Thai BLs are slowly flourishing beyond their own territory, becoming global hits. Their international availability on YouTube, IQIYI, Viu and Viki has opened trade routes that would have been impossible in the past decade. Today, consumers are looking for quality products that project viable storytelling coupled with conducive casting!

Me and Thee

What happens when a lakorn crazy gangster gets on your trail? It leads to utter chaos, terrific dynamics and some rusty romance. Theerakit Kian Lee aka Thee (Pond Naravit) is a self-professed drama addict, with a flair for melodrama. While pursuing his company’s model, Aran, Thee has a chance encounter with freelance photographer, Peach (Phuwin Tangsakyuen). The man is daring enough to speak out his mind in front of Thee, while others quiver at the mere mention of his name. As such, Thee proposes a deal- that Peach should help him win Aran’s heart. What starts as a casual tutelage gets serious when Thee starts falling for Peach instead. This was Pond’s best work till date. He had to portray a dramatic character who is out of touch with reality because of his rich status. He is also quite lonely, sensitive and vulnerable. Phuwin strikes a chord with a solemn portrayal of a strong-minded individual who is also kind & caring. Do we need to talk about their chemistry??

Burnout Syndrome

Director Anucha Boonyawatana is well known for writing humane characters who are flawed and realistic. “Burnout Syndrome” was no different and OffGun returned as her favorite muse. Down on his luck and desperate for work, artist Jira (Gun Atthaphan) meets IT guy Pheem (Dew Jirawat), with whom he matches perfectly. A chance encounter leads Jira to Pheem’s eccentric boss, Ko (Off Jumpol). Rather ruthless, Ko engages in acquisitions from behind-the-scenes. No one has seen him ever and, as such, Ko employs Jira to handle his acquisitions personally. As they work together, Jira is enamored with Ko’s impersonal charm and turns him into his muse. In turn, Ko discovers that his insomnia is cured whenever Jira is around. The show banks on the irresistible love triangle between these three characters as they betray their own feelings & emotions. OffGun’s chemistry is undeniable, but this show offers a refreshing pairing between Dew & Gun.

The Wicked Game

Toxic relationships are on the rise, so how could the Thai BL industry remain untouched? Pheem (Offroad Kantapon), the youngest son of a private hospital owner, returns home against his step-siblings wish. Pheem is quite rich, complicated and engaged in a battle with his siblings to gain control over his father’s hospital. On the hospital’s opening day, an assassination attempt is made against Pheem. Fortunately, Than (Daou Pittaya), a former police officer, comes to his rescue, and impressed by Than’s skills, Pheem asks him to be his personal bodyguard. Than accepts the deal when Pheem offers to help him investigate his elder brother’s shady dealings, because of which Than was suspended from his job. As they work, Pheem is draws towards Than’s kind nature. While Than is easy & straightforward, Pheem is ruthless & calculative. They fall in love but Pheem betrays him for his own motives. The show’s ending is legendary as it leads to an unexpected redemption arc. If you love DaouOffRoad, then don’t miss this show!!

Goddess Bless You From Death

I wasn’t exactly a huge fan of PoohPavel’s “Pit Babe Series”. So I went into this show with zero expectations and returned pleasantly surprised. The amount of dedication and research needed to produce this supernatural suspense really needs a standing ovation. Not everyone has the ability to produce a nuanced horror show; the cast and crew of this show have this distinction. Thup (Pooh Krittin), an orphan cursed with extraordinary senses, is drawn into investigating a mysterious murder case stretching across decades alongside the more rational thinker, Singha (Pavel Naret), who dismisses all things occult. But what they face defies logic; this case is stitched together by ancient beliefs, supernatural forces, and the darkest corners of human desire. As Singha begins to reluctantly investigate these cases, Thup proves to a useful asset with his massive knowledge. Initially suspicious of Thup’s involvement in these cases, Singha grows to trust his judgment, and they slowly fall in love. This was Pavel’s best work till date, his rational approach to playing this character is praiseworthy. Pooh proves his mantle by portraying Thup’s struggles with the supernatural world. Both were exemplary in their own ways!!

Khemjira The Series

Horror BLs are the new norm, the supernatural is finally reigning. Khemjira introduces the fresh pairing of Keng Harit & Namping Napatsakorn with a vengeful twist. Khem (Namping Napatsakorn) is born into a cursed family. Supposedly, a daughter born into the family would be safe. However, a son would die before he’d reached the age of twenty-one. Khem’s mother cleverly gives him a girl’s name, Khemjira, which means “forever safe.” However, this carefully crafted lie begins to fall apart as Khem’s fateful birthday approaches. As such, he is left with no option but seek protection from his close friend, Jet’s powerful master, Peem (Keng Harit). Peem is a shaman, tasked with protecting his village. Quite reserved and highly spiritual, Peem’s initial interactions with Khemjira aren’t condescending. But as time passes on and at Jet’s insistence, Peem takes on the daunting task of protecting Khem from the vengeful spirit, Ramphueng (Green Ausadaporn). Keng & Namping have blissful chemistry, none say this is their first show!!

Keep watching this space for the next feature!