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Japan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Boys' love dramas from Thailand make waves in Japan
Fans packed the 8,000-seat Tokyo Garden Theater in January for GMMTV Fan Fest 2025: "Live in Japan," a major event celebrating Thai BL, short for 'boys' love,' dramas. Banners bearing the faces of beloved on-screen couples lined the walls, while attendees clutched handmade signs along with flowers, letters and other gifts. This was no one-off event, either. Similar gatherings happen every few months across the country, drawing dedicated communities of viewers who have embraced Thai BL dramas as more than just entertainment. This growing enthusiasm reflects Thailand's expanding cultural footprint in Japan. The annual Thai Festival in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But beyond traditional cultural exchanges, Thai entertainment — BL dramas in particular — has emerged as a significant soft power tool. Blending romance with social commentary, Thai BL dramas often include tropes such as university settings with senior-junior dynamics, workplace romances complicated by class differences, and coming-of-age stories that address family acceptance and societal pressure. Unlike many BL productions from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Thai series tend to feature more intimate scenes while also tackling real-world issues like mental health, economic inequality and LGBTQIA+ rights. According to the Economic Intelligence Center at Siam Commercial Bank, the BL series market is projected to generate more than 4.9 billion Thai baht (approximately $150 million) in revenue this year. Thailand now leads the Asian BL market, accounting for more than half of all BL series aired across the region, with more than 340 BL features, drama series and short films produced to date. Cross-cultural connections Among the enthusiastic crowds at Thai BL events is Nyx, a 25-year-old nonbinary British resident of Japan who works full-time in community-based international exchange. (Interviewees for this article requested to be identified by nicknames or first names due to privacy concerns.) Nyx first encountered Thai BL as a teenager through 'Love Sick,' a groundbreaking series about high school students navigating love and identity. Though they later became an avid consumer of Japanese BL, it was 'Cutie Pie,' a romantic drama featuring arranged marriage themes, and 'A Tale of Thousand Stars,' an emotional story about a heart transplant recipient who becomes a volunteer teacher and falls for a forest ranger while fulfilling his donor's promise, that reignited their passion for Thai media in 2023. However, the drama 'Bed Friend' proved life-changing. 'I connected with it on such a deep level, and it helped me process some things in my own life,' Nyx says. 'The main character, Uea, helped my self-confidence and changed my outlook on life. I often say to myself, 'If he could get through everything and still keep moving forward to tomorrow, then so can I.'' Nyx's engagement with Thai BL is far from passive. Since late 2023, they've attended five fan events in Japan, as well as the 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok — an annual celebration hosted by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of BL dramas. The most recent edition featured 22 actors representing 11 screen couples. British fan Nyx attended the annual 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok, featuring 11 screen couples from various series by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of Thai boys' love (BL) dramas. | Courtesy of Nyx Nyx also organizes letter-writing campaigns for actors, participates in Discord servers with hundreds of members, connects with other fans on social media and has even joined Dungeons & Dragons campaigns with fellow BL enthusiasts. 'It has really helped me settle in and find a community in Japan,' they say, adding that what sets Thai BL apart is 'the queerness inherent in the shows,' the visibility of openly queer creatives and the availability of translated content. The fandom has even inspired them to learn Thai. T.F., a Brazilian university employee in her 30s, had a similar trajectory. Her BL journey began with fan fiction in her teens, later progressing to Japanese anime like 'Gravitation.' During the pandemic, a friend's recommendation of 'TharnType' opened the door to Thai content, but it was '2gether' and its charismatic leads Bright (Vachirawit Chivaaree) and Win (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn) that truly captured her heart. (In Thailand, most people go by a nickname in both personal and professional settings, such as 'Bright' and 'Win.') Thailand's boys' love (BL) media industry accounts for more than half of all such series made in Asia, and is expected to bring in revenue of $150 million in 2025. BrightWin is the portmanteau for the screen couple from the popular BL series '2gether.' | via PR Times T.F. values how 'the genre seems more naturally accepted by the general public' in Thailand and offers 'a variety of plots and approaches to romance.' She appreciates the interactive nature of the fandom, facilitated by social media access to actors and behind-the-scenes content. The shows have inspired her to learn more about Thai culture, from monastic traditions to everyday religious customs. The emotional resonance runs deep, especially in coming-out scenes. 'I wish everyone could experience this happiness of being accepted for who they are,' she says. 'I appreciate that these shows give LGBTQ+ people the chance to see themselves represented." Breaking boundaries Japanese viewers of Thai BL enjoy the genre for its different perspectives on romance and social issues. Maki, an office worker in her 50s who has a job in the financial sector, discovered the genre through a coworker's recommendation of '2gether.' Like many fans, she was initially attracted to Bright's screen persona, but soon came to appreciate how Thai BL weaves romance with social themes — something she felt was rare in Japanese television. Maki's interest evolved from following individual actors to exploring broader cultural topics. She finds Thai BL's tone more relaxed and relatable than dramas from other countries and says the genre sparked a personal interest in gender issues. Watching these dramas shifted her perspective as a cisgender heterosexual woman, drawing her attention to the current social realities faced by queer communities. The community aspect proved equally important. Maki has made friends across age groups and regions through the fandom, and participates in a chat group she describes as warm and joyful. 