Romance isn’t something that can be planned. It isn’t something that can be decided by rank, title, or the weight of someone else’s opinion. Love doesn’t care about decorum or boundaries, it simply begins.

And in Memoir of Rati, it begins quietly. With glances exchanged at a festival and curiosity sparked between two men who, by society’s rules, have no business falling for one another.

Set in 1915 Siam, this historical Thai BL opens with soft tension and beautiful restraint. Adapted from the web novel by P. Picha, it introduces us to Rati (Inn Sarin), an orphan brought back to Siam as a French interpreter, and Thee (Great Sapol), a marquis in the Ministry of Education. Their meeting is simple, almost forgettable, but under the stillness, there’s something unmistakable happening between them.

Rati is a man between worlds. Born in Siam but raised in France, he walks the line between two homes, two loyalties, and two versions of himself. His return to Siam isn’t met with open arms, especially not from the biological mother he longs for, a kitchen maid with ties to him she chooses not to acknowledge. It’s a quiet heartbreak that threads through Rati’s early days back in Siam, and we feel it as he tries not to unravel.

Enter Thee, a man Rati mistakes for a commoner, only to later discover is a noble man rumored to be romantically inclined toward men. The revelation adds tension, yes, but it also deepens the intrigue. Both men, from very different walks of life, find themselves navigating internal conflicts, familial expectations, and social scrutiny, all while slowly falling for each other.

And while Rati and Thee are the center of the story, there’s another couple also beginning to surface: Dech (Boom Tharatorn), a noble Muay Thai fighter, and Mek (Aou Thanaboon), a commoner who also fights (for the monetary prize). Their story hasn’t taken shape yet, but the fire between them, especially during their fighting scenes, is already hinting at something bold and emotional.

As a fan of other historical Thai BL dramas (particularly To Sir, With Love and I Feel You Linger in the Air), I was hopeful going into Memoir of Rati. So far, it hasn’t disappointed. Though the pacing is slow and some moments lean a little heavy on the dramatic pause, the heart of the story is strong. The emotional groundwork is there. And the longing is believable.

Special mention to the cast for tackling not just layered characters, but also dialogue in a second language. It’s no small feat, and their performances carry a lot of nuance, even through the occasional syrupy line or overly staged moment.

Two episodes in, Memoir of Rati is a drama built on contrast: tradition and rebellion, loyalty and longing, structure and emotion. It’s not loud. It doesn’t need to be. This is a love story that unfolds in quiet stolen moments where every word feels like it might change everything.

And I’m fully on board.

For a series that promises an emotional ride, you can catch Memoir of Rati now on YouTube.

Rating- 4 out of 5