While BL as a genre evolves, so do the consistent pairings. Fan service remains an inevitable choice, there are multiple fandoms with their own favorites (even I belong to one such fandom). As such, we have our personal biases, and they form reckoning forces, through their acting talents and charming chemistry. For this feature, let me describe what chemistry means to them!

Off Jumpol & Gun Atthaphan, Burnout Syndrome

When we talk about chemistry, OffGun are at the helm of all affairs. One of the oldest pairings in the Thai BL industry, romance comes easily to them. If you were enamored by their romance in “Not Me Series”, then “Burnout Syndrome” will catch you off guard. Off Jumpol stars in an entirely new role; he might be playing a protagonist, but his bearing is antagonistic. Ko is self-centered, arrogant and cold-hearted. He ruthlessly buys companies and ravages them. That is, until he meets Jira (Gun Atthaphan), a struggling artist whose paintings don’t sell. He is missing a muse and as such, his paintings are missing their artistic touch. When they meet, Jira finds his muse in Ko, while Ko finds the middleman for his risky enterprises. They circle around each other, Jira often questions Ko’s regrettable life choices and seems him unworthy of love; and yet, he is dangerously attracted to Ko. The pull and push relationship between them is delicious; OffGun play well on their strengths!

Kan Hideyoshi & Fujimoto Kodai, School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To

Sometimes chemistry can be built on mutual trust and admiration. School Trip stars Kan Hideyoshi & Fujimoto Kodai as main leads. Hideyoshi previously starred in “Although I Love You, and You?” and Kodai recently played the main role in “Smells Like Green Spirit”. Their individual caricatures were dynamic, but their chemistry with their co-stars was quite lukewarm. I wasn’t expecting much from this pairing; almost predicted that they would have problems in kissing scenes as well. So, I was pleasantly surprised when the show kickstarted and our main couple showcased phenomenal chemistry right from Day 1. Kan Hideyoshi portrays his character Watarai with a gentleness & thoughtfulness that is incomparable. Kodai embodies Hioki’s shy nature and innocence admirably. Together, their chemistry is lit and one of the best highlights of this show!

Force Jiratchapong & Book Kasidet, Melody of Secrets

ForceBook are back and that too, in a mystery thriller. Their chemistry is immeasurable, so a new show isn’t meant to test it. The show dwells on the secrets between the main leads, being an investigative romance; both Force & Book are playing entirely different characters. That doesn’t mean, we won’t get to see Force flirt with Book mercilessly; I mean, that’s meant to happen, no matter the script. Book stars as an amnesiac, Botpleng. Born in a rich family, struck by tragedy, Botpleng loses ten years’ worth of his memories; and with that, he has no remembrance of his past life or lover. Returning to his hometown, Botpleng unexpectedly gets tied to serial murder case and get entangled with Tankhun, his supposed lover. Tankhun is a criminologist working with the Police Department. Most times, he acts suspicious but is equally enamored with Botpleng. Romance comes naturally to ForceBook; so no complaints there!

Pond Naravit & Phuwin Tangsakyuen, Me and Thee

I still haven’t gotten over the fact that Pond Naravit can do comedy. If you are as surprised as I’m, then it means his acting skills have improved by spades. Pond wins hearts as Thee, the most incomprehensible mafia boss in existence. He masquerades as a wealthy businessman who thrives on old soap operas. Thee is immaculate, arrogant and yet oddly vulnerable. His life changes when he meets Peach (Phuwin Tangsakyuen), a freelance photographer who lives life on the go. Despite being one of the most popular photographers in the country, Peach has a simple lifestyle. They are complete opposites, everything from their thought process to the way they communicate differs. And yet, they find a middle ground to fall in love. The beauty of this story lies in the solemn chemistry between Pond & Phuwin. While Pond plays a character with exaggerated expressions, Phuwin’s depiction is more grounded. Thee & Peach’s love story is so sweet, you can’t help but cheer for them!

Daou Pittaya & Offroad Kantapon, The Wicked Game

You know chemistry exists when the lead pair are literally soulmates. The premise for this show is quite questionable. The main lead, Pheem (Offroad Kantapon) is regrettably one of the most callous characters in the Thai BL industry. He is manipulative, schemes against his own family (who are even worse than him, so we can’t exactly blame him for being ruthless). He even puts his love interest in danger, when it comes to calculating profits. As compared to him, Than (Daou Pittaya) is kind, loyal & idealistic. These two are a match made in hell; and yet their love wins against all odds because they never give up on each other. Even after being backstabbed by Pheem several times, Than readily forgives him and patiently waits for him to repent. Their love story doesn’t make a lot of sense; I mean, would you go back to a guy who constantly lies to him, deceives you and even shoots you? Pheem is a totally grey character and yet Than forgives his every sin. Offroad and Daou have a dreamy chemistry; no matter which role they play, you can feel their love for each other!

