If you could reverse time to save the one you love, even if it hurt others, would you do it? Beyond a fantasy romance with a time-travel twist, Reverse With Me explores the consequences of our actions and the radical impact of empathy, patience, and support in our darkest moments. Everything I Loved About Reverse With Me Table of Contents Reverse With Me: The Basics How Are Reverse 4 You And Reverse With Me Connected? Easter Egg From Reverse 4 You Karan's Similarities With Her Moms Spoiler-Free Summary of Reverse For You How I Interpreted the "Instant Romance" What "Reverse" Really Means Irony of Karan's Profession And Her Abilities The Cost of Saving the Person She Loves Karan and the Trolley Problem: Who Will You Save and Who Will You Sacrifice? Radical Impact of Empathy, Patience, and Presence TL; DR Reverse With Me: The Basics Premiered: February 2025 Episodes: 8 Where to Watch: IQIYI Natt Nattamon Chokejindachai as Karan Pitcha Pitchatorn Santinatornkul as Kliao Kuen How Are Reverse 4 You And Reverse With Me Connected? Reverse With Me is the sequel to Reverse 4 You. While Reverse 4 You focuses on Four and Jattawa , Reverse With Me centers on their daughter, Karan , and her lover Kliao Kuen . Here's Christine and Mae, who played Four and Jattawa, meeting Natt and Pitcha: Do you need to watch Reverse 4 You first? Not necessarily. While their characters share a familial bond, they tell separate stories. However, I recommend watching both, as there's an easter egg in Reverse With Me from Reverse 4 You. I also found it interesting to compare Karan to her parents , because there were similarities I thought were cute, but I needed to see Reverse 4 You to make those comparisons. Easter Egg From Reverse 4 You A moon lamp is shown in Reverse With Me, a cute nod to the moon lamp Four gave Wa in Reverse 4 You. Karan's Similarities With Her Moms It was hard not to see Mae, Four, in Karan. The link with her Mommy, Wa, is obvious, as Karan inherited her family's abilities, so it was cute to see her other mother's influence, too. Her Love of Fancy Cars Karan's love of fancy cars definitely comes from Four Four has her yellow Lexus, while Karan has her silver Aston Martin Her Mother's Love Language Karan may have also inherited Four's love language: gift-giving The mother's moon lamp is the daughter's "Buy 1, Take 1" sneakers Four's Outward Coldness and Inner Warmth Four and Karan may both look cold on the outside But that icy exterior is just a facade that melts when they're around their lovers Spoiler-Free Summary of Reverse For You During her darkest moment, Kliao Kuen is saved by a doctor named Kaomesa, who seemingly turned back time to save her life. Before she could get answers, the doctor disappeared. Years later, Kliao, now a doctor herself, is reunited with the woman she's been searching for all this time: Kaomesa, nicknamed Karan, a surgeon at the same hospital. Kliao is desperate to find answers to what happened; if only she could get the aloof doctor's attention. Here's Reverse With Me's trailer: Note: If you haven't watched Reverse With Me and don't want spoilers, please stop reading from here, as there will be spoilers in the sections that follow. Review and Analysis of Reverse With Me Please note that my reviews focus on emotional beats , which I enjoy most in GLs. I tend to look past technical elements if the emotional themes resonate with me. Some people may prefer a review that focuses on technical elements, but I'll be the first to admit I'm not qualified to evaluate them, as I'm neither a film major nor a film critic. However, if you're someone who responds more to the emotional beats of fiction and seeing scenes from another perspective , you might enjoy my reviews. Hope you like this one! How I Interpreted the "Instant Romance" A common criticism in the reviews I've read is how the romance felt rushed . I understand where this is coming from, but let me offer another perspective. What helped me was reframing my understanding from the characters' POV . Their feelings seem sudden if we see the events in Episode 1 as their first meeting.   However, this isn't Karan's first time seeing Kliao, and this is where the fantasy kicks in. The Romance from Karan's POV: The Love From Her Dreams Even as a child, Karan had been dreaming of Kliao: Their connection was so strong that she could even feel what Kliao was feeling: She smiled with Kliao in happy times Felt sad when she cried Felt inspired by her to become a doctor And longed for the day when they finally meet Seeing Kliao in the hospital isn't just a first meeting for Karan. It's the moment she'd been waiting for, when she finally meets the woman of her literal dreams. The Romance from Kliao's Perspective: Finally Being Chosen and Loved In contrast, Kliao's feelings for Karan are more grounded in reality, and much of it stems from her upbringing. Rather than visions, Kliao had real experiences that made her fall for Karan. Imagine you're someone desperate to receive the love your parents only gave your brother. Every time you needed affection or support, you were met with hostility and rejection. You carry this trauma and rejection from your primary caregivers, the ones who are supposed to give you unconditional love. At your lowest point, you still kept getting rejected and abandoned by your parents. Suddenly, a kind doctor appears and saves your life. She reminds you that you're loved and worthy, words you longed to hear all your life, as your experiences conditioned you to believe the opposite . Time and time again, this person appeared to take care of you , even to the point of reversing time so you won't get wet from the rain. Kliao grew up feeling rejected and being the last priority, so it's not unrealistic that she instantly develops feelings for Karan, the woman who always puts her first and reminds her of her worth . What "Reverse" Really Means I can't take credit for this, since Natt and Pitcha revealed it in a behind-the-scenes video , but I thought it was an interesting tidbit to include: "Reversing" means Karan and Kliao finally meet. Karan had to reverse time to save Kliao, and in the process, finally met her. If you think about it, Karan and Kliao may have been living separate lives, but they've always been moving towards each other. Karan kept seeing Kliao in her visions, which inspired her to become a doctor: Likewise, Kliao became a doctor just to find Karan. It was inevitable that their paths would cross since they had always been searching for each other. They just had to wait for the right time . Irony of Karan's Profession And Her Abilities Another thing that stood out was the irony between Wa and Karan's professions vs their supernatural powers. Being a doctor is a "rational" profession , one that requires logic and reason   rather than emotion . In contrast, her ability can't be explained by logic or reason , and her use of it is driven by emotion . I love this irony because it shows that contrasting things can exist in one person. You can be logical, while also being emotional and believing in the unexplainable, and that's okay. There's also the contrast of the reactive nature of her job vs the preventive nature of her ability: Reactive Nature of Being a Doctor Being a doctor is often a reactive job: something bad (accident or disease) has already happened when they step in. Preventive Nature of Time Manipulation In contrast, her time reversal could prevent bad things from happening... but at what cost? The Cost of Saving the Person She Loves What I appreciate about Reverse With Me is how it explores what happens after Karan manipulates time, and more importantly, to whom? Karan as a Paradoxical Character: Selfish or Selfless? Karan is a paradox, as she's both selfish and selfless . She's so selfless , to the point of hurting herself and losing ten years just to save Kliao. However, her actions could also be seen as selfish . She's aware that changing the past would cause a ripple effect that may hurt others, but she still does it to save Kliao. But could we really judge Karan? If you can do something to ensure the safety of your loved ones, would you really not do it? Kliao even pointed out how Karan could technically prevent their patient from losing a leg by turning back time and preventing it from happening, but Karan refuses. This may seem selfish, but if we consider how physically painful it is for her to reverse time and how she loses years of her life, could we still call Karan selfish? Being a doctor who can reverse time must be difficult for