Thai BLs are all the rage right now, bringing Asian queer media representation to the forefront worldwide. They have rapidly gained momentum, escalating into the talk of the town, especially with recent series like Bad Buddy and KinnPorsche. The Telegraph walks through the genre and picks the hottest Thai BLs right now that have drawn us into the buzz.
The Blueprint
BL (BLs, for plural) is an abbreviation of ‘Boy Love’, an umbrella term that can be considered for any form of text or media dealing with homosexual content. Originating in Japan, as yaoi (the rise of which can be traced back to the ’70s), it has since then been developed through Korean manhwas and Thai BLs. The overall genre has often been dealt with apprehension and is definitely not without its share of problematic tropes. However, it has also evolved along with the growing awareness of its producers and consumers to become more pertinent and relevant in its narratives.
Like mainstream yaoi content, Thai BLs might seem to be centred more around relationships than intricate plots, although there are exceptions. Nonetheless, all of it is equally enjoyable to watch. Most notably, Thai BLs have remotely subverted the existing genre, picking patches of its precursor and giving it shape and a lens of its own.
What makes BLs the it thing right now?
Although Thai BLs have been around for a while, they have received a recent surge of interest and it is only growing. Series like 2gether, starring Bright and Win, two of Thailand’s biggest stars right now, commanded incredible social media attention, pushing its actors to superstardom overnight. The production of these series might not always be the sleekest and, admittedly, it might even take some time to get used to, but once you start watching, all of it only adds to the ingenuity of Thai BLs.
With a diverse range of stories, Thai BLs have something for everyone to enjoy, especially for queer folks who are often deprived of fully fleshed-out and focused queer depictions. They are making queer stories the mainstream. The series are easily available to watch on streaming services like iQIYI and even YouTube. GMMTV, one of the biggest production companies in Thailand and home to some of its biggest stars and BL series, regularly uploads episodes on their official YouTube channel, GMMTV Official.
The representation question
Packed with tears as well as laughter, Thai BLs are a refreshing and pleasantly welcome melodrama. Subtle gazes, high-school romances, cute dates and idyllic getaways, Western queer shows (till probably Netflix’s Heartstopper) have mostly missed out on such portrayals.
The depiction of queer relationships in Western production tends to be tinged with anxiety and fear that can often not be enjoyable to watch. Or the queer characters are the token “gay friends” that provide comic relief. The aggressive machismo that is so common in the West often inevitably seeps through. A ‘token’ character that exists simply for ‘representation’, pervades into spheres of gender, race, and sexuality. For viewers from the LGBTQIA+ communities and other communities marginalised for so long, this pointedly comes across as tokenism.
Rare it is that Asian representation is present in Western television and rarer still is queer Asian representation. Making efforts to do away with the negative umbrella asserted to LGBTQIA+ characters, Thai BLs fare abundantly well when it comes to depicting queer characters outside the token box, with their stories, experiences and feelings being on the forefront. With series such as Fish Upon the Sky and 2gether, to name a few, audiences are met with plot lines that do not unnecessarily subjugate their characters to exploitation for the sake of their sexuality. It does come as a refreshing take when members of the community are depicted happily, healthily and far removed from unnecessary trauma that neither fuels the plot nor adds to the character’s or the viewer’s experience.
Sentimental storytelling can be powerful and touching and there are gems in the Thai BL genre that provide romantic television with some much-needed feel-good vibes. Moreover, Thai BLs can be comforting and more relatable due to the cultural familiarity and commonality between Thailand and India.
The genre, nevertheless, has its fair share of toxic tropes like a heteronormative labelling of husband and wife in a relationship and gay awakenings that are often fuelled by reassurances of “I am only gay for you”, without a healthy acceptance of one’s sexuality. However, it is better to practise intelligent viewer discretion than to dismiss the entire genre without exploring the range of works present. Recent series like Bad Buddy are actively subverting such problematic tropes for a more inclusive and representative space.
Some of the Thai BLs to watch out for are:
Bad Buddy
Bad Buddy (2021)
One of the most heartwarming and relatable BLs, this recently finished series is a delightful rollercoaster of laughter and angst. It follows Pran (Nanon Korapat Kirdpan) and Pat (Ohm Pawat Chittsawangdee) as they navigate their college life and, eventually, their feelings for each other. Neighbours and seemingly eternal enemies Pran and Pat showcase an excellent enemies-to-lovers story that dismisses toxic stereotypes and is a healthy romance that thrives despite barriers. Moreover, side characters Pa (Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn) and Ink (Milk Pansa Vosbein) make for a cute sapphic pair.
Not Me
Not Me
If you’re one to focus on action and plot, Not Me might be a BL you’d want to watch. Follow White (Attaphan Phunsawat), who returns to Thailand after 15 years following his parents’ separation only to find his twin in coma after becoming involved with the wrong crowd. Driven by vengeance, White disguises himself as his brother to find the perpetrator and exact retribution. However, it isn’t as easy as it seems, rousing tension and suspicion. Thrilling, witty and giving a pertinent political commentary, Not Me makes for a perfect watch for anyone who loves a vengeance drama.
KinnPorsche
KinnPorsche
(Content Warning: Violence, gore, and dub-con)
You might have seen this one on your socials given that it has garnered over a million tweets in less than 24 hours since it aired its latest episode. KinnPorsche follows the story of Porsche (Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat), an unfortunate young bartender/student who stands to lose everything owing to his uncle’s gambling problems. Things take a turn (though we’re still unsure, if for better or worse) when his path crosses that of Kinn (Mile Phakphum Romsaithong), a young mafia overlord. Desperate, Porsche agrees only to be thrown into a whirlwind of brutality, violence and more. Apart from the stellar cast, what makes KinnPorsche enjoyable is its well-timed comic relief and budding relationships that ensure you are not overwhelmed along the way.
I Told Sunset About You (2020)
This aesthetic and emotional coming-of-age story follows Teh (Bilkin Putthipong Assaratanakul) and Oh-aew (PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn). The subtle and empathetic storytelling throughout the series makes it a must-watch. It also has an accompanying short film.
2gether
This wholesome BL created all the buzz owing to its adorable slice-of-life romance between the two gorgeous leads. Sarawat (Bright Vachirawit) and Tine (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn) find themselves entangled in a fake dating scenario when Tine is being relentlessly pursued by a university mate. Their relationship takes a turn for the better when the two naturally bond while in each other’s company. If you cannot get enough of this pairing, there’s also season two. Be prepared to be in your feels as you dive into this one.
Sotus
Sotus (2016)
(Content Warning: Hazing)
A cult classic and one of the earliest BLs that had caused a stir, you will often catch BL fans recommending it. The story is set at the Faculty of Engineering, where the ‘Gear’ must be earned by all students as a symbol of them being a part of the faculty. However, in order to get one, all freshmen must first undergo the S.O.T.U.S. (Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit) system. It is here that freshman Kongphop (Prachaya Ruangroj) meets senior student Arthit (Perawat Sangpotirat). Although the relationship starts on a bitter note when Kongphop stands up to Arthit’s hazing, it eventually blossoms into a more understanding one, turning into romance. There is more than one season to this series as well!