Sometimes you come across a drama that makes you feel good and, at the same time, makes you question the concept as well.

Tonhon Chonalatee was one of these BL’s for me. The drama was equal parts cute and funny. At times, I did question the scriptwriter’s thought process, as some parts were unwanted or over-exaggerated. I do want to mention that Chonalatee’s mother is a truly amazing person and an inspirational parent. Chon, played by the adorable Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan and Tonhon, portrayed by the extremely talented Suphakorn Sriphothong have been friends since childhood. Chon has been in love with Ton since childhood, but circumstances separate these best friends.

Their first meeting after five years is entirely comical and heartwarming; Ton has no idea about Chon’s sexual orientation and Chon has to pretend he isn’t gay. Even more hilarious is Chon’s first meeting with Ai (Jirakit Kuariyakul) and Ni (Chinnarat Siriphongchawali), the endearing side couple. Despite being Tonhon’s best friend, they have been pretending to be straight. I was disappointed with the fact that Tonhon’s reservations and manly demeanor force his friends to hide their sexuality and relationship from him. Pod and Khao’s chemistry is staggeringly apparent and shines throughout the series.

A rather unusual situation turns into a ray of hope for Chon. There are some revelations that surprise Tonhon, but he doesn’t seem angry about them. As always, the Evil Ex-Girlfriend troupe was used; I was hugely disappointed again. Also, the attempted rape of Chonhon was not extremely disturbing and unwarranted. Rape and sexual assures in any form could never be condoned; no matter how good the series is. Another disappointing arc belonged to Neung, played by the talented Gunsmile. This was not his best characterization and his storyline could have been better; as Gunsmile is an extremely talented actor. His potential was vastly wasted.

As Tonhon slowly realizes he might actually like Chon, he is left shocked with the depth of his own feelings. While familial situations and his ex-girlfriend constantly plague their budding romance, Tonhon tries consistently to win Chon’s affections. It is easy, because Tonhon’s Father is homophobic and he finds homosexual relationships rather unacceptable. It was actually heartwarming to watch Tonhon’s maneuvers and efforts as he tries his level best to stand beside Chonhon and defend their relationship, in the midst of external turmoil. No matter what happens, Tonhon loves Chon with his heart, soul and mind. How our main couple overcome these problems forms the crux of this storyline!

Chon’s mother is definitely the most preeminent mother in the BL world. She never questions her son’s sexual orientation and loves him wholeheartedly. Ai, Ni, Pang, and Miriam form the “Coolest Band of Friends” that Chon could ever have. Also, Na was truly outstanding as a friend as well. I had a problem with Amp and Ton’s father, they were both immensely homophobic and although Tonhon’s Father redeemed himself in the end; Amp’s wicked nature found no absolution. I do understand their feelings, but to use this animosity to harm others is unacceptable and harmful to the society. I adored the side couple Ni and Ai as I love Mike and Toptap; their chemistry is unmistakingly explosive.

Personally, this was a very conflicting drama. I did adore Chon and Ton’s romance. I loved the storyline and the happiness it brought. All troupes aside, Tonhon Chonlatee is definitely a worthwhile watch!

Rating- 3 out of 5