Karan, as she watches others suffer while knowing, in the back of her mind, that she can reverse time and save them. But does that burden really rest on her? Whose responsibility is it to prevent suffering, and should we even try to resist suffering if that's our fate? Karan and the Trolley Problem: Who Will You Save and Who Will You Sacrifice? Reverse With Me invites us to reflect on a moral dilemma, as every time Karan uses her ability to save Kliao, others are bound to suffer instead. One reference I kept seeing in Karan's actions was the Trolley Problem , a thought experiment in moral philosophy: Imagine you're driving a trolley that can only be steered, but not stopped. You'll inevitably kill whoever you crash into. On one side, you have four people, and on the other, just one. Who will you sacrifice? Now, imagine if the lone person is a child . Will you still choose to kill the child? This was the dilemma Karan faced, especially when it was revealed that saving Kliao killed Fiat's parents. This was the first reference to the Trolley problem: Karan chose to save one , which inevitably led to the deaths of two . The second reference to the Trolley Problem also happened during this reveal: When Karan tried to reverse time to save Fiat's parents, she saw how it would lead to more deaths, including children. Should she just let everyone else die and let Fiat's parents live to repay her debt to him? Or, are the lives of the strangers worth saving more than two people, even though they were her friend's parents and she caused their deaths? Another thing to reflect on: How do our actions affect others, and what are we willing to sacrifice to get what we want? I don't know if this was what the author ( Zezeho ) and producers were going for, but the resemblance is uncanny. The car crash even resembles the trolley crash, so it makes me think it was somehow inspired by it. Radical Impact of Empathy, Patience, and Presence TW: Suicide attempt. The next section may be emotionally challenging for some, so please feel free to skip it, and please take care of yourself. A good reminder to all of us: "No matter how cruel this world is to you, please remember that there's always someone who loves and cares about you." -Karan, Episode 1 Several scenes show characters in deep emotional distress, such as Kliao's suicide attempt in episode 1 and Thee's panic attack in episode 3. Reverse With Me also showed how the characters tried to navigate these delicate situations. I loved how it depicted the radical impact of empathy, patience, and presence on those who need our help most. Kliao and Karan: Not Giving Up on Those You Love in Their Darkest Hour Please note that my thoughts focus solely on this scene. Please always consult mental health crisis resources for situations of this nature. Hospital staff tried to convince Kliao to get down from the ledge, but were all unsuccessful. The doctor even said, "All problems have their way out." But this wasn't what Kliao needed to hear. I have nothing left. -Kliao Her thoughts, driven by her father's words, had already convinced her that she wouldn't amount to anything in her current state. Karan also tried, but was met with hostility, with Kliao responding, "No one knows how I feel!" Despite this, Karan didn't give up. You're right, I might not know how you feel. But I'm happy to listen. -Karan Sometimes, people don't need others to say they understand, especially if they don't. But even reassurance that you'll listen can go a long way. Karan didn't get it right the first time, so she tried different things: asking Kliao to let go of the negativity, offering to listen, until she finally arrived at what Kliao needed to hear: that she still has worth. Isn't it sad if you don't get to sing anymore? -Karan When Karan reminded Kliao that she could still sing, she gave her what she needed most at the moment: hope. Meow and Thee: Choosing Compassion Over Judgment, and the Power of Simply Being There The mic feedback triggered Thee's trauma from his accident, which quickly sent him into what seemed like a panic attack . Despite not knowing what was happening, Meow focused on helping him calm down. She never asked Thee why he was acting this way. She just stayed and reminded him he's not alone . Sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone is to be present, even if we don't understand what's happening to them. I loved this scene, but I wish they defined what was happening to Thee, such as if it's really a panic attack, similar to the PTSD disclaimer they added later: This would've been a great way to raise awareness among people who may be living with the same condition or know someone who does. I know this was a long review, but I hope you still liked it. Thank you for making it this far. 🫶🏼 As a side note, I hope NattPitcha gets another project soon! Watching some of their BTS videos makes me think they could also pull off something lighter, like a romcom. TL; DR As someone who enjoys GLs for their emotional beats, these are the things I enjoyed about Reverse With Me: Includes cute easter eggs from Reverse 4 You Features both fantastical and more realistic foundations for romance Shows the multifaceted realities of humans and how two conflicting ideologies may exist in one person Offers viewers a chance to reflect on the consequences of one's actions, and what they're willing to sacrifice to get what they want Depicts mental health, adds information to some conditions, and shows the radical impact of empathy, patience, and presence in even the darkest moments You can watch all episodes of Reverse With Me on IQIYI . UP NEXT: Why Queendom Deserves a Spot on Your Thai GL Watchlist 👑

Looking for the next Thai GL to add to your watchlist? Whether you're looking for a heart-fluttering coming-of-age GL that reminds you of your first love or a fantasy romance, here's a list of Thai GLs for each genre (+legal watchlinks available to me!) Thai GL Series by Genres & Where to Watch Them Table of Contents: Quick Guide to Platforms and Versions Coming-of-Age / School Romance GLs Workplace GLs Fantasy GLs Slice-of-Life GLs Historical/Period GLs Horror GLs Celebrity Romance GLs Police/Crime GLs Quick Guide to Platforms and Versions: Please note that regional differences may apply here, so some series may be available to me on certain sites but not to you, and vice versa. Free Platforms YouTube - Episodes are often split into multiple parts per episode on YouTube OneD - Free, but you need to sign up to start watching Paid Platforms Most of the GLs on these paid platforms use a freemium model: they upload 1-3 episodes for free on one platform or version, but to continue, you have to move to the paid one. Ch3 Plus IQIYI Netflix WeTV GagaOOLala (I don't have this, so I didn't include links for it, but feel free to check if you're interested since they have GLs too.) Versions Cut - Version where scenes have been edited or removed due to broadcast regulations and/or runtime limitations. The "cut" here could also mean a version in which one episode is split into multiple parts rather than a single long video per episode. Uncut - The version that the producers intended to create. This is the version I'd recommend anyone watch, since it often offers a fuller experience than the cut version, though the downside is that these are usually paid. Coming-of-Age / School Romance GLs I feel like most Thai GLs can be classified under this genre at some point, since it's common to feature scenes from high school or university. These are the GLs that take place primarily at school and will take you back to those good, innocent days when your crush blooms into your first love. 23.5 (MilkLove, 2024) GMMTV, 12 episodes 23.5 GMMTV's first GL, 23.5, tells the story of Ongsa (Milk Pansa Vosbein), who moves to a new town and develops a serious crush on her classmate, Sun (Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn), who has a crush on a guy she's chatting with online, Earth, who's actually Ongsa! 23. 