“Mi Sati Noi, Khun Thi!” or “Get a grip, Khun Thee!” is probably a familiar phrase you’ve heard if you’re up-to-date when it comes to Thai Boys Love (BL) series. If you liked Heated Rivalry, you’ll have a blast checking out the wonderful stories under the Thai BL genre.
BL originated in 1970s Japan as a manga genre called shounen-ai—focusing on the romantic or sexual relationships between male characters, and targeting the female audience. By the 1980s, the genre expanded to what is known as yaoi, which, at the time, referred to amateur fan works. Over time, yaoi became a commercial success and birthed the BL genre, which escaped containment from anime and manga onto TV series, books, and even movies.
Thai BL came to prominence with Love Sick: The Series, released in 2014. Its focus on interpersonal drama and tropey situations left fans wanting more, ushering in the rise of Thai BL series, with a steady output of releases until the BL boom of 2019 that saw international fans growing in numbers.
As Thai BL continues to grow more relevant, SEA Wave shares its High Five must-watch Thai BL series. Spoilers ahead, so be warned!
SOTUS: The Series
First on the list is the series that made Thai BL a regional phenomenon: GMMTV’s 2016 release, SOTUS: The Series. The story follows confident freshman Kongphop (Singto Prachaya Ruangroj) as he navigates the harsh system that his senior, Arthit (Krist Perawat Sangpotirat), has established—S.O.T.U.S. (Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit).
It follows the typical enemies-to-lovers trope, but with a BL twist. Fans have praised it for its realistic portrayal of struggling with feelings of attraction for the same sex and how society would view the relationship. It’s also the series that defined the university setting for BL—a framework for many of the other shows we see today.
The series is also celebrating its decade-long anniversary this August with a concert featuring the original cast members, so stay tuned!
2gether: The Series
During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, BL saw another boom, with everyone at home looking for something novel to watch. 2gether: The Series became the answer to stave off viewers’ boredom. Based on the 2019 novel titled Because We… Belong Together by JittiRain, the story follows Tine (Win Metawin Opas-Iamkajorn), a handsome college cheerleader, who is being pursued by Green (Gun Korawit Boonsri).
One unique thing about this series is that it starts with a pretend relationship. Tine does not reciprocate Green’s feelings and asks Sarawat (Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree) to pretend that they are dating in order to fend off Green’s advances. What starts off as a fake relationship eventually evolves into something more, as both characters eventually fall for each other. Fans applaud this series for its unhurried pacing, seamless reveals, and scenes that make the butterflies in their stomachs flutter.
Cherry Magic!
Who says BL is only for university students? Thailand’s Cherry Magic! is set in a professional workplace, and boy does it deliver! The series is based on a manga entitled Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, where a thirty-year-old virgin named Adachi gains the ability to read minds after turning thirty.
Thailand’s adaptation stars the renowned BL pairing TayNew (Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom) as protagonists Karan and Achii, respectively. Achii is this series’ version of Adachi–a 30-year-old virgin who gains the power of telepathy every time he touches someone. As it so happens, he starts being able to hear Karan’s loud thoughts crushing on him, and it makes for a cute budding romance where two grown men fall in love through gestures and affirmations, helped with a nudge of telepathy. Upon its release, the series topped the trending charts in Thailand and the Philippines.
The reason we absolutely loved this version of Cherry Magic! is how they imbued Thai culture and family dynamics in the mix, with Achii actually meeting Karan’s family and learning why he grew up to be the way that he is. It makes for a heartwarming and feel-good series that portray Thai culture to the world.
My Golden Blood
Next on the list is a series that could be categorized as a guilty pleasure, as viewers usually have mixed feelings about it due to its steamy romance, bloody action, and shocking twists. Based on the novel of the same name by Dawin, My Golden Blood stars GMMTV’s international pairing JossGawin (Joss Way-ar and Gawin Caskey) as the vampire Mark and Golden Blood bearer Tong.
In this universe, Golden Blood bearers have the highest quality of blood that revitalizes and strengthens any vampire that drinks their blood. There is a catch to this revitalization, of course, but we’re not spoiling anything else since the twists and turns are what make this series an interesting watch. What starts off as a protector-protectee dynamic ends up as something more romantic.
If you like supernatural romance like Twilight or Vampire Diaries, then My Golden Blood is up your alley.
Me and Thee
Last but not least, we have last year’s most trending Thai BL that gave even 2gether: The Series a run for its money. Me and Thee stars PondPhuwin (Pond Naravit and Phuwin Tangsakyuen) on their fifth project together as Thee, a wealthy son of an ex-mafioso, and Peach, a famous freelance photographer. The duo crosses paths when Peach is hired as a photographer for Thee’s perfume and accessories brand. Due to Thee’s nonexistent social skills and romantic ideals based on lakorn or Thai dramas, Peach ends up becoming his life coach. What starts out with coaching sessions turns into romance as both of them learn a little bit about each other and Thee slowly gets a grip on reality.
The chemistry between PondPhuwin is undeniable after five projects together, while the comedic moments like Thee’s over-the-top gestures and animated reactions fit Pond so well. The series currently has a second season entitled Peach and Me airing every Saturday on GMM 25 and iQIYI.
We’re also giving an honorable mention to the Only Friends and Only Friends: Dream On series if you want a heart-wrenching, complex, and utterly devastating series with a tinge of hope for the characters involved.
If you want to delve into Thai BL, then our High Five list is just a start. From campus to workplace romance, Thai BL covers a vast gamut of premises, tropes, and beloved pairings.
Which BL series will you start watching first? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!