'When you're really into something, everyday life becomes more vivid,' she says. 'I feel like I can say, 'I love what I love,' and face things more openly.' A fan meeting for the show 'Only Friends' held in Saitama Prefecture | Courtesy of T.F. Wakana's story represents the most dramatic transformation. Now in her 20s, she first discovered Thai BL through a magazine feature on '2gether.' After watching the series on a coworker's suggestion, she quickly became absorbed — especially after viewing 'SOTUS,' a university-set drama exploring hazing culture and forbidden romance. What stood out to Wakana was the willingness of Thai BL to address topics often avoided in Japanese television, including gender identity, bullying and social inequality. Her passion ultimately reshaped her life. In 2023, she moved to Bangkok to study Thai for six months and later decided to pursue a job opportunity there. 'I was watching dramas constantly during the pandemic, but now that I live here, I get to experience the world I once only saw on screen.' Wakana's fan activities span both countries. In Japan, she has attended fan meetings for the on-screen couples known by portmanteaus, like KristSingto (actors Perawat Sangpotirat and Prachaya Ruangroj) and OffGun (Jumpol Adulkittiporn and Atthaphan Phunsawat). In Thailand, she experiences firsthand the events where fans arrive hours early with stools and cameras. 'The energy of local fans is amazing,' she says, 'and when they see you're a foreigner, they help you out without hesitation.' She remains close with three fellow Thai BL fans from her former workplace, who even visited her in Thailand to explore filming locations together. 'I experienced that feeling of tōtoi — being overwhelmed by love — for the first time,' Wakana says. 'The more I learned about the actors, the more I came to love all of them. Eventually, I fell in love with the whole country.' The journeys of these fans show that Thai BL is more than just entertainment. The genre has strengthened Thailand's soft power as a form of cultural diplomacy, offering Japanese and international viewers a deeper appreciation for Thai customs, values and social perspectives. Fan activities also forge lasting bonds — from online communities to real-world friendships that cross borders. Through Thai BL, fans find more than just compelling stories: They discover different ways of understanding love, identity and acceptance.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
F4 Thailand watch episodes 1 to 16 in Hindi: Check out streaming platforms for 'F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers'
F4 Thailand watch episodes 1 to 16 in Hindi: F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers is a popular Thai romantic drama. It has 16 episodes. The story is about Gorya, a girl from a poor family. She gets a scholarship to a top high school. This school is ruled by a rich and powerful group called F4. Gorya faces bullying from the F4 leader, Thyme. The drama shows how their relationship changes over time. It also highlights school problems and class differences. You can watch the full series on GMMTV's YouTube channel. Hindi-dubbed versions are also available on different platforms. Hindi-speaking viewers can easily watch all episodes from 1 to 16. Tu's ig update exactly 3 years ago today [090422] 🌱🐯Thyme Gorya will always have special place in my heart💖#tontawan #bbrightvc #F4Thailand #intuyou How to Watch F4 Thailand in Hindi: Best Streaming Options Currently, F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers is officially streaming on Rakuten Viki. Viewers can watch all episodes in HD quality with English subtitles and some regional language options. Rakuten Viki offers free viewing with ads. You can also choose a premium plan for an ad-free experience. For Hindi dubbed versions, episodes are available on Dailymotion and YouTube through unofficial uploads. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers Full Episodes Online Free Rakuten Viki: Offers the full series with subtitles. YouTube and Dailymotion: Hindi dubbed episodes (1 to 16) can be found on various channels. Some content may be geo-restricted and require VPN. VPN Services: For users outside Thailand or India, VPNs can help access region-locked content on platforms like VIU or GMMTV's official YouTube channel. About F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers is a 2021 Thai romantic drama directed by Patha Thongpan. It tells the story of Gorya, who stands up to the bullying elite F4 boys at a luxurious school, especially their leader Thyme, who falls for her. The show blends romance, drama, and coming-of-age themes, making it a hit among youth audiences. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers Review and Viewer Ratings F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers is a Thai romantic drama series based on the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango by Yoko Kamio. It aired from December 18, 2021, to April 9, 2022, on GMM 25, with 16 episodes in its first season. oh ofc the first thing gorya does when thyme says i love you to her is hit him with a pillow why is that so themlkjfsdf #F4ThailandEP11 The show mainly focuses on the romance between Thyme and Gorya. It avoids too much drama and cuts down on unnecessary emotional stress. Many viewers find it more real and less dragging than older versions. F4 Thailand: Awards and Recognition F4 Thailand received many awards. It won Best Adaptation of an Existing Format at the Asian Television Awards. Several cast members also received acting awards. Bright Vachirawit, who played Thyme, won multiple popular actor awards. He was also named Actor of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2022. The series was praised for its cinematography, editing, and original soundtrack.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Savour this aromatic and umami-rich Thai claypot glass noodles with prawns
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 – One of my favourite Thai dishes is the one-dish wonder goong ob woon sen or claypot glass noodles with prawns. Heady with aromatics such as ginger, garlic, peppercorns and cilantro roots, these translucent cellophane noodles – made of mung bean starch – soak up all the umami-rich sauce during cooking. You taste the sweet prawns, the briny sauce, the funk of the nam pla (fish sauce). I remember how we'd head to our usual Thai seafood restaurants in Bangkok, barely hours after landing and checking into our hotel, to enjoy this as our first meal of the trip. It's that good. Best of all its status as a one-pot dish means there are fewer utensils to wash up once you're done with dinner. More time to binge watch your latest Thai show obsession on GMMTV or ONE 31 afterwards, chai mai? Dry glass noodles. — Picture by CK Lim THAI CLAYPOT GLASS NOODLES WITH PRAWNS (GOONG OB WOON SEN) Despite its name, I usually cook this in a normal pot rather than a claypot, preferably one large enough to feed 2-3 people. (When dining alone, I halve the recipe and use my trusty one-person claypot.) Also fret not: though it involves quite a number of ingredients, the dish is fairly straightforward. The approach is one of layering: First the pork lard at the bottom of the pot; its rendered fat will grease the base and prevent any food from sticking. Then the pounded aromatics will gently sauté and perfume the entire pot. Ginger is an essential part of the aromatics. — Picture by CK Lim Next in goes the glass noodles, soaked in the sauces, and the prawns. Cover with the lid and cook till done. Simple and easy! One thing to note is to read the instructions on your packet of glass noodles (or tong fun in Cantonese) before soaking them. Some brands may require only a few minutes; others require at least half an hour. Finally I like to add some cabbage for extra fibre, though it's not traditional nor compulsory. The cabbage holds up better to the cooking time than more delicate leafy greens. Ingredients 120g dry glass noodles150ml chicken stock2 tablespoons oyster sauce1 tablespoon light soy sauce1 tablespoon dark soy sauce2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce (nam pla)2 teaspoons sugar1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine1 tablespoon sesame oil4-5 cloves of garlic½ teaspoon black peppercorns½ teaspoon white peppercorns2 medium pieces of ginger2 fresh cilantro roots50g pork lard (or pork belly), sliced into short stripsNeutral cooking oil (optional)12 medium prawns, deveined but heads and shells left intact¼ cabbage, chopped (optional)Chopped spring onion (for garnishing) Fresh cilantro. — Picture by CK Lim Method Soak the dry glass noodles in a bowl of water; follow the packet instructions for how long to soak them, typically 10-30 minutes. While the glass noodles are soaking, combine the chicken stock, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Leave the heads and shells of the prawns intact. — Picture by CK Lim Using a pestle and mortar, pound the garlic, black and white peppercorns, ginger and cilantro roots until they form a coarse paste. Once the glass noodles have softened, drain and add to the bowl of seasoning sauce. Stir well to mix. Layer the bottom of the pot with the pieces of pork lard. Heat on the stovetop over low heat until the pork fat begins to render. You may now add the aromatic paste on top of the pork lard. Increase the heat to medium. Drizzle a little neutral cooking oil over the paste, if there isn't enough rendered pork lard to help the sautéing process. Once the paste starts to release its aroma, add the glass noodles and any residual sauce. Top with the prawns (and cabbage, if using). Cover with the lid. Cook over medium high heat for 6-10 minutes, until the glass noodles have absorbed most of the sauce. Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped spring onion. Serve the dish in the pot it is cooked in. Enjoy whilst hot. Enjoy while hot. — Picture by CK Lim
Hype Malaysia
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Thai Actor Pond Naravit To Make Appearance At Pavilion KL On 15th May
We've got great news for fans of Thai actor Pond Naravit Lertratkosum (ปอนด์ ณราวิชญ์ เลิศรัตน์โกสุมภ์)! The actor recently confirmed his appearance in Kuala Lumpur next week at a pop-up for Versace Fragrances! According to Pond's talent agency, GMMTV, the actor will be in town on 15th May 2025 for the Versace Fragrances Summer Pop-up event at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The event is likely open to the public, so fans can gather and meet Pond at the Bukit Bintang mall. In GMMTV's official announcement, Pond will appear at the event at 4.30pm, but the time is subject to change. The pop-up is said to be similar to the Versace Fragrance Summer Pop-up that was held in Manila last month. As the ambassador for Versace Fragrance in Southeast Asia, Pond graced the event and drew a crowd of fans to the SM Aura Premier. According to reports, the Versace Fragrance Summer Pop-up celebrates the brand's signature scents, including the Versace Eros Energy. For those unfamiliar with Pond, the 24-year-old is one of Thailand's most popular young actors. He's best known for his role in dramas like 'Fish Upon The Sky', 'Never Let Me Go' and 'We Are'. In January 2025, Pond was announced as the Versace Fragrance Ambassador for Southeast Asia, making him the first Thai actor to hold that position. Here are more details about his first Versace Fragrance event in Malaysia: Versace Fragrance Summer Pop-up In Kuala Lumpur Featuring Pond Naravit Date: 15th May 2025 (Thursday) Time: 4.30pm Venue: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Stay tuned to this space for more information about the event and Pond's appearance. Are you excited to see the actor in person in KL? Source: Twitter
