The BL Xpress Awards- 2024 (Popular Vote)- Top Ten BL Couples [Results]

While most of the winners on this list are deserving, there were some unexpected new entrants that managed to surprise us. Their consistently improved performances coupled with an excellent chemistry have made them fan favorites; this managed to boast their overall rankings, and we are delighted to share the results!

10) Great Sapol & Inn Sarin Ronnakiat (Wandee Goodday)

This new pairing from the GMMTV camp managed to grab everyone’s attention because of their refreshing chemistry, which added oodles of flavor to their “Friends with Benefits” romance. For Inn Sarin, this was his second BL role but for Great, this was his breakthrough and he did win hearts with his somber performance of an utterly whipped in love Muay Thai fighter. His camaraderie with Inn Sarin shines through and that managed to elevate a script with abundant loopholes. They were definitely one of our favorite pairs in 2024!

9) Liu Dong Qin & Benjamin Tsang (The On1y One)

A chemistry so intriguing, it makes you wonder how it would be when they actually start romancing? Starring as stepbrothers that has not one but two jaded protagonists, Liu Dong Qin & Benjamin Tsang had to portray characters that have their own individual struggles. While Sheng Wang is trying to adapt to this new reality where his father has remarried, Jiang Tian is forced to accommodate his new grumpy stepbrother. Stepping out of their comfort zone, these actors had to depict a romance where the said individual are attracted to each other, but they still tightly restrain their own emotions. Liu Dong Qin & Benjamin Tsang’s chemistry was bewildering, even without sensual scenes, they delivered a somber love story that was heartbreaking and yet endearing!

7) Up Poompat & Poom Phuripan (My Stand-In)

This was one of those shows that left me thoroughly frustrated each week, a sentiment most fans would identify with. And yet, the chemistry was explosive and over-the-top. As Ming, Up Poompat had to step into the shoes of a rich, spoiled heir who has the hots for his brother-in-law. Since he can’t do anything about his attraction, he finds a stand-in, Joe. Only the said stand-in turns out to be the real deal and Ming only understands his own feelings after Joe’s untimely death. Shockingly, Joe’s soul is transported into the body of another man with the same name. Joe starts a new life but eventually get entangled with Ming again. As Ming’s love turns into obsession, Joe wants nothing to do with him anymore. Poom was excellent in his depiction of Joe and his chemistry with Up is unbelievably strong. This pair were indeed a surprise package!

6) Chris Chiu & Kurt Huang (Unknown Series)

Another sibling romance, another pairing that will leave us unsatisfied? This was the general misconception when “The Unknown Series” started airing. Technically, Wei Qian & Wei Zhi Yian aren’t blood related, Qian picks him up from the street and adopts him as his little brother. But this forbidden aspect becomes the centerfold of their romance as Wei Qian struggles to accept his feelings for Wei Zhi Yuan, his brother in name & all. Zhi Yuan however has no qualms about his unrequited love and actively pursues his so-called elder brother until he gives in. Chris Chiu & Kurt Huang redefined chemistry by depicting a heart wrenching romance, we wish they would return with Season Two soon!

5) Pon Thanapon & Sailub Hemmawich (This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans)

Another surprise entrant on this list; the storytelling was good, the actor’s had a great chemistry but the show failed to get great ratings. But that didn’t deter the fans from voting for their favorite pairing. Pon Thanapon & Sailub Hemmawich first starred in a supporting role in “Pit Babe The Series”. Their chemistry was much appreciated which prompted CHANGE2561 to sign them exclusively for their new adaptation. As Plawan & Oab, Pon & Sailub settle into their roles easily. Despite the initial antagonism, Plawan & Oab eventually end up together, giving into their abundantly obvious attraction. Pon & Sailub have a fiery chemistry and it makes their kissing scenes ten times better than most other BL pairings!