Boat Yongyut & Oat Pasakorn, My Stubborn

This is one of those shows that dropped out of nowhere and no one was expecting the kind of clout it created. Starring Boat Yongyut as Sorn & newbie actor Oat Pasakorn as Jun, the context heavily leans on sex, sex and some more sex. Sorn & Jun have been perpetually at each other’s throats since childhood. They are typical family friends where Sorn treats Jun like his close friend’s annoying brother. That had been their relationship, until Jun catches Sorn in *ahem* unusual situation. As they tread into uncharted territory, Sorn becomes obsessed with Jun’s mischievous nature & innocence. Their love story evolves over time as they struggle with maintaining a “Friends with Benefits” relationship. Boat & Oat have an explosive chemistry, they aren’t afraid of handling NC scenes tacitly. It has been a long time since I saw a BL pairing so unafraid of portraying intimate scenes!

Pavel Naret & Pooh Krittin, Goddess Bless You From Death

Pavel Naret & Pooh Krittin are my latest obsession. This despite the fact, that I watched them “Pit Babe S1 & S2” and wasn’t exactly enamored with their chemistry. “Goddess Bless You From Death” isn’t your typical horror flair. It clubs horror with mystery and heavily leans on the budding romance between the main leads. Thup, an orphan cursed with extraordinary senses meets Inspector Singha, when he is unexpectedly entangled in a serial murder case. Singha doesn’t believe in supernatural elements, while Thup can communicate with ghosts. Singha doesn’t trust his abilities initially, but Thup proves his worth when it explains the occult beliefs and sorcery behind each murder. As they unravel the secrets behind each case, Singha & Thup grow closer. Even though, he doesn’t believe in ghosts, Singha chooses to trust Thup’s instincts. Their relationship is build on trust & honesty. Pavel & Pooh have an amazing chemistry; their comfort in NC scenes is palpable, and it makes the romance quite addictive.

Kida Naoya & Tomita Yuki, Therapy Game

One of the most unexpected pairings of 2025, Kida Naoya & Tomita Yuki serve us chemistry on a hot platter. Their scenes don’t heavily lean into too much sensuality, and yet they deliver the emotions behind the romance vividly. Minato, an out and proud gay struggles with relationships. Quite attached to his elder brother, Minato grows wary when his brother starts dating. Shizuma on the other hand ends up at a local queer bar when his girlfriend dumps him. Minato is uncharacteristically drawn to Shizuma’s pampering touch, and they end up having a one-night stand, only for Shizuma to forget everything the next morning. Feeling hurt, Minato vows revenge and tries to seduce Shizuma. But as they grow, Minato’s boundaries are tested and their growing attraction challenges his beliefs about relationships. Kida Naoya & Tomita Yuki have a natural chemistry, they look beautiful together!

Yun Qi & Hao Yi Ran, To My Shore

The best new find of the year, Yun Qi made an impressive debut as the toxic main lead, Fan Xiao. The heir to a Thai conglomerate who’s returned to China for business, Fan Xiao unexpectedly gets entangled with You Shu Lang (Hao Yi Ran), a director at a pharmaceutical company and a do-gooder. You Shu Lang is even kind to people who betray him. At first, Fan Xiao decides to seduce as a ruse; he intends to break him. He schemes and plots, makes Shu Lang breakup with his boyfriend and deceives him endlessly. Shockingly though, Fan Xiao ends up falling for Shu Lang’s kind nature instead. By the time, he realizes his own feelings, Shu Lang learns the truth & dumps. What ensues is a cat and mouse chase, whereby Fan Xiao does everything and anything possible to reconcile with You Shu Lang. Yun Qi really embodies Fan Xiao’s complex personality, he isn’t an easy person to read, which makes it difficult to understand his true intentions. Hao Yi Ran is a seasoned actor, and he lives upto the reputation by portraying Shu Lang’s gentleness with a touch of gritty spirit. Together, they make an irresistible combination!

Joong Archen & Dunk Natachai, Dare You to Death

Chemistry cannot be invented, it can be rediscovered though. Every time, Joong & Dunk are onscreen, they rediscover a new way to lift their chemistry. When Puifai dies after a night of partying with friends, new Inspector Kamin joins Inspector Jade in the investigation. What seems like a simple case of murder soon turns into a serial murder case. As they investigate, the simmering tension between both is palpable. The first episodes focus on Dunk’s growth as a mature artist; his expressions controlled & measured. Joong plays the hopeless flirt, who likes to raffle his love pinterest’s feathers. I have been watching JoongDunk for years and by far, this is their best performance till date.

We had a phenomenal year with some of the best written dramas airing in 2025. And although storytelling plays an important role in making or breaking a drama’s success, it is the lead pair and their chemistry that brings enlivens the encompassing romance. 2025 marked the beginnings of quite a few new pairings and fresh trajectories were formed. We at “The BL Xpress” have been taking notice of the same; and as such, we bring you the best competing in the “Popular BL Couples” category. Vote and show your unwavering support & love for your favorite couples!

☆☆☆ Voting lines close on 3th January, 2026 ☆☆☆