5 Watch  Links: Love, Senior (AndaLookkaew, 2023) Star Hunter Entertainment, 10 episodes Love, Senior In Love, Senior, head hazer and engineering sophomore Gyoza (Lookkaew Kamollak Sangsubsin) meets freshie Manaow (Anda Anunta Teavirat). The two develop feelings as they go through the initiation activities. Love, Senior Watch Links: Like a Palette (PrighkingFah, 2025) WonderLife Entertainment & Ch3, 8 episodes Like a Palette Like a Palette tells the story of Jane (Thongfah Alicha Sripratak), who becomes the university star. This brings her closer to last year's uni star, Dai (Prigkhing Sureeyares Yakares). Since Dai is always staring at her, Jane worries that she dislikes her, even though her actions scream the opposite. Like a Palette Watch Links: Workplace GLs These GLs take place in a workplace setting, whether in an office, architectural firm, or even a corporate battle between two execs. Somewhere Somehow (FayMay, 2025) Idol Factory, 13 episodes Somewhere Somehow This is partly a school romance, as it starts with the leads meeting in high school. In Somewhere Somehow, high school sweethearts Kee (Fay Kunyaphat Na Nakorn) and Peem (May Yada Watcharamusik) meet again after being separated for seven years, only this time they're boss and employee! Somewhere Somehow Watch Links: Gap (FreenBecky, 2022) Idol Factory, 12 episodes Gap The first Thai GL series that launched the industry, Gap, tells the story of Mon (Becky Armstrong), who unexpectedly meets her childhood idol, Sam (Freen Sarocha Chankimha), the CEO of the company where she works. Gap Watch Links: Love Design (KaoJaneJaneKao, 2025) Velcurve Studio & WeTV, 10 episodes Love Design Love Design is the debut GL for veteran actresses, but GL newbies Kao and Jane. It tells the story of Aokbab (Kao Supassrathip Akkrathaweepatch), an architect trying to save her mother's legacy, their family's architectural firm. To win an important client's business, she hires Rin (Jane Methika Jiranorraphat), a social-media-famous architect and a favorite of the client. Love Design Watch Links: Harmony Secret (LMSY, 2025) Change2561, 8 episodes Harmony Secret Harmony, Secret brings together LMSY in their second GL. It tells the story of two heiresses, Aiwarin (Lookmhee Punyapat Wangpongsathaporn) and Mewika (Sonya Saranphat Pedersen), who are competing for a multi-billion-baht project. Watch out for upcoming GL, I'm a Sup'tar, since it features Lilly and Belle, who played G and Jam, the side couple in Harmony Secret! Harmony Secret Watch Links: Unlimited Love (EngLot, 2025) MGI Beyond, 10 episodes Unlimited Love Encouraged by Ray (Charlotte Austin), a woman she meets at a bar, office worker Plu (Engfa Waraha) starts her own company after being fired. The two become business partners and call the company Unlimited Company, built on the idea that, for a price, they'll do anything their client wants. Unlimited Love Watch Links: Lucky My Love (BMineNear, 2023) KONEONEDEE, 5 episodes Lucky My Love After going through disastrous dates, Napdao (Near Inthira Thammajaroen) believes she's unlucky in love. She starts reconsidering her luck in love when she meets new team leader Wela (B Mine Jiratchaya Komontut). Lucky My Love Watch Links: Denied Love (EnjoyJune, 2025) Copy A Bangkok, 10 episodes Denied Love If the homophobic parent is a usual trope in Thai GL, Denied Love gives the complete opposite, with a dad forcing their daughter to be with another woman in an arranged marriage. To get her inheritance and become company president, Rin (June Nannirin Varokornwatcharakool) must marry — and stay married for two years — to Khem (Enjoy Thidarat Puerthong), a junior employee in their company. Denied Love Watch Links: Fantasy GLs Whether you're looking for a story where the characters switch bodies or have superpowers, here are some fantasy GLs that could satisfy that itch. Reverse 4 You (ChristineMae) Kantana Motion Pictures, 2024 Reverse 4 You In Reverse 4 You, law student Jattawa (Mae Methakarn Anektanasuwan) and her younger sister, Vivi (Manao Natnicha Polsombat), possess supernatural abilities: the ability to control time and see visions of the future. In her visions, Vivi sees Jattawa's soulmate, Four (Christine Gulasatree Michalsky), an older student with a bad reputation. Reverse 4 You Watch Links: Reverse With Me (NattPitcha, 2025) SiamSi Studio & IQIYI, 8 episodes Reverse With Me A sequel to Reverse 4 You, Reverse With Me tells the story of Four and Jattawa's child, Karan (Natt Nattamon Chokejindachai), who uses her ability to manipulate time to save Kliao Kuen's (Pitcha Pitchatorn Santinatornkul) life. Check out my review of Reverse With Me ! Reverse With Me Watch Links: Queendom (PamArhoung, 2025) WeTV, 12 episodes Queendom Queendom tells the story of rivals Rey (Arhoung Nattawadee Pipobpornchai) and Print (P.amp Tarradee Watancharoen), who get cast in the same show. During an exercise to help them bond and build chemistry, they end up switching bodies. Check out my review of Queendom ! Queendom Watch Links: My Marvellous Dream Is You (FayMay, 2024) I dol Factory, 12 episodes My Marvellous Dream Is You FayMay's debut GL, My Marvellous Dream Is You, tells the story of Dawan (Fay Kunyaphat Na Nakorn, who keeps seeing Khimhan (May Yada Watcharamusik) in her dreams, unaware that the other woman also sees Dawan in hers. My Marvellous Dream Is You Watch Links: Apple My Love (OrmFolk, 2024) Kongthup Channel, 6 episodes Apple My Love My Marvellous Dream Is You, Reverse With Me, and Apple My Love are kinda similar in the sense that one of the leads sees the other in their dreams. Kris (Ormsin Supitcha Limsommut) keeps seeing someone in her dreams after regaining her vision following surgery. She recognizes Karn (Folk Sutima Korkiatvanich) as the woman of, literally, her dreams. Its sequel, Your Apple , takes place a year after the two get together. Apple My Love Watch Links: Slice-of-Life GLs Sometimes, the most interesting GL storylines take place in the mundane moments of everyday life. Here are some slice-of-life GLs that deliver major romances through life's smaller moments. Us (EmiBonnie, 2025) GMMTV, 12 episodes Us Dokrak (Bonnie Pattraphus Borattasuwan) has a huge crush on dental student Pam (Emi Thasorn Klinnium), who also happens to be her brother, Kawee's (Sing Harit Cheewagaroon), crush. Knowing how much Pam loves drawings, Kawee asks Dokrak to draw for him to impress Pam. Catch the side couple here, ViewMim, in the upcoming series Bake Love Feeling! Us Watch Links: Whale Store xoxo (MilkLove, 2025) GMMTV, 10 episodes Whale Store xoxo Whale Store xoxo is the "Walmart effect"  story of Wan (Milk Pansa Vosbein), who takes over her father's grocery store. The opening of Mouse Mart threatens her struggling business even further. She's helped by Maewnam (Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn), who's actually the daughter of the owners of Mouse Mart. The side couple here, JuneMewnich, will headline the upcoming GMMTV GL, Love's Echoes. Whale Store xoxo Watch Links: Blank (FayeYoko, 2024) Nine Star Studios, 12 episodes Blank Neung (Faye Peraya Malisorn) is a starving artist who broke free from her aristocratic grandmother's control to live independently. Every day, persistent visitor Aneung (Yoko Apasra Lertprasert), who's 16 years her junior, keeps showing up. If you liked Gap, you'll find a crossover here with Neung, who's Sam's oldest sister! Blank Watch Links: Pluto (NamtanFilm, 2024) GMMTV, 12 episodes Pluto Pluto tells the story of Ai (Namtan Tipnaree Weerawatnodom), who fulfills a promise to her twin Oom, after the latter gets into an accident. The promise, to break up with Oom's ex May (Film Rachanun Mahawan), is thwarted when May mistakes Ai for Oom and kisses her, stirring up feelings Ai never experienced before. Pluto Watch Links: Show Me Love (EngLot, 2023) GrandTV, 9 episodes Show Me Love Show Me Love, EngLot's debut GL, is one of those stories where on- and off-screen collide, as both actresses are real-life pageant queens. Show Me Love is about Meena (Engfa Waraha) and Cherine (Charlotte Austin), who, for their own reasons, join the beauty pageant Miss Grand. Show Me Love Watch Links: Affair (LMSY, 2024) Change2561, 8 episodes Affair LMSY's first GL, Affair, tells the story of Wan (Lookmhee Punyapat Wangpongsathaporn) and Phleng (Sonya Saranphat Pedersen), childhood best friends who grew up in the same house, though in different statuses: Wan is the maid's daughter, while Phleng is the homeowner's daughter. Affair Watch Links: Mate (GraceOaey, 2024) ZENSE, 12 episodes Mate Mate marks GraceOaey's first, and unfortunately, last, GL together after deciding to end their pairing . Childhood friends Genlong (Grace Budsarin Wonglelanont) and Aoey (Oaey Ponchanok Theerawan) reconnect as adults and develop feelings for each other. Please be warned that the show deals with darker themes, like sexual assault. Mate Watch Links: Roller Coaster (ShellyPundao, 2025) Motion Minds Entertainment, 8 episodes Roller Coaster Roller Coaster the Series marks the debut production for Motion Minds Entertainment, and tells the story of Pure (Aom Pundao Panyabaramee), who's caught in a love triangle with her now-married ex Air (Neko Naerunchara Lertprasert) and Air's sister-in-law Loft (Shelly Phetsai Chanrueang). Roller Coaster Watch Links: Dangerous Queen (TKNur, 2025) S.NUR Entertainment, 8 episodes Dangerous Queen Much of the initial hype around this GL is about Nur being the CEO  of the company that produced the series, which is pretty cool. Dangerous Queen tells the story of Bon (Nur Desoraya Techapaibul), a financially struggling student who takes a job as a server at a bar and crosses paths with Queen (Tangkwa Phinyanech Aungsuwan). Dangerous Queen Watch Links: My Safe Zone (LenaMiu, 2025) Channel 3, 8 episodes My Safe Zone My Safe Zone is LenaMiu's debut GL, which also solidified them as Ch 3's second GL couple after LingOrm. Jane (Lena Lorena Schuett) and Alin (Miu Natsha Taechamongkalapiwat) grew up next door to each other, so they developed a strong bond, which turned into a secret crush for Alin. After Jane moved away, the two fell out of touch. But after her broken engagement, Jane moves back home and reconnects with Alin. My Safe Zone Watch Links: Love Bully (EngLot, 2024) Change2561, 4 episodes Love Bully Love Bully is part of the Club Friday anthology, based on real stories sent by the audience. Irene (Charlotte Austin) stumbles into Night's (Engfa Waraha) bar one evening, and they instantly fall for each other. But complications like homophobic parents and a meddling ex make it harder for them to get together. Love Bully isn't the first Club Friday episode to feature a sapphic romance. If you're interested, check out LezWatch.TV's post . Love Bully Watch Links: Unlock Your Love (BMineNear, 2024) KONEONEDEE, 8 episodes Unlock Your Love Unlock Your Love is BMineNear's second GL, and tells the story of Rain (Near Inthira Thammajaroen), who finds comfort in Love (B Mine Jiratchaya Komontut) after experiencing heartbreak from a previous relationship. Unlock Your Love Watch Links: Music Story: Losing Control (BMineMekkhalaMashiim, 2025) KONEONEDEE, 6 episodes Music Story: Losing Control Out of boredom and loneliness, Queen (B Mine Jiratchaya Komontut) goes on an app to hire Sea (Mekkhala Naruthai Chatupharungroj) and Bam (Mashii Pornthiphat Lertwuthanon) as companions, who become rivals for Queen's affection. Music Story Watch Links: MuTeLuv: Hello, Is This Luck? (JanJingJing, 2025) MuTeLuv: Hello, Is This Luck? Part of the MuTeLuv anthology, Hello, Is This Luck? tells the story of med student Na (Jan Ployshompoo Supasap), who gets caught in a love triangle with Nine (Leng Thanaphon U-sinsap) and Leemhai (JingJing Prariyapit Yu) after buying a lucky phone number. Historical/Period GLs While history records may have buried sapphic love, wlw stories have always existed. Here are GLs that take place in an earlier period. The Loyal Pin (FreenBecky, 2024) Idol Factory, 16 episodes The Loyal Pin Set in the 1950s, The Loyal Pin (TLP) marks the return of FreenBecky in a series after their huge success in Gap. It tells the story of Anin (Becky Armstrong), a princess, and Pin (Freen Sarocha Chankimha), her childhood friend and a noblewoman. After returning from her studies in England, Anin tries to confess her feelings for Pin, which gets complicated by Pin's engagement to a man (Victor Chatchawit). TLP was funded by the Thai Government as part of its soft power initiative. The Loyal Pin Watch Links: I'm Your Moon (SpritePiano, 2025) U Entertainment, 8 episodes I'm Your Moon I'm Your Moon, set in 1913, tells the story of two princesses, Phiangrawi (Sprite Itaree Jarupangomon) and Sasinapha (Piano Pronyanee Pornpishayawasin), whose ill-fated love story spans to 2021, when they meet again, this time as Earl and Pray. I'm Your Moon Watch Links: Horror GLs Horror fans have been starving for the longest time within the Thai GL space, but the industry has finally taken that step towards Horror GLs. Runaway (PlaiMiuPia, 2025) Grow Entertainment, 8 episodes Runaway While Thais are known for making great horror movies, we didn't get a horror GL series until Runaway premiered last year. It follows Winrawi (Music Praewa Suthamphong), who's being haunted by an evil spirit (Piano Nichapat Numsapanan), who turns out to be her ex from a past life. The only person who can save her is her soulmate, Boon (Plaifah Siraacha), but doesn't really want to help. Check out my review of Runaway ! Runaway Watch Links: Celebrity Romance GLs Because of the glitz and glamour associated with them, celebrities are universally fascinating. Here are celebrity romance GLs where celebrity life and sapphic romance collide. The Secret of Us (LingOrm, 2024) Channel 3, 8 episodes The Secret of Us The Secret of Us (TSOU) is the first GL from the major Thai network Channel 3, and the series that launched LingOrm into superstardom . Years after they broke up, Fahlada (Lingling Sirilak Kwong) and Earn (Orm Kornnaphat Sethratanapong) reunite when Earn becomes the celebrity presenter at Lada's hospital. Despite Lada's coldness towards her, Earn is determined to win her back. The Secret of Us Watch Links: Only You (LingOrm) Channel 3, 14 episodes Only You Only You is LingOrm's second GL after the massive success of TSOU. This time, they return as Ayla (Orm Kornnaphat Sethratanapong), a famous idol, and her bodyguard Tawan (Lingling Sirilak Kwong). Only You Watch Links: Poisonous Love (GinJay, 2025) North Star Entertainment, 10 episodes Poisonous Love Poisonous Love marks the debut GL for GinJay. It tells the story of Premsini (Ginny Natnicha Pratipnatsiri), a doctor who cancels her wedding after a stranger, actress Pat (Jayna Angelina Stevens), tells her that her fiancé got Pat's friend pregnant and is refusing to take responsibility for the baby. Poisonous Love Watch Links: Player (IceMemi, 2025) HeartPop Studio, 12 episodes Player Player marks the debut GL for IceMemi, who played Ploy and Pun respectively. When her marriage-for-visa plan falls through, Pun (Memi Muanfun Baesakul) must charm actress Ploy (Ice Amena Gul), who can help her find the man who scammed her. Player Watch Links: Your Apple (OrmFolk, 2025) Kongthup Channel, 33 episodes Your Apple Your Apple takes place a year after Kris (Ormsin Supitcha Limsommut) and Karn (Folk Sutima Korkiatvanich) get together, with the sequel featuring the challenges the couple goes through now that Karn is a famous influencer. Each episode features a mini-storyline told in around 10-13 minutes. Your Apple Watch Links: I Am Devil (MookPink, 2025) Maxlive, 7 episodes I Am Devil Actress and sapphic playgirl Mookmanee (Mook Napapach Thitakawin) shocks everyone by announcing her engagement to a man, who's already engaged to someone else. The man's mother sends in a spy, his half-sister Prangdao (Pinky Subhisara Suksathan), complicating things further, especially when she falls for Mookmanee. I Am Devil Watch Links: Police/Crime GLs Petrichor (EngLot, 2024) IQIYI, 10 episodes Petrichor CSI meets GL in Petrichor, which stars Englot. Officer Tul (Engfa Waraha) and Dr Cherran (Charlotte Austin) must team up, despite their differing personalities, to solve crimes and bring justice to the families of the victims. Petrichor Watch Links: ClaireBell (BleJie, 2025) Mine Media Production, 8 episodes ClaireBell After being wrongly convicted of drug possession, Bell (Pangjie Paphavarin Sawasdiwech) becomes the target of other prisoners, but mysterious inmate Claire (Mable Siriwalee Siriwibool) becomes her protector. Please be warned that the show deals with heavier themes like sexual assault, violence, and murder. ClaireBell Watch Links: Note: This is a growing list based on completed/airing GLs. I'll update as new GLs start airing. Please comment if I missed anything! Hope this helps! 🫶🏼 UP NEXT: 37 Thai GL Series for 2026 🥳