4) Top Piyawat & Mick Monthon (Every You, Every Me)

We are not even surprised this couple at amongst the top of this list. Top & Mick previously starred in “My Universe”. Even though they failed to make a lasting impression, it was enough to get them noticed. Starring in the main lead roles, Top & Mick played a supposedly shipped couple on the verge of a breakup. The initial episodes portray the films they shot and the unassuming chemistry they display, as the latter episodes immerse fully in their heartbreaking romance. As Pun & Roi-Inn, Top & Mick assume different identities and yet their chemistry remains unrestrained. Even in scenes where their characters are at odds, Top & Mick manage to depict their heartfelt emotions. Truly a chemistry unheard-of before!

3) Perth Tanapon & Santa Pongsapak (Perfect 10 Liners)

Perth & Santa are definitely the most surprising entrants on this list. Currently, starring in “Perfect 10 Liners”, both were part of BL pairings that were hugely popular. Perth was previously paired opposite Saint Suppapong (Love by Chance) & Chimon Wachirawit (Dangerous Romance). Both pairings fell flat because of different reasons. Santa was paired opposite Earth Katsamonnat until he joined the GMMTV camp. Their fresh pairing was unexpected because initially Chimon was supposed to play the role of Gun. And yet, Perth & Santa have managed to spin a magical fairytale between the grumpy Yotha & the happy-go-lucky Gun. I wasn’t sure if Santa would settle into his new role opposite Perth, but they proved me wrong. Perth & Santa are sugary sweet, enough to make you a diabetic!

2) William Jakrapatr & Est Supha (ThamePo- Heart That Skips a Beat)

The current heartthrob and sensational couple on the block, William Jakrapatr & Est Supha are winning hearts with their realistic chemistry, both onscreen and offscreen. Every Frigay has become a celebration, with fans flocking to their individual hashtag or the show’s to check on their hijinks. Even though the drama is majorly focused on reuniting Thame with his wayward bandmates, his budding romance with Po undermines everything else. William and Est have a natural chemistry and camaraderie that is unheard-of before. They are so comfortable around each other, that their chemistry shines through their nonchalant gestures. ThamePo could simply be sitting together, staring at the wall and yet fans would go berserk. That’s the momentum WilliamEst have created!

1) JJ Krissanapoom & Tor Thanapob (Spare Me Your Mercy)

Last but not the least, “The Kings of Thai BL”, JJ and Tor managed to rewrite history. Within eight episodes, they have a scripted a romance that was underrated, unexpected yet addictive. Despite the antagonistic vibes and suspicions, JJ and Tor played their role perfectly. Especially Tor as Dr. Kant had to embody the finer nuances of a doctor who is dead set on administering Euthanasia, which is illegal in Thailand. As against him, JJ plays a diffident police Captain Tew, set in his ways and utterly disciplined. It was impossible to imagine a romance between these two characters, and yet they made it possible. While Kant keeps flirting and is unrestrained, Tew only believes in the law and can’t stop suspecting Kant. They keep dancing around their emotions for three quarters of the show and yet it was entertaining to watch. Their kissing scene in the finale broke the mold and set the screen on fire. We are hoping to see these two veteran actors in a new show again. Fingers crossed!

Keep watching this space for the next announcement!

One thought on “The BL Xpress Awards- 2024 (Popular Vote)- Top Ten BL Couples [Results]”

  1. It’s great that WilliamEst are getting so much love. In western terms, it would be unthinkable for the lead singer of a real life pop group to star in a BL romance, let alone have his management suggest / encourage it. I’m sure one could find some negative comments in the depth of Twitter/X, but so far fans seem to be very supportive.
    Nice to see PerthSanta’s popularity, as well. The first part of PERFECT 10 was a little snoozy, so it’s fun to watch the complicated relationship that is Yotha & Gun. (I’m still convinced that there’s some pain – maybe even equaling Yotha’s – behind Gun’s smile. The repeated references to him not having friends pre-uni is food for thought.) Hat’s off to both director New and Santa, since at this point, I can’t even imagine how Chimon would have fit into the role.

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