June 18 marks a historic day in Thailand. The momentous marriage equality law has been passed by the Thai senate on its final reading, making the nation the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. The bill was backed by almost every member of the upper house and will now be sent to the palace to get King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s pro forma approval. This solidifies Thailand’s standing as a relative sanctuary for LGBTQ couples in a location where such perspectives are uncommon.
The Thai cabinet also adopted a civil partnership bill in July 2020, legalising LGBTQ couples to adopt children and inherit property. In the pop culture or lifestyle space, Thailand is one of the most welcoming countries, regardless of anyone’s sexual orientation or culture. This country’s openness is evident in the everyday lives of its people, extending beyond interpersonal relationships to the entertainment industry, which is a major deal at the moment.
More Than Entertainment
Today, Thai media is ahead of any other Asian country in terms of LGBTQ representation. The Thai entertainment industry has illustrated the complex realities of LGBTQ individuals in various formats, be it their BL (boy love) or GL (girl love) shows. Thai media is more than just a source of entertainment for its global viewers; it has also acted as an outlet for representation, validation, and acceptance, as well as for how things significantly affect young LGBTQ people. It may seem minuscule, but this positive showcase of their personalities and relationships minus the prejudice, helps them feel more accepted in society. It has the power to normalise a wide range of identities and inform viewers that the world is more than what is commonly suggested.
The Progress
Over the years Thai LGBTQ dramas have made a name for themselves and developed a distinct fan following in a world full of heteronormative rom-coms. What these shows give queer people is more than an escape from reality and fantasy that rom-coms so frequently promote to the cis-het audience. Watchers of Thai dramas regularly may notice that the shows share many of the same clichéd romantic tropes as K-dramas, such as childhood best friends and enemies to lovers.
However, what distinguishes them from other dramas is their consistent and more inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ people, which is hard to come by in mainstream media. With the gradual changes in society, realistic queer shows are bridging the gap between reality and fantasy by showing how everyday life may inadvertently become part of people’s awareness and usher in a new age.
So, if you want to delve into the world of Thai LGBTQ shows scroll down to learn our suggestions:
1. 2gether: The Series
This BL’s plot has the fan favourite fake dating trope featuring Tine who is an extremely good-looking college student and cheerleader, while Sarawat is one of the most popular males at school and a leader in the soccer and music team. When Tine is pursued by Green, whose feelings he does not reciprocate, he begs Sarawat to appear to be dating him so that Green will leave him alone. In an age-old story, deception gradually gives way to reality. However, before a “happily ever after,” there must be the process of falling in love and the growing knowledge that they are no longer pretending. This show is a good start for everyone who wants to dive into the BL world.
Where to stream: Netflix
2. Lucky My Love
In the pursuit of love, Napdao has been doing everything. She has got her fortune read. She’s gone on a string of blind dates. Unfortunately, no one seems to be on the same page as her. She starts to think that perhaps her gorgeous and caring boss Pheem could be the one for her. Then Wela, her new team leader, comes into the picture and shakes things up with her observant and affectionate care.
3. KinnPorsche The Series La Forte
If you are a sucker for mafia stories, this show is made for you. A bodyguard and his boss falling in love is the kind of plot we would pay extra to watch. Kinn Theerapanyakul, the second son of a Mafia lord, is fleeing an enemy when he meets Porsche, an ambitious young bartender. Porsche agrees to help Kinn defend himself against his attackers—for a price. Porsche’s martial arts skills impress Kinn, who, encouraged by his father, attempts to enlist Porsche as one of his personal bodyguards.
Despite Kinn’s intimidation, Porsche is resistant and refuses his proposition. Porsche doesn’t agree to live on the Theerapanyakul property until his family home and capacity to care for his brother are endangered. It’s not an easy adjustment for him- he has had an unconventional, violent career, and his relationship with Kinn oscillates between strained and playful. When his affections for Kinn take an unexpected turn, things get more interesting.
Where to stream: iQIYI
4. Pit Babe
Pit Babe is a Thai BL series about a race car driver and his fanboy. The main character is renowned for his talent and achievements in the racing circuit. He used to have many casual hookups, never committing to a long-term relationship. After the protagonist meets a mysterious fan, they get along surprisingly well. Their passionate romance is full of seduction. Behind his innocent image, the new lover may be hiding a dangerous secret.
Where to stream: Dramacool
5. Gap: The Series
Long after Sam first came to Mon’s rescue when they were kids, Sam is unambiguously Mon’s idol. To be near her, Mon gets a job working under her. When they finally meet again at the office, Mon is surprised by her icy exterior, so different from the image she’d had of her and what she wants to be. Mon and Sam aren’t just different in demeanour; they stand apart in class and between them is a gap of eight years.
