on Netflix one day and thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Two adorable boys slowly falling in love, kakilig. Bright Vachirawit and Win Metawin have such strong chemistry that you wouldn’t dare break it with a dream of wanting to be with either of them. This feeling has been the same with all the Thai BL series that I watched for the past months.

This is not the first time I’ve watched a Boys’ Love series. Gaya sa Pelikula, starring Paolo Pangilinan and Ian Pangilinan, was the first BL series I’ve seen, followed by Love Beneath the Stars, starring Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson. Both had their own distinct appeal and were well-executed. However, it appears that Thailand has “perfected” the formula for this genre, and as with K-Dramas, people are on the lookout for the next new thing. I began to follow a few of the actors who starred in the series I’ve seen, and they’re really putting in the effort to promote themselves and their show. From extensive fan meeting events throughout Asia, to being brand ambassadors, to singing their own theme song, to performing occasional live streams on various social media platforms, and they’re primarily doing these things with their designated pair. Not that I think this is a bad thing; on the contrary, as a fan, it has been very encouraging to see these actors frequently engaging with their followers. The diverse and fervent fan bases they’ve built in every corner of the globe remind me of the K-pop community to which I’m familiar with.  In regards to the writing, production, and promotion of this genre, I have many questions. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to conduct an interview with a member of a Thai BL series production team soon, so that I can get all the information I need. However, in the meantime, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Thai BL shows that I’ve watched and enjoyed.

LOVE IN THE AIR (2022)

This series consists of two stories. The first focuses on Rain and Phayu. Rain, played by Thai-Korean “Noeul” Nuttarat Tanwai, is an architecture student who catches the eye of senior, motorcycle mechanic, and resident hottie Phayu, played by “Boss” Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya. When Rain had a car problem while it was uhhmm raining, Phayu happened to see him and did the chivalrous thing of helping Rain out. They’d become entangled in each other’s lives without even trying. Sky and Prapai are the subject of the second story. When Prapai, played by “Fort” Thitipong Sengngai, saw Rain’s best friend Sky, played by “Peat” Wasuthorn Chaijinda, at the race track, he was instantly smitten. He pursued him, but Sky was uninterested due to his traumatic past with his ex. Prapai, on the other hand, was eager to show Sky how important he is to him and that he wants more than just physical connection.

Where to watch: https://www.iq.com/

KINNPORSCHE (2022)

Probably one of my favorite Thai BL shows that I’ve watched. It is the tale of a mafia son and a bartender who meet under peculiar circumstances. It was when “Mile” Phakphum Romsaithong’s character, the mafia son Kinn, was being pursued by people who wanted to kill him and ended up in the back of a bar where “Apo” Nattawin Wattanagitiphat’s character, Porsche, was taking a cigarette break. Kinn solicited Porsche’s assistance in his defense against his persecutors in exchange for a reward. When Kinn survived the attack, his father suggested he speak with Porsche and asked him to join their security team, to which Porsche responded with extreme reluctance. This is an action-packed series with well-implemented relationship drama (Vegas and Pete are notable characters, and I absolutely love their storyline) and unexpected plot twists. Even though there are 14 episodes, each lasting approximately an hour, viewing this was a breeze. Secretly pining for a second season of this show.

Where to watch: https://www.iq.com/

2GETHER (2020)

It was this show that got me hooked on other Thai BL shows. “Bright” Vachirawit Chivaaree and “Win” Metawin Opas-iamkajorn both play lead roles as Sarawat and Tine. So that he could avoid an overly enthusiastic suitor, Tine (Win) commissioned campus crush Sarawat (Bright) to play the role of his boyfriend for a while. The story emphasized the gradual transformation of their pretend relationship into the real thing. The 5-episode sequel, Still 2Gether, was released a few months after the series, 2Gether. The plot follows Tine and Sarawat’s relationship two years later. There were also several relationships within their friend group that were highlighted in the sequel. After these series aired, Bright and Win’s careers took off. They both jumped into F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, the Thai adaptation of the Japanese Manga, and other projects separately.

Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/

THARNTYPE (2019)

The 2019 series begins with “Gulf” Kanawut Traipipattanapong’s character, Type, a young homophobic student who causes trouble for “Mew” Suppasit Jongcheveevat’s character, Tharn, a gay roommate. Type’s negative behavior toward Tharn can be traced back to his troubled past. Type’s decision to be honest about it with Tharn altered their connection, and the two became romantically involved after previously treating each other with indifference. The 2020 release of TharnType: 7 Years of Love marked the continuation of the series. In this story, we pick up with Tharn and Type seven years after they first started dating, living in a new home, and focused with their careers. This arguing but obviously in love couple was entertaining to watch. It’s a well-written story.

Where to watch: https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/

BIG DRAGON (2022)

Yai (“Bank” Mondop Heamtan) and Mangkorn (“Mos” Panuwat Sopradit) are both brilliant university students vying for the attention of the same woman. One evening, Yai intended to humiliate Mangkorn, but his plan backfired when Mangkorn gained the upper hand. As Yai attempts to get close to Mangkorn so that he can give him the video of their night together, they develop feelings for one another. Honestly, there’s a lot going on in this series. Some plot elements are unnecessary in my opinion, but what made me enjoy this series was the obvious chemistry between Bank and Mos. Where to watch: https://www.iq.com/

What’s your favorite Thai BL series?