We’re all fighting to come to terms with something, whether it’s life changes, taking the next step in a relationship, or responsibilities we’re not sure we want. And that’s precisely the kind of turmoil the Thai BL That Summer throws its viewers into.

The series begins with Lava (Winny Thanawin Pholcharoenrat), who is sent by his mother to live with his young uncle Pheng (Mond Tanutchai Wijitvongtong) in a seaside village. Life there is anything but carefree. He’s immediately put to work and forced to face grief and responsibilities he’d rather avoid. Everything changes when he discovers a man washed ashore, later diagnosed with amnesia by Dr. Wut (Ryu Phudtripart Bhudthonamochai). Lava reluctantly becomes his caretaker, giving him the name Wave (Satang Kittiphop Sereevichayasawat). Wave’s refined manners and complete inability to do physical labor hint at a privileged past, but without his memories, he’s just another piece of the puzzle in a community already brimming with hidden tensions. Alongside them, Tum (Neo Trai Nimtawat), a supporting character, adds his own restless energy, balancing work with escapism through weed and parties.

From the first two episodes, That Summer felt less like an introduction and more like the opening act of a full-length movie. It lays its foundation quickly, but without ever feeling rushed. Each character carries the weight of their own battles: a prince who longs to experience life before stepping into his duties, a young man still aching from the loss of his father, and an uncle whose love for another man is quietly restrained by fear. They collide in a storm of tempers, grief, and yearning, creating a dizzying mix of push and pull that feels both chaotic and captivating.

This drama thrives on its ensemble. I usually find myself drawn to just one storyline, but here every character demands attention. Lava and Wave’s dynamic is volatile, two boys clawing at what they want from life while also learning how dangerous running away from responsibility can be. Their constant clashes, Wave’s frustration at his forgotten past, and Lava’s desperate attempts to avoid his own pain build a tension that feels ready to explode at any moment.

Pheng and Dr. Wut bring a quieter but equally compelling conflict. Their relationship, tucked into the shadows, aches with hesitation. Wut’s frustration at keeping their love hidden cuts through every scene, while Pheng’s self-doubt leaves him pushing away happiness he deserves. What I like most is how Wut grounds him, constantly reminding him of his worth. They’re not a flashy couple, but they feel real, two people who shouldn’t fit together but somehow do. I think how people feel about them will be divided, but I like that Pheng and Wut feel like they wouldn’t work. I think that’s what makes them actually work. Because that’s precisely what their relationship is supposed to feel like. It’s two characters no one would expect to fall in love with each other but do anyway, and I like how that’s falling into place.

Tum’s presence adds another raw layer. His habits, working hard by day, numbing himself at night, say a lot about the ways people cope with the weight of life. It’s reckless, but it also makes him painfully human.

There’s a lot of angst here, and I think that’s where this series might divide viewers. The words cut deep, the tempers flare too often, and the destructive choices feel heavy. But beneath that anger are glimmers of vulnerability and the possibility of found family. Every sharp word feels like it’s just one apology or one moment of softness away from becoming something more.

The production only amplifies the emotional weight. The cinematography, music, and scene transitions don’t just frame the story, they become a character themselves, heightening every argument, every longing look, every silence.

I’ve always been cautious with amnesia storylines, but That Summer avoids the usual clichés by keeping its emotions raw and grounded. Wave’s forgotten past feels less like a gimmick and more like a catalyst, pulling the others into reckoning with themselves.

The chemistry is undeniable. I’ve enjoyed Winny and Satang together before, and their fiery push-and-pull feels even stronger here. Seeing Ryu and Mond as a pair is new to me, but their dynamic works beautifully. Ryu’s quiet steadiness balancing Mond’s character’s volatility.

I’m both excited and nervous about where this series is heading. I expect heartbreak, growth, and moments that might hurt to watch, but I also trust it will all be worth it. Because sometimes the messiest stories, the ones filled with flaws, anger, and yearning, are the ones that dig deepest into our hearts.

And I can’t look away.

For a series that captures the chaos of change, the ache of longing, and the spark of connection, check out That Summer now on the GMMTV YouTube channel.

Rating- 4 out of 5