You really can’t talk about BL without naming off some Thai series.
Longtime Asian BL watchers know that Thai BLs are probably the ultimate OG of the genre, and they’re a big part of BL taking off to what it is today. New Thai BLs come out pretty much every other month, so it’s a fun challenge to keep up with things.
To make it a bit easier, especially for newbies to the world of Thai BL, these are some new-age staples that have already become essential watches. Read on to see why you’ll want each of them on your list!
1. “Until We Meet Again”
A red string of fate ties two seeming strangers together in “Until We Meet Again”: an adorable college freshman named Pharm (Fluke Natouch Siripongthon) and a stoic junior, Dean (Ohm Thitiwat Ritpraser). They have a mysterious yet undeniable connection from the first time they see each other, and fate keeps bringing them face to face. As they get to know each other, they find out their story goes back to two past students who fell in love nearly three decades before them.
“Until We Meet Again” is a story about reincarnation and, ultimately, a second chance at love.
Why it’s a staple:
This one takes the familiar Thai college setting and adds a super interesting twist. There’s something you can’t help but want to believe in when it comes to fated or destined love. Somehow, this drama perfectly mixes a tragic love story of the past with an adorable love story of the present. The leads’ fun friend groups are also a big highlight, and there are some side romances that are just as good.
Start watching “Until We Meet Again” now:
2. “Star in My Mind”
In “Star in My Mind,” a sticky situation arises when Daonuea (Dunk Natachai Boonprasert) returns from studying abroad and realizes his high school crush, Khabkluen (Joong Archen Aydin), goes to the same university. Having made a rejected love confession to Khabkluen right before leaving abroad, Daonuea tries to save face by acting like he doesn’t know Khabkluen. But this doesn’t really work out because they are put into the same dorm room, just feet between their very bunk beds. Now in close quarters, they’re forced to work through their obvious spark but unclear relationship.
Why it’s a staple:
On the surface, this is a simple love story about two university students who have to get over a few misunderstandings to see their true feelings, but this drama is such an enjoyable watch. The push and pull between Daonuea and Khabkluen keeps you coming back, and there are literally endless heart-fluttering moments in this series. You’ll sympathize with the confusion and butterflies Daonuea has as he tries to hold back from his crush’s natural rizz, thinking there’s no chance for him. As an honest, dorky, cute character, Daonuea is really one of those characters you would be willing to fight for.
Start watching “Star in My Mind” now:
3. “Sky in Your Heart”
As it so happens, Thai BLs are also kings of spinoffs, prequels, sequels, and side stories. In this case, “Sky in Your Heart” is the sibling drama to “Star in My Mind,” focused on Daonuea’s older brother, Kuafah (Mek Jirakit Thawornwong). Kuafah is a wealthy, accomplished doctor whose workaholic ways land him with a broken heart. When he decides to be more carefree and turn to partying to forget his pain, he makes a mistake that forces him and his two best friends to pack their bags and do volunteer work in a remote village.
On his first day at the village, he meets Prince (Mark Jiruntanin Trairattanayon), a hardworking village teacher. They butt heads at first, but they slowly get to know each other beyond the surface. With a lingering pain from a past breakup and struggling to adjust to a totally different environment, Kuafah develops feelings for another man for the first time in his life. Will Prince feel the same way?
Why it’s a staple:
If you liked “A Tale of a Thousand Stars,” this has a very similar vibe and storyline, but it’s a bit more lighthearted and goofy. Watching Kuafah adjust to such a drastic change of scenery is both funny and heartwarming, and there’s nothing like finding love in unexpected places when you’re down on your luck. If you want to watch things in order, “Star in My Mind” takes place before “Sky in Your Heart.”
Start watching “Sky in Your Heart” now:
4. “Theory of Love”
Set in the intriguing world of film studies, university student Third (Gun Atthaphan Phunsawat) spends his days immersed in film with his unstoppable trio of friends, Two (White Nawat Phumphotingam), Bone (Mike Chinnarat Siriphongchawalit), and Khai (Off Jumpol Adulkittiporn). But spoiler: one of these is not like the rest.
For years, Third has also spent his days hiding a big secret that could ruin his friendship forever: he’s in love with his best friend, Khai. Khai, of course, is oblivious, and his oblivion has caused Third quite a bit of hurt (*cue the iconic crying in the shower scene*). Third also knows that Khai is a ladies’ man, so he figures they could never work. However, everything starts to change when his secret gets out.
Why it’s a staple:
If you’re new to Thai BLs, this is a good one to watch to get familiar with the pairing of Off and Gun, one of the most popular and talented OTPs. Being in the context of film studies, this one also has a ton of pretty cinematography moments, amazing music, and an overall beautiful aesthetic. Likewise, the relatable portrayal of having a one-sided crush is way too real. Seeing Third get hurt over and over again while hiding his feelings is truly heartbreaking at times. Third is another character you’ll root for until the very end.
Start watching “Theory of Love” now:
5. “I Told Sunset About You”
Ending this list strong is “I Told Sunset About You,” an emotional love story between two teenage boys, Teh (Putthipong Assaratanakul) and Oh Aew (Krit Amnuaydechkorn). The two childhood friends lose touch after a fight, and though they never expect to meet again, they do so years later at a Chinese language school.
Teh is assigned to work with Oh Aew, and old and new feelings slowly come to the surface. Unsure about their relationship, they struggle to understand and accept their feelings while navigating an environment that isn’t entirely welcoming to gay couples. “I Told Sunset About You” captures the complicated feelings and nostalgia of young love between two boys who are confused about what their feelings mean.
Why it’s a staple:
“I Told Sunset About You” isn’t a drama you just watch, it’s something you feel and live through alongside the characters. This one is definitely different from your fluffy, feel-good BL; it has a more realistic, serious tone, focusing on the realities of the LGBTQ+ community through the lens of young adults. If you’re looking for something a bit more serious with complex characters, difficult questions, and raw emotion, this coming-of-age story may be for you. With just five episodes, it seriously packs a punch.
Start watching “I Told Sunset About You” now:
Have you seen any of these Thai series yet? What Thai BLs do you consider must-watches? Let us know in the comments below!
Asya’s a BL-biased writer with a love of K-pop and all types of Asian dramas. Some of her favorite shows are “Psychopath Diary,” “Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss!,” “Light On Me,” “The Untamed,” “Go Go Squid!,” and “Cherry Magic!”
Currently watching: “Eccentric Romance,” “Falling High School Girl and Irresponsible Teacher,” and “My Damn Business”
Looking forward to: “Your Sky the Series” and “I’m the Most Beautiful Count”