Beyond gracing our screens in Girls' Love roles, some Thai GL actresses also studied in Thailand's best universities. Aside from information on the actresses, I also provided some info on the universities in case you're interested in studying in Thailand. Thai GL Actresses Who Went to Thailand's Top Universities Table of Contents: Basis for Determining Top Thai Universities Chulalongkorn University Mahidol University King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi Khon Kaen University Suranaree University of Technology Brainy Pairings: When Both Actresses Studied in Top Unis BONUS: Thai GL Actresses Who Studied in Top Universities Abroad Thai GLs Set in a University Disclaimer: Please note that I used publicly available information and photos in this post. If there are inaccuracies, please comment below or message me through the contact form. Please let me know if I missed anyone so that I can update the post. 🫶🏼 Basis for Determining Top Thai Universities To identify the top universities in Thailand, I turned to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings . I included the top 5 rankings for Thai universities , which are: Rank University 501-600 Chulalongkorn University 601-800 Mahidol University 801-1000 King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi 1001-1200 Chiang Mai University, Mae Fah Luang University 1201-1500 Khon Kaen University, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Prince of Songkla University, Suranaree University of Technology, Thammasat University, and Walailak University While some universities appear in the table, I only included them to accurately reflect the THE report. I excluded them if no Thai GL actress went there (or at least that I could see from publicly available information). Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University, fondly called 'Chula,' is Thailand's highest-rated university on the 2026 THE World University Rankings and is ranked first in the country. Located in Bangkok, it opened in 1917 and, according to its website, is considered Thailand's first university . Fun Fact: The colors of the bands in Chula's graduation robes represent the faculty that granted the degree . You can see the differences here: Ginny's and Memi's is sky blue (Commerce and Accountancy), Lena's and Fay's is dark blue (Communication Arts), and Miu's is green (SCII). Ginny - Poisonous Love Bachelor of Business Administration (First Class Honors) Lena - My Safe Zone Faculty of Communication Art s Miu - My Safe Zone Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation Natt - Reverse With Me Bachelor of Industrial Design Fay - My Marvellous Dream Is You, Somewhere Somehow Faculty of Communication Arts Renee - Poisonous Love Faculty of Communication Arts Note: I can't find Natt and Renee's graduation pictures, so they must not have made them public. Still added them because I also wanted to celebrate their impressive academic achievements. 🫶🏼 Fun Fact: Lena and Renee were Chula drum majors. Can you spot them here? Memi - Player Memi has dual degrees from top Thai universities. She has a Bachelor's from Thammasat. Memi also has a Master's degree from the Faculty of Commerce & Accountancy at Chula. Mahidol University Originally a med school , Mahidol University now offers a variety of programs while staying true to its origins in medicine and sciences. It's located in Nakhon Pathom , a city roughly 57 km west of Bangkok . Bam- Fulfill Major in Finance Pinky Bachelor's in Actuarial Science King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) Like Chula, KMUTT is located in Bangkok. From what I've gathered from their research labs , KMUTT seems to have a strong focus on engineering, technology, and sciences. Film- Pluto, Girl Rules, Moonshadow Bachelor of Technology in Medical and Science Media Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen is a public research university in northeastern Thailand. While rooted in research, Khon Kaen offers a variety of disciplines . Lingling - The Secret of Us, Only You, Wedding Dream Bachelor's in Tourism Suranaree University of Technology In contrast to Khon Kaen, Suranaree University of Technology focuses on hard sciences and technology courses . Mable - ClaireBell Master's in Cellular and Molecular Science for Biomedical Applications Bachelor's in Chemistry Thammasat University Thammasat initially offered two courses: Law and Accounting , but now offers programs in various disciplines . Like Chula, sash colors for Thammasat graduates differ based on the faculty that awarded the degree . Check out the various colors in these Thai GL actresses' grad photos: Prigkhing The Secret of Us, Like a Palette Pundao Roller Coaster Bachelor's in Political Science Mae Reverse 4 You Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication Pitcha - Reverse With Me Bachelor's in International Studies of ASEAN - China More on Pitcha, the Degree Collector Pitcha seems to have a hobby of collecting degrees, as she has a second: a Bachelor's in Chinese for Economy and Trade from Beijing Language and Culture University. She's also working towards getting a Law degree. Brainy Pairings: When Both Actresses Studied in Top Unis I also wanted to highlight LenaMiu and NattPitcha, both actresses in the CPs, who attended top universities, which I found really cool. LenaMiu Chula/Chula NattPitcha Chula/Thammasat BONUS: Thai GL Actresses Who Studied in Top Universities Abroad I was thinking of making this a separate post, but I just added it here since I've only found three GL actresses so far who fit the bill. Some GL actresses who studied in top unis outside Thailand include: Piano - Runaway World University rank: 170 Tan - Play Park World University rank: 201-250 Becky - Gap, The Loyal Pin World University rank: 301-350 Thai GLs Set in a University Want to see how unis are portrayed in the yuriverse? Check out these Thai GLs set in a university: Like a Palette (WeTV) Love Senior (YouTube) Reverse 4 You (Netflix) If there's one thing that anyone can't take from us, it's knowledge. Seeing our fave Thai GL actresses juggle academics and acting , or  pursue acting after graduation , is certainly inspiring. I hope this post inspires you to chase your dreams like our Thai GL faves did, whether it's a creative pursuit like acting or a more academic path, like a Bachelor's or postgraduate degrees. As much as I admire their GL acting careers, I believe it's also important to celebrate their milestones outside the CP , and certainly one as big as a university degree. This is part 1 of my deep dive into the academic achievements of Thai GL actresses. Stay tuned for part 2, where I explore what and where other actresses studied, and which Thai university produced the most Thai GL actresses. UP NEXT: Thai GL Actresses Who Own Businesses

Thai GL has been growing significantly in recent years, and more and more people are discovering this beautiful genre. Whether you're new to Thai GL series or have been following them for a while, here's a list of all the GLs you can look forward to next year. I'll try to update this as fast as I can in case anything changes. 🫶🏼 Unreleased Thai GL Series List for 2026 and Beyond 4 Elements: Air - FreenBecky The Air follows Vayo (Freen), a police officer assigned to protect Princess Blue (Catherine Blue de Laina) of Madelin on her official visit to Thailand. 4 Elements: Earth - AppleMim The Earth tells the story of childhood friends Rose and Din. After returning from America, farm owner Rose (Mim) finds herself in a dangerous situation. To ensure her safety, she must get married to Din (Apple), who's also a farm owner. 4 Elements: Fire - NamneungNoey The Fire tells the story of Fai (Namneung) and Kaphrao (Noey), childhood rivals whose fiery feelings from the past turn into a slow-burning passion when they're reunited as adults. 4 Elements: Water - EngLot The Water is a workplace drama about a woman who's out for revenge. Driven by past events that impacted her family, Lada (Charlotte) infiltrates Wathin Group and targets its CEO (Engfa). Bake Love Feeling - ViewMim Bake Love Feeling tells the story of Cheese (Mim), a bakery owner who's drowning in debt, when she literally crashes into Noey (View), a lawyer who may be able to help her. Also features Lal (Jan) and Wine (Jingjing) from Enemies With Benefits. Broken of Love - FayeTBD Broken of Love is a revenge thriller about Alisa (Faye), who's determined to bring down the people who destroyed her family. We may finally know who Faye's co-star is by the end of this month, as Faye has been teasing something happening soon. Buy My Boss - YingAom In Buy My Boss, newly graduated Manfan (Aom), who's bankrupt with seemingly no job prospects, seeks comfort from escort Issara (Ying), who later turns out to be her boss at her new job. Cranium - FreenBecky Cranium follows biological anthropologists Phin (Freen) and Bua (Becky), who must work together to uncover the mystery behind an unexpected skull that turned up at a plane crash. Ditto - MilkLove Ditto is the story of two Rafahs who both fell from grace: one is a former ballerina (Love) while the other is an ex-flight attendant (Milk). Enemies With Benefits - JanJingjing Enemies With Benefits follows department heads Lal (Jan) and Wine (Jingjing), who are office rivals. Their heated workplace