This is my first time watching a Thai lakorn.

For our readers, who don’t know much about this concept, Lakorns are a popular genre of fiction in Thai television. Since these shows are shown on major television channels, they follow strict censorship laws on subject matters concerning nudity, sexual intercourse, smoking opium, or those offending religious sensibilities. As a result, compared to the booming BL dramas; romance in Lakorn is quite mellow. One 31 Thailand’s “To Sir, With Love” premiered to high expectations on 3rd October 2022. Unlike GMMTV (which promptly adds subtitles to their shows), other regional networks aren’t big on catering to the international audiences. So, after a weeklong wait, the first two episodes were subbed, and we sat down to watch this historical romance. Did it make a strong impression? Is the storyline worth exploring? Let’s skip the pleasantries and review the first two episodes, because I’m dying to talk about it!

Typical Family Politics + Homophobia

Before we start discussing the specifics, we need to be talk about the time period of this Lakorn. The show is most probably set in 1930/1940’s. It’s quite obvious from the costumes that the storyline is centered around the Republican era, where Japan was rapidly capturing adjacent territorial boundaries. While I have watched quite a few dramas in Chinese & Korean, where we get an idea about the dictatorial attitude of the Japanese, this is my first time watching a Thai drama based on this premise. We quickly plunge into a world hinging on unrest and chaos. In the midst of this turmoil, we are introduced to the members of the “Five Dragons Association”, a powerful conglomerate of five Chinese merchant families, monopolizing the Thai market. The leader of this association is elected through votes and the current head is from the Song Family. Unless contested, the mantle is passed onto the first-born son of the family. Although hereditary, the leadership can be changed if the current leader is embroiled in any controversy or scandal. The pilot episode solely hightails on the idea that the association members are largely homophobic (given their Chinese roots) and being a homosexual can quickly become a reason for ouster. I was left aghast when Mr. Song (Saksit Tangthong) fires one of his most competent co-member, Mr. Zhang simply because he is homosexual. Unable to bear the humiliation, Mr. Zhang commits suicide and curses the Song family to the same fate. Unbeknownst to Mr. Song, the curse actually turns true. But before we move onto that, it’s important to learn about the family dynamics in the Song household. Mr. Song has two wives, Li (Pock Piyathida) and Jan (Panward Hemmanee). Although a commoner, Li has a better status and more power in the household because she is the first wife, having birthed the heir, Tian (Film Thanapat). As such, Jan spends most of her time plotting against Li and Tian. Her aristocratic nature can’t stand being inferior to a commoner. Despite the bad blood between their mothers, Tian and his stepbrother, Yang (Tongtong Kitsakorn) share a warm and loving relationship. Mr. Song also has a mistress, Bua (Kik Mayurin) who was outsed for being sterile, although they do seem to be in love. Bua dotes on her stepsons; frankly Tian & Yang are more close to Bua than their actual birth mothers (who are forever locked into a battle of will). Despite her low status, Bua is dignified, uninterested in the family politics and fiercely protective of her stepsons. Problems ensue when the family attends an opera performance and Tian gets oddly enthralled with the main performer’s act. He starts emulating the performance and one day, Yang catches him rehearsing the same dialogues. Unperturbed, Yang doesn’t care much about Tian’s feminine appearance; and encourages Tian to watch more performances to better his acting skills. Unfortunately, Tian is apprehended by his mother next and she takes offense at his unusual behavior. Caught between his own desire and Madam Li’s strict rules, Tian has a difficult upbringing. The more his mother tries to deny his sexuality, the more aggrieved he becomes. The drama hints at the power imbalance in the family, as Li tries to cure Tian of his homosexuality. Hiding behind a facade, Tian has a difficult time concealing his true nature, while acting with accord to his mother’s wishes (so that she can protect her current status in the family). Their relationship keeps deteriorating as she pressures him to act like a “Real Man”.

The Chemistry & Some More

I wasn’t expecting much in terms of romance, because obviously it is a slippery slope. But To Sir, With Love manages to deliver. True, there isn’t much going on in the first two episodes, since they are more like introductory scenes. The pilot episode gleams over the fact that Tian is being set up for future conflicts (based on his family politics and sexuality) and his new found crush might play a pivotal role in this turmoil. So, while sneaking out with Yang for a midnight adventure, our coquettish hero stumbles across a candy seller on the street. Jiu (Jam Rachata) is handsome and reserved. And yet when their eyes meet, there is mild intrigue and ample curiosity. See, we are talking about an era where homosexuality was frowned upon and as such, Jiu quickly averts his attention, knowing that Tian might belong to the privileged class. That doesn’t stop him from stepping in and saving Tian when some Japanese soldiers cause mayhem in the market. Obviously, they don’t care much about social structure and are out to butcher anyone & everyone. Jiu rescues Tian and we have a slow motion chasing scene whereby they hide under a shelter. The camera pans on Tian’s facial expressions as he checks out Jiu’s impressive physique and he seems to be in awe. Their chemistry is crackling with sparks as both forlornly try to hide their attraction.

First Impressions

This is my first time watching a Thai period drama and I’m admittedly hooked. Although the premise, locales and costumes have a distinct Chinese touch; the storytelling has an indulgent Thai tinge. You can’t deny that this is a Thai Lakorn, even if you try to change the branding with Chinese & Japanese subcultures. To Sir, With Love takes us back to an era where homosexuality was taboo and the society was hugely prejudiced against the LGBTQ community. The Republican era is closely marked with political uprising and turmoil; something that adds a rustic touch to this forbidden storyline. In some places, it might remind you of the “Romeo & Juliet” love story; albeit with a gay twist. The one thing that stands out is Tian’s conviction; he is the quintessential Prince, waiting in line to wear the Crown. And yet, he doesn’t shy away from accepting his sexuality; he is untethered and brave. Madam Li has a difficult time trying to convince him to hide his true nature (something that is expected from a smart lady like her), but Tian’s persistence is inspiring and praiseworthy. He hates being a pawn in his Mother’s power games and doesn’t hesitate to express his displeasure. Obviously, I’m here for the romance; it’s gay, glorious and refreshing- something that I wasn’t expecting from a tele-Lakorn. I thought the love story would be conservative and toned down. But the way Tian & Jiu look at each other, it is anything but slow burn. I’m totally looking forward to watching the next 26 episodes (yes, unlike most BL dramas, this one is an extended version like most Lakorn’s). There will be a lot of conflicts, bloodbath, homophobic interactions and slurs; but Tian & Jiu’s love story is worth the carnage promised!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- here