2025 saw a massive outflow of BL dramas; the astronomical number of productions were subjected. We had a diverse profile catering to a wider audience and, as such, this year’s awards are meant to recognize talents from a variety of diaspora. The winners have proved their worth, and we are happy to acknowledge that they are deserving of this praise & intent!
Thank you to one and all for taking the time to vote. Check out the results below.
10) Joong Archen, Dare You to Death
The last time we saw him, Joong was playing an assassin in “The Heart Killers”. Considering his previous roles, Jade comes off as more a mature & diversified role. Joong’s Jade is charming, handsome, flirtatious and yet quite serious about his job. He is so dedicated to work that he won’t mind interrogating his own brother; to Jade, work is above all. His breezing chemistry with Dunk makes this show a worthwhile experience!
9) Inn Sarin Ronnakiat, Memoir of Rati
When this show was announced, I was pretty excited about watching Inn Sarin, in a Republican-era drama. Obviously, his good looks compliment any kind of role; but his portrayal of Rati struck a chord with the audience. As Rati, Inn Sarin portrays a liberal character who was bought up abroad and returns home to face societal prejudices in an age where homosexuality was considered taboo. The stigma and dogma faced by his character was embodied by Inn Sarin. Truly admirable!
8) Zhang Zhe Xu, Kill to Love
Playing a toxic character often takes a toll on your temperament. You have to continuously adjust your emotions to the character’s moods and deliver a performance that is achingly believable. Zhang Zhe Xu’s Duan Zi Ang is a formidable Emperor, fearsome but utterly obsessed with his love interest. Zhe Xu’s portrayal was quite powerful; he embraced Duan Zi Ang’s possessive nature and ruthlessness with a sincerity that is incomparable!
7) Keng Harit, Khemjira
As Pheem, Keng Harit had to slip into a role that wasn’t tailored for ordinary individuals. Pheem is a shaman, cut off from his emotions; he takes his role as the village protector seriously. As such, he has a tight control over his emotions and expressions. Even when he falls for someone, Pheem isn’t allowed to love freely. Keng emboldens this role, his rendition is brave & honest!
6) Tian Xu Ning, Revenged Love
Tian Xu Ning shot to fame with this role, which was definitely styled for him and catered to his charm. Chi Cheng is hot-tempered, possessive and domineering. Despite his varied pitfalls, when he falls in love, Chi Cheng gives up on his ego to chase his love interest wholeheartedly. Even though he realizes that Wu Suo Wei is playing mind games with him, he goes along with the flow and wins his heart. This was definitely Tian Xu Ning’s best performance till date!
5) Daou Pittaya, The Wicked Game
Daou stars as self-righteous Inspector Than in “The Wicked Game”. It is a prominent role opposite his love interest, Pheem who plays a wicked game as the titular lead. Despite being caught unaware of their family’s revenge, Than remains steadfast and acts along to investigate the truth. Being in love with an antagonistic character isn’t easy, but he never strays from the right path. Daou brings a certain charm & innocence to this character!
4) Gun Atthaphan, Burnout Syndrome
Jira is a red flag, he seems innocent but isn’t. His seductive game is strong and yet, he remains confused about his prey. Gun is an actor with an artistic flair, he quickly adapts himself to his role & embodies his character’s emotions readily. As Jira, he is quick to question Ko’s money grabbing antics and yet, he can’t bring himself to prove his own feelings. He hates Ko with fervent devotion but is also unhealthily attracted to him. Only Gun could play such a complicated character!
3) Apo Nattawin, Shine
Trin is another charismatic character enacted by one of the most popular Gen X actors in Thailand. Foreign-bred, Trin is educated, principled and soft-spoken. His feathers are ruffled when he returns to his hometown and has an unexpected encounter with the hipster Tanwa, who seemingly lives a freer life than Trin. He also unwillingly gets involved in the dynasty politics occurring in the era. Trin has a sophistication that is unmatched and Apo plays it off well!
2) Off Jumpol, Burnout Syndrome
Portraying a wicked character with an uncertain vulnerability isn’t easy. Ko is rich, but insomniac and most likely suffers from anti-social disorder. He hires men to roleplay himself and hides in the shadows to play shady games. Usurping businesses comes easily to him; at times he has an agenda, rest of the time, he doesn’t. Off plays this notorious character with an honesty that is incomparable. The portrayal is raw, provocative and, at times, seductive!
1) Offroad Kantapon, The Wicked Game
“The Wicked Game” breeds on the lead protagonist’s emotions; it is purely carnal and revenge oriented. Offroad renders this role with a dedication that is extraordinary and unparalleled. Pheem has his reasons for seeking revenge against his own family, but his means are so despicable, that you keep questioning his real intentions. His somber romance with Than is addictive, but their relationship has too many pitfalls and is destructive. Offroad takes the crown as the “Top BL Actor in 2025” for his daring performance. A well deserved win indeed!
We hope our readers and avid BL fans had a fun time voting in this year’s polls. Until next year!