rivalry soon turns into a fiery, passionate enemies-with-benefits situation. Fulfill - OomBam Fulfill follows married couple Pafun (Bam) and Aioon (Oom) as they discover the pains and joys of domestic life. Girl Rules - MilkLove, NamtanFilm, ViewMim Girl Rules tells the complicated web of relationships of six women all working on the same campaign: Model Shasha (Milk) is into stylist Gorya (Love), who likes director Prim (Namtan), who's in a complicated relationship with her newly returned ex and the client Bambi. Meanwhile, bartender/photographer Praew is into Prim's co-founder Min (View), who's still struggling with her sexuality. Heart Code - TungpangJessi Heart Code follows Thara (Tungpang) and Vicky (Jessi), who meet in an elite security training program and develop feelings, but secrets from the past threaten their relationship. Her - NamtanFilm I Wanna Be Sup'tar - LillyBelle I Wanna Be Sup'tar tells the story of Winpavi (Lilly), an actress who falls from grace, and Wanneung (Belle), who's trying to break into acting, find themselves sharing a home. Their opposite personalities cause conflict, but their feelings soon turn romantic. Love's Echoes - JuneMewnich In Love's Echoes, Clara (June) and New (Mewnich) worked to become idols, until New abandoned Clara, who had to debut on her own. Years later, the truth is revealed: New left because of a tumor that made her slowly lose her hearing. 17. Moonshadow - EmiBonnie Moonshadow tells the story of Key (Bonnie) and Jan (Emi). After a one-night stand, Key proposed to become Jan's sugar baby. As their feelings start to deepen, Jan's ex (Film) comes back. 18. Oxytoxin - TonkhawWaifha Oxytoxin is a high school drama about the influential clique Toxxxxin. 19. Play Park - TanYa Play Park tells the story of single mom Ing (Yada), who works as an amusement park manager who meets Lin (Tan), who recently acquired the amusement park. 20. Risking Love - ZorzoSara Risking Love tells the story of Mind (Sara), a woman who can't fully live her truth because of her homophobic mother. She meets an attractive stranger in a bar (Zorzo), and they become friends with benefits. 21. Shades - TBD Shades takes place in an elite girls' school riddled with scandal. 22. Under Her Rules - MeenBabe Under Her Rules is a workplace drama about Alice (Meena), who starts working for the demanding Nannalin (Aoom). Nannalin 23. Wedding Dream - LingOrm 24. Wish Upon a Star - PahnFond Wish Upon a Star follows the story of two Daos, who were classmates but were never close in school. As adults, Dao Suay's (Pahn) life takes a tragic turn. Dao Thiam (Fond) receives a chance for a do-over, which can save Dao Suay's life. 25. Trial Love - PeamIdea 26. Dangerous Love - GraceYoko 27. Un-trovert - JennyYume / YumeJenny (TBD) 28. Love Beyond Dreams - MieAya 29. My Only Sunshine - AtomMersedes 30. Remain The Series - AndaLookkaew 31. Khom Khlang - BintPui 32. Hidden Heart - NoonPraewa 33. AI Girl - MYUUChanya 34. Love Bound - OrmFolk 35. Be My Angel - BamBamBaipor 36. Built in Love - PimjiPineare 37. Frozen Valentine - NattyYeepun Updated: January 22, 2026 Note: This list doesn't include mini-series, movies, and series where the GL couple is just a side couple! If you wanna watch all videos in one playlist, visit my 2026 Thai GL YouTube playlist here ! I'll update it whenever a new GL gets added to this blog. 🫶🏼 Which Thai GL series are you most looking forward to next year? If I missed anything, please comment below so I can add it to this growing list! 🤩 UP NEXT: Why Queendom Deserves a Spot on Your Thai GL Watchlist

If you’re a Thai GL fan who hesitated to start Runaway , or dropped it after a few episodes, you’re not alone. Compared to other GL series, it can feel quieter, less romantic, and at times, confusing. The special effects aren’t flashy, the kisses don’t come early, and the story leans heavily on Thai folk beliefs that might be unfamiliar to some. I was initially hesitant: I don't like horror because I get nightmares, but I gave it a shot, and I'm glad I did. Runaway isn’t a series that wants to impress you immediately. It wants to work for your affection, and if you decide to stay, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful story that resonates and lingers long after it's over. Why I Loved Runaway Even Though I'm Not a Horror Fan Table of Contents: Simple Storyline With a Culturally Rich Twist Horror Series Filled with Realistic Characters The Scariest Thing Isn’t the Ghosts — It’s the Humans Not a Romance-Heavy GL, But Deeply Romantic The Soundtrack That Snuck Up On Me A Series That Becomes a Mirror for the Audience How to Watch Runaway If You're Not Into Horror Final Thoughts: Why You Should Give Runaway a Chance TL;DR Review Where to Watch Runaway As the first-ever Thai GL horror series , Runaway takes a risk that many sapphic stories don’t: it prioritizes atmosphere, emotional realism, and moral ambiguity over instant gratification. And if you’re willing to meet it where it is, it offers one of the most haunting and thought-provoking GL experiences to date. Here’s why I love Runaway, and why I think you should consider watching it. Simple Storyline with a Culturally Rich Twist At its core, Runaway tells a familiar story. It’s about a messy ex who can’t let go, a new lover caught in the crossfire (who's closely related to the ex), and unresolved emotions that refuse to stay buried and literally haunt the main couple. What makes Runaway unique is how its author, Zonlicht , weaves Thai folk beliefs about karma, past lives, soulmates, and restless spirits  into this otherwise recognizable framework. The ex, Jomkwan ( Piano Nichapat ) is a spirit consumed by a thirst for vengeance. Win/Kornkavee ( Miusic Praewa ) , isn’t only spiritually haunted but also emotionally tortured, by her ex. And Boon/Thamon ( Plaifah Siraacha ) is more than the new girlfriend; she’s Win’s soulmate and the only one capable of protecting her. The conflict is straightforward to follow, but the cultural and spiritual layers add depth, making the story all the more unpredictable. Even when the premise feels familiar, the execution is never the same. This balance makes Runaway  surprisingly accessible , even if you’re new to Thai supernatural storytelling like me. Horror Series Filled with Realistic Characters Horror might be one of the last genres you associate with realism, but Runaway thrives on it. Ghosts and spirits may not align with everyone’s beliefs, but the emotional experiences  of the characters are painfully grounded in reality. It explores complicated attachments, trauma bonding, and grief, things that feel very real, even when the setting is supernatural. Win and Boon’s relationship begins with immediate chemistry . Call it love at first sight or simple attraction, but anyone who’s experienced that instant spark will recognize it. As they endure increasingly terrifying circumstances together, that attraction deepens into something more meaningful . This is a slow-burn romance  in the truest sense. Unlike many GL series where intimacy happens early, Runaway holds back. We don’t even get a kiss until more than halfway through the series, but when it finally happens, it feels earned . And the soundtrack (beautifully sung by Miusic, who used to be an idol) made the scene even more magical. The show excels at creating morally ambiguous characters . People you think you root for disappoint you. Characters you despise reveal layers that make you doubt your judgment. There are no purely good or evil people here — only deeply flawed ones trying to survive their circumstances. That moral messiness is exactly what makes Runaway feel human. The Scariest Thing Isn’t the Ghosts — It’s the Humans If you’re avoiding Runaway because you’re afraid of jump scares, don’t worry. The ghosts don’t constantly lunge out at you. They're just there... existing. Most of the fear comes through Win’s perspective — and Miusic deserves praise for portraying just how mentally and physically exhausting it is to be constantly haunted . Before Boon enters the picture, Win is visibly unraveling , and that exhaustion is crucial to understanding why Boon becomes her safe space. Plaifah embodies that sense of safety beautifully. As Boon, she doesn’t rely on grand gestures or dramatic dialogue. Instead, her calm presence, measured reactions, and quiet protectiveness make her feel like a real person you would instinctively trust in a crisis. It’s a subtle performance, but one that anchors the series. As the series progresses, even Jomkwan begins to feel less like a traditional villain . Her cruelty isn’t just physical — it’s psychological and emotional. Her motivations are painfully human , and at times, you forget she’s dead. I also want to give props to Piano , who chose to play a ghost in her acting debut. In an industry that highly values actresses’ visuals, she chose to debut in a GL where she looks frightening for most of it. Mad respect to Piano for making that decision and committing fully to the role . Ultimately, the most terrifying characters in Runaway aren’t spirits, but the people. Those who manipulate, guilt, shame, and exploit others for their own benefit. As more truths come to light, the definition of “villain” becomes increasingly complicated. Runaway doesn’t ask you to pick sides easily, and that’s what makes it unsettling. Not a Romance-Heavy GL, But Deeply Romantic If you come to Runaway expecting constant physical intimacy, you may feel disappointed. This isn’t a series built on kisses, love confessions, or overt fanservice, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t romantic. Romance lives in small gestures: shared fear, quiet reassurance, lingering looks, unwavering presence during moments of vulnerability, and sacrifice. Boon and Win’s bond feels intimate because it’s forged through survival, not spectacle. Runaway understands that romance isn’t just about what lovers do — it’s about what they endure together and how they support each other in those trying times. The Soundtrack That Snuck Up On Me The songs — sung by Miusic and Piano — are beautifully written and sung, which isn’t surprising given that both are former idols. I do wish I understood Thai well enough to fully grasp the original lyrics, because I suspect they’d hit even harder. Still, I was already deeply moved by the English translations. Piano’s 'Born to Lose' perfectly captures why so many fans felt sympathy for Jomkwan despite everything she did. She truly loved Korn, and no one could tell her she was wrong for feeling that way, even when she knew Korn no longer felt the same. Miusic’s 'Runaway' initially baffled me. After scenes filled with haunting and emotional torment, this soft, romantic ballad plays over the end credits. But over time, I came to appreciate it as a form of emotional reprieve , a moment to breathe after everything that happened. It’s now easily one of my favorite Thai GL songs of all time, especially because of the line “Can I have another lifetime by your side?”  Wanting to love the same person across lifetimes feels way more romantic than a simple “I love you.” I also loved how genius it was to replace ' Runaway' with 'Born to Lose' in the credits once Win, Boon, and the audience finally learn Jomkwan’s story. By then, we no longer see her as just the terrifying ghost tormenting Win; we finally see the human underneath the pain , and this song gives us insight into her emotions. A Series That Becomes a Mirror for the Audience One of the most fascinating things about Runaway is how intensely it sparks discussion. I’ve never seen another Thai GL provoke this level of discourse. Viewers project their own experiences, values, and trauma onto the characters. Some cosplay as attorneys, fiercely defending their favorite. Others analyze the story through astrology, psychology, or cultural context. I found myself doing mental gymnastics , wondering if Jomkwan had untreated mental health issues, considering how therapy might have helped in a more modern setting, imagining what might have happened if she had learned to give herself the love she desperately wanted from Korn, and reflecting on how societal homophobia and family pressure shaped her desperation. And yet — even with all that empathy — her actions remain unjustifiable. But then again, Korn isn’t innocent either, so what am I supposed to believe now? Runaway refuses to give you easy answers. Instead, it invites reflection. What would you do? Who do you forgive? Where do you draw the line? How to Watch Runaway If You're Not Into Horror If you’re new to Thai supernatural storytelling, here are a few tips that can enhance your experience: Don’t worry about understanding every detail immediately.  The emotional arc matters more than the lore. And, when you're ready to learn more about the lore, there's a wealth of info on X because Zonlicht and Thai fans generously provided info about the cultural nuances we might have missed. Let confusion happen.  It often mirrors the characters’ own lack of clarity, but in time, you'll understand what's happening alongside Win and Boon. Lower your expectations for special effects.  This isn’t a big-budget horror series — and it doesn’t need to be because it delivered a great story regardless. Focus on feelings, not answers.  Runaway is about emotional truth, not neat resolutions. Watch slowly.  This isn’t a binge-and-forget series; it benefits from reflection between episodes. Final Thoughts: Why You Should Give Runaway a Chance Runaway isn’t a flashy, easy, or comforting watch. It doesn’t cater to global expectations of horror or romance. But what it offers instead is atmosphere, emotional weight, and characters that stay with you long after the end credits roll. If you’re willing to watch with curiosity rather than expectation, Runaway might surprise you. It’s not just a horror Thai GL, but a story of love, grief, resentment, and the terrifying consequences of not letting go. And sometimes, that kind of haunting is the most unforgettable of all. TL;DR Review I know not everyone likes to read long-form content, so thank you so much if you made it this far. But, if you're in a hurry, here's my quick take on Runaway: Runaway isn’t flashy, overtly romantic, or easy — but it’s emotionally rich, culturally grounded, and deeply human. If you’re willing to sit with discomfort and ambiguity, you’ll find a haunting Thai GL that lingers long after it ends. Where to Watch Runaway GL Catch all episodes of Runaway for free and with English subs on GROW Entertainment's YouTube channel . Check out the pilot here: UP NEXT: Superstitions and the Supernatural in Thai GL

While other countries also produce Girls’ Love (GL) media, based on volume, frequency of production and release, and how structured the ecosystem appears, Thailand may offer insights worth examining for emerging GL industries. They’ve created an ecosystem, from literature that can be adapted into series to GL actresses taking on global brand deals that expand the genre into new spaces that also contribute, intentionally or not, to broader soft power efforts. This piece doesn't claim that Thai GL is the “best” or that it should be copied by everyone. Rather, it examines how  Thai GL has achieved global visibility, and what patterns, strategies, and structures other aspiring GL producers might adapt to their own cultural context. Thai GL: A Case Study for Global Success in Sapphic Storytelling Table of Contents: Disclaimer What is Soft Power? How Does Thailand Define and Build Soft Power? Soft Power in Thai GLs Tip #1: Stay True to Your Local Roots, But Think Globally Tip #2: Gauge Where and When to Add Paywalls Tip #3: Treat GL Actresses as Cultural Ambassadors Tip #4: Remember the Bigger Picture: Queer Media is More Than Just Entertainment Tip #5: Governments Can Play a Strategic Role in Supporting Queer Media Where the Opportunity Lies for Non-Thai GL Producers TL;DR Disclaimer This post isn’t meant to discredit anyone’s strategy or suggest that everything Thai GL producers do is what everyone should be doing. As with any creative industry, Thai GL is not perfect and still has areas for improvement. Rather, I want to highlight what has worked , and how it worked , to help inspire others who wish to create GL, particularly for a global audience. This analysis reflects my perspective as a Thai GL fan with a background in marketing. I'm not an industry insider, nor am I involved in TV or film production, artist management, or media promotion. Any inaccuracies may stem from my limited visibility into behind-the-scenes decision-making. It’s also not my intention to pit countries, creators, or companies against one another. As a GL fan, I want to see more  sapphic stories told, across more cultures, languages, and regions, and I want them to succeed, so it's ideal to learn from those that already succeeded. In some cases, I’ll reference the Philippines, my home country, since this is the market I'm most familiar with. Please adapt these observations to your region or context. What is Soft Power? It’s difficult to talk about GL without touching on soft power . Soft power is a country’s ability to influence outcomes through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. Culture, including media, storytelling, and the values shown in them, is one of its most powerful tools. GL may contribute to soft power by using culturally rooted love stories to create emotional connection, global visibility, and positive associations with a country’s people and creative identity, without overt promotion. Jay (Grace Harper), Prang (NingNing Marika), Pun (Memi Muanfun), and Ploy (Ice Amena) in Player Resources that contribute to soft power include culture, values, and policy . If you look at GLs across countries and regions, they all offer something different , whether in values, relationship dynamics, and other elements i nfluenced by their unique cultural context. For further reading: I highly recommend The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong if you're interested in learning more about how a country can use culture in their soft power initiative. How Does Thailand Define and Build Soft Power? Depending on who you ask, Thailand’s definition of soft power can vary . This video from Thai PBS shared several perspectives on what soft power means for Thais: If we look at the institution with the greatest capacity to drive impact — the Thai government — soft power can be framed through its “5Fs” strategy : Food, Film, Fashion, Fighting, and Festival . In 2023, Thailand proposed investing THB 5.1 billion into its National Soft Power Strategy , with the aim of generating THB 4 trillion in economic value and creating millions of jobs . GL intersects naturally with several categories, particularly film, fashion, food, and festivals . Soft Power in Thai GLs The Loyal Pin as a Soft Power Case Study One of the best examples of soft power in Thai GL is FreenBecky’s The Loyal Pin , and with good reason, as the Thai government partnered with Idol Factory in its production . As of writing, TLP has garnered more than 288 million views on YouTube , with audiences spanning Asia, Europe, Australia, and both North and South America. While views don’t necessarily equate to soft power, what matters is what  audiences are exposed to, as The Loyal Pin is one of the finest showcases of cultural heritage in Thai GL. TLP managed to hit 4 out the 5Fs in Thailand's soft power strategy: fashion, food, festivals, and as it's a series, film . If you want to read more about the cultural significance of TLP, check out this post . Other Examples of Soft Power in Thai GLs Food Food is one of the most accessible ways Thai culture is introduced in GLs, as it's universal. Everybody eats, and even though there are varying cultural traditions around food, it's one of the easiest cultural elements to understand and try out. Moo Krata (Thai BBQ/Hotpot) , for instance, appears frequently across several GL series. Moo Krata  (Thai BBQ) shared by Rey (Arhoung Nattawadee), Print (Pam Tarradee), and Print's family in Queendom. Beyond the dish itself, the communal nature of eating Moo Krata  reflects Thai social values. For foreign audiences, this style of dining may be unfamiliar so it becomes interesting rather than ordinary, which is how you'd typically view a scene involving food. Beyond a delicious dish, Moo Krata may represent spending intentional time with loved ones, sharing food equally, and valuing togetherness, values that reflect Thai culture, but resonate universally. Moo Krata (Thai BBQ) shared by Aokbab (Kao Suppasara) and her brothers in Love Design. Fashion Fashion can be another extension of soft power , and one that travels easily across borders . Traditional fashion, specifically Teen Jok Sarong , featured in The Loyal Pin, showing how local traditions can be weaved into a sapphic love story. Scenes like this could help spotlight local artisans , increasing interest in indigenous crafts and related businesses . Additionally, both on and off screen, Thai GL actresses endorse local fashion brands . Some even launched their own labels , selling to both domestic and international markets . Festivals Songkran , Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, is perhaps best known internationally for its water celebrations . It's been featured in shows like 23.5 and Whale Store xoxo . Wan (Milk Pansa) and Maewnam (Love Pattranite) in the Songkran scene in Whale Store xoxo. As one of Thailand’s most prominent festivals, Songkran plays a major role in the country’s soft power strategy by showcasing Thai values and encouraging tourism . What makes Thai GL particularly effective as a soft power vehicle is that cultural representation rarely feels forced . Rather than pausing the narrative to explain Thailand to foreign viewers, cultural elements are woven seamlessly into characters, relationships, everyday life, and even conflict . Culture becomes context, not spectacle, and that distinction matters. Alpha (Ciize Rutricha) and Ongsa (Milk Pansa) in a Songkran scene in 23.5. Instead of asking international audiences to learn about Thailand, Thai GL invites them to observe , feel , and eventually desire participation in Thai culture, whether through food, fashion, travel, or language. This is how attraction naturally forms. What We Can Learn From Thai GL Thai GL didn’t become globally visible by accident. While timing and luck certainly play a part, there are observable patterns and strategies that other creators can adapt to their own context. Observing what worked in other countries can provide inspiration and insight. The goal is to adapt , not imitate . Tip #1: Stay True to Your Local Roots, But Think Globally One of the biggest misconceptions about appealing to an international audience is the belief that content needs to be “watered down” or westernized . Thai GL proves the opposite . Local specificity can create global appeal. Meena (Engfa Waraha) in Show Me Love Thai GLs don’t shy away from: Using Thai language, even incorporating slang and regional languages Showing everyday Thai settings, while also featuring tourist-centric locations. Filming locations may even become tourist destinations: Centering cultural norms , family structures, and social hierarchies Featuring uniquely Thai elements such as superstitions and folk beliefs At the same time, its emotional core, such as female yearning, class differences, first love, reconciliation, remains universally understood. For countries, this could mean: Letting local values exist naturally. This could include close family ties, community-oriented living, religious tension, and class mobility. What Lies Beneath's portrayal of falling in love with another woman amidst conservative religious beliefs resonated for a reason: it reflected a reality all too familiar, and in effect, became validating and healing for some people. Using local languages, food, and traditions without over-contextualizing them. Show them as they appear in real life. If you feel that audiences may need more context, you can always explain on social media . This could even open doors for fan engagement (e.g. 'Ask me' tweets), which is important when promoting a GL. Trusting audiences to connect emotionally even if not every cultural detail is immediately familiar Fahlada (Lingling Kwong) and Earn (Orm Kornnaphat) in The Secret of Us On potentially sensitive content: Please take note that some practices may be more contentious across cultures, so it's best to tread lightly and take time to research, especially if you're targeting a specific market. For example, corporal punishment may be less controversial in some societies, while viewed as harmful, or even criminal, in others. If such elements are necessary to the story, adding disclaimers, contextual framing, or info on where audiences who may be affected can get support or resources , can help balance creative freedom with cultural sensitivity . It's also important to add it in such a way that doesn't glorify harmful behavior. Saiphon (Praew Chermawee) and Wanmai (Linn Mashannoad) in Queendom Whenever possible, it's also good to use a big platform like a global GL series to highlight good causes . Another important consideration for global reach: always provide English subtitles from day one. Making content immediately accessible helps foreign audiences connect with the story and culture without waiting or guessing. Global audiences don’t need everything explained. They need something authentic to connect with emotionally. Claire (Mable Siriwalee) and Bell (Pangjie Paphavarin) in ClaireBell Tip #2: Gauge Where and When to Add