Superstitions and the Supernatural in Thai GL 🪷
- rachwrites25
- Dec 21, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
They say you can learn a lot about someone's culture by the shows and films they produce. Something I find interesting when watching Thai GLs is when superstitions or references to the supernatural come up casually in the storyline. These moments aren’t usually treated as strange or extraordinary. Instead, they’re woven naturally into everyday life.
From lucky numbers and name changes to karma and past lives, this post unpacks some of the superstitions and supernatural beliefs that frequently appear in Thai GLs (and related content), and how they reflect broader Thai cultural beliefs.
Spoiler Alert: This post may contain spoilers for several GLs, including MuTeLuv, Runaway, Player, I'm You Moon, Love Design, Pluto, and ClaireBell.
Thai GL Superstitions and the Supernatural
Table of Contents:
Fortune Tellers
The phrase “fortune teller” may conjure images of an eccentric woman with a crystal ball, but in Thailand, fortune tellers (mor doo) often look very different. A blend of Buddhist beliefs, Brahmanism, Chinese traditions, and local folk practices influences fortune-telling practices in Thai culture.
Rather than relying on a single method, Thai fortune tellers may combine astrology, numerology, Feng Shui, palm reading, and tarot. Some Thais consult fortune tellers when making major life decisions — such as choosing wedding dates, opening a business, changing jobs, or even constructing a house.
Fortune Telling in Thai GLs
The popularity of fortune-telling in Thai culture is depicted in 23.5. To outperform a rival club’s haunted house, Ongsa (Milk Pansa) and Aylin (View Benyapa) suggest a fortune-telling activity for their Astronomy Club. Ongsa explains that while not everyone likes ghosts, almost everyone enjoys having their fortune told — a line that perfectly captures how normalized these practices are in Thai society.
Lucky Numbers
Na (Janhae Ployshompoo) was born unlucky: others take advantage of her, she's exploited at work, and her crush, Nine (Leng Thanapon), never gets her name right.
To change her luck in love, Na buys a lucky phone number, which instantly changes her love life. After changing her number, Nine suddenly knows her name, she gets asked out by a celebrity (Stamp Panachkorn), and gets kissed by a beautiful woman (Jingjing Yu).
Thailand's 'Lucky Numbers' Industry in MuTeLuv
The concept of lucky numbers is rooted in Thai numerology, which says that certain numbers are lucky and unlucky; as well as the belief that luck can shape someone's life. Because of these beliefs, Thais will try to incorporate lucky numbers wherever they can (ie. phone number or license plate) — even if they have to pay for it.
MuTeLuv gives insight into the THB 10M (around USD 315k+) lucky phone number industry. The episode showed Na trying out different lucky number providers. The first was a website that rates your phone number based on the numbers you already have (ie. birthdate, ID number) and sells a luckier phone number to change your luck.
Na also visits a fortune teller, who insists Na's current numbers are unlucky, but she can turn that luck around if she buys the lucky number prepared for her.
Numerology and the Lottery in GMMTV's High Season
Lucky numbers also appear outside of scripted GLs. In one episode of GMMTV's variety show High Season, NamtanFilm, along with ForceBook and JimmySea, visited a temple with a sacred tree locals use for worship, but also to look for lucky lottery numbers. After praying, the guests are shown scratching a tree bark to look for lottery numbers, a custom rooted in local superstition and folk belief.
Karma
Karma, like most of the things on this list, is rooted in Buddhism. It refers to the law of cause and effect, wherein intentions and behaviours shape future outcomes. In Thai culture, karma isn’t just about morality in the present life; it often extends across multiple lifetimes — to have a better life in the future, one should make merits in the current lifetime. This belief encourages mindfulness, compassion, and accountability, even in small actions.
Depictions of Karma in Thai GL
Two of the more recent depictions of karma I've seen in Thai GL are from distinctly different shows: Player and Runaway. The fact that these shows have very different — dare I say opposite — genres goes to show how deeply ingrained karma is in Thai culture.
In Player, Ploy (Ice Amena) and Pun (Memi Muanfun) talk about merit making and doing good things, which accumulates good karma. They also touched upon past lives, which is something I'll also talk about in a later section.
In Runaway, karma takes a darker form and I that Thai views of karma often emphasize continuity across lifetimes. Because Win wronged someone in her past life, she accumulated bad karma, and the spirit of that person is seeking revenge on her. Later, it's revealed that Boon shares the same karma as Win, which is why she's also being haunted.
Neat Endings: Forgiveness in Thai GL and Karma
One recurring pattern in Thai GLs that can be frustrating for some viewers is how stories often end with forgiveness — even toward homophobic family members or people who caused genuine harm. From the perspective of audiences used to seeing clear consequences or long-term boundaries, these resolutions can feel sudden or emotionally unsatisfying. That reaction is understandable, especially when the pain experienced by the characters feels very real.
This is based on my opinion and research, but this storytelling device may be linked to Thai culture. Within a Buddhist framework, however, forgiveness isn’t presented as excusing wrongdoing or pretending harm didn’t happen. Instead, it’s often framed as a way for someone to release themselves from anger and suffering, which are believed to perpetuate negative karma. These endings prioritize inner peace and emotional closure over confrontation or punishment, reflecting a cultural emphasis on harmony and letting go rather than moral vindication.
However, not all Thai GLs end with forgiveness. ClaireBell's last episode shows the downfall of the villain, Kae (Belle Kemisara). After seriously hurting Bell by triggering her allergy, Claire goes into a blind rage and physically assaults Kae. In true karmic retribution, Kae's storyline ends with her stripped of her pride (which drove her to commit heinous acts against Bell and Claire) and, for someone who was once so powerful, became another prisoner's servant.
Making Merit
Merit-making is a common sight in Thai GL. I briefly touched upon this in another post, where I discussed some aspects of the Thai GL industry that might shock or confuse foreigners, so check out that post, too!
What is Merit and How is It Made?
Merit refers to virtuous actions performed with sincere intention. In Buddhist belief, making merit can generate good karma, leading to happiness, success, or spiritual progress. It’s also believed to inspire moral behavior in others, contributing to social harmony.
The most commonly depicted form of merit-making in Thai GLs is offering food or items to monks or temples. However, merit can also be made through non-material acts, like helping others, sharing skills, or acting compassionately.
Onscreen Depictions of Merit-Making in Thai GL
In one scene in Player, Ploy (Ice Amena), Pun (Memi Muanfun), Prang (NingNing Marika), and Jay (Grace Harper) make merit by making a food offering to a monk in a temple.
Returning to High Season, in another episode, NamtanFilm wins 1000 jasmine garlands (Phuang Malai) in a game, which they offered to the temple.
Ghosts/Spirits
Where Does the Belief in Ghosts/Spirits Come From?
The belief in ghosts and spirits in Thailand is rooted in animism, with influences from Hindu-Brahman traditions, Buddhism, and local folklore that predate Buddhism. As a result, it’s common for people to practice Buddhism while also believing in spirits, guardian entities, and hauntings.
Like yin and yang, there are good spirits, and there are also bad spirits.
Depictions of Ghosts/Spirits in Thai GL
If you're interested in going deeper into the cultural context of the ghosts featured in Runaway, check out its author, Zonlicht's, X. They generously provide cultural context that i-fans could miss. I feel like reading about these nuances helps me understand and appreciate the story more.
Past Lives
The belief in past lives comes from Buddhist teachings on reincarnation, where beings are reborn again and again based on karma. Relationships, suffering, and joy may all be shaped by actions from previous lifetimes.
In Thai GLs, past lives are often used to explain why characters feel deeply connected almost immediately. From a storytelling perspective, this also helps establish emotional stakes quickly — especially in shorter series with limited runtime.
I think it's also one reason why several Thai GLs (ie. Harmony Secret, Love Design, Pluto, My Safe Zone) feature a backstory where one character has loved the other for years. It saves time trying to convince the audience that this couple is instantly attracted to each other, and saves runtime in the process.
In Runaway and I’m Your Moon, the leads are revealed to have been lovers in past lives. Because fate denied them happiness before, they’re drawn together again —suggesting that love can transcend lifetimes. In I'm Your Moon, Phiangrawi (Sprite Itaree) makes a wish to reunite with her lover in the next life before she dies. This wish to meet one's lover in the next life is a common way of adding karma and past/future lives in Thai romance stories.
Name Change
For other cultures, it's uncommon to change one's name, but in Thailand, it's not unusual at all. Similar to lucky numbers, Thais believe in lucky and unlucky names and how they could impact their fate. People consult fortune tellers and change their first or last names (or both) to change their luck, with some changing names multiple times throughout their lifetime.
While this might seem confusing, Thai nicknames usually remain constant. Since nicknames are used far more often than legal names, people can change their official names without disrupting daily life.
Thai GLs Actresses Who Changed Their Name
The following GL actresses are publicly known to have changed their names. Their reasons aren’t always disclosed, so this list isn’t meant to imply motivation — only to acknowledge the practice.
Janeyeh - Ramida Jirranophat to Methika Jirranophat
Janeyeh publicly announced her name change on X when her and Kao's appearance in KNOMJEAN's music video for แค่เอาคืน was announced.
Janeyeh: I've changed my real name for a long time now, everyone, but I didn't announce it 55555 Actually, I'll just use Jenye 🫶🏼
Bonnie - Pussasorn Bosuwan to Pattraphus Borattasuwan
I don't have a lot of references about this and I don't know the lore because I only came to know Bonnie post-Us, but seems that she changed it before the show premiered in January this year. While Janeyeh only changed one name, Bonnie changed both.
Faye - Supaporn Malisorn to Peraya Malisorn
In 2016, Faye competed in Miss Grand Thailand as Supaporn Malisorn, but she later changed her name to Peraya Malisorn, with the nickname Faye. As it's typical for Thai celebrities to use their nickname and Thai first name, she's credited as Faye Peraya.
Feng Shui
As a workplace GL centered on two architects, it’s no surprise that Love Design touches on Feng Shui. While it originates from Chinese philosophy, it has been widely adopted and adapted into Thai architecture, business, and home planning.
A Feng Shui master appears toward the end of Love Design's episode 8. Upon her brother’s advice, Aokbab consults him to determine whether it’s an auspicious time to build a home with Rin. His warning — that construction shouldn’t begin until Aokbab and Rin get married — creates conflict between the couple.
This moment exposes deeper differences in belief systems and expectations around marriage. As Aokbab hears about friends whose relationships fell apart after ignoring Feng Shui advice, her anxiety grows — illustrating how these beliefs can deeply influence emotional decision-making.
Why These Beliefs Matter in Thai GL
Superstitions and supernatural beliefs aren’t just background details in Thai GLs — they shape character decisions, emotional arcs, and entire storylines. Karma gives weight to consequences, past lives explain instant connections, and destiny reassures viewers that love is meaningful and enduring.
For international fans, these moments may initially feel unfamiliar. But with cultural context, they reveal a narrative logic that differs from Western storytelling norms — one where spirituality and everyday life are deeply intertwined.
Meeting Thai GLs Where They Are
Learning about these beliefs has changed the way I watch Thai GLs. Scenes that once felt like throwaway superstition now feel intentional and grounded. Scenes that once felt abrupt, frustrating, or overly idealistic now feel intentional and culturally grounded. What might initially look like rushed forgiveness, superstition-driven conflict, or “too neat” endings often reflect a moral framework shaped by karma, merit, and the pursuit of inner peace rather than confrontation or punishment.
As international fans, it’s easy to view stories through the lens of our own cultural expectations — expecting accountability to look a certain way, or emotional resolution to follow familiar patterns. But Thai GLs aren’t asking to be measured against those standards. They’re telling stories rooted in Thai values, beliefs, and ways of understanding the world.
Rather than wishing these narratives would conform to our own cultural frameworks, we gain far more by meeting them where they are. Appreciating Thai GLs means respecting Thai culture as it is — complex, spiritual, and deeply intertwined with everyday life — and allowing those differences to enrich our viewing experience instead of resisting them.
I hope this post helps other international fans experience Thai GLs not just as romantic stories, but as reflections of the culture that shaped them.
If you haven't already, stream แค่เอาคืน by Knomjean because it's a good song and KaoJaneJaneKao were great in it:
DISCLAIMER
Please note that I'm not Thai, and despite doing my due diligence in researching these topics, I acknowledge that my knowledge could never beat the lived experience of someone from Thailand.
Watching Thai GLs got me really interested in Thai culture, and I feel I have a deeper appreciation of what I'm watching if I understand it more and identify the nuances I might have missed. I figured other international fans might feel the same, so I'm using this blog to try to bridge Thai culture in GLs and the global fandom. 🇹🇭🌍
If I got anything wrong or missed any cultural nuances, please comment below or send me a note so I can correct or update anything I might have missed. 🫶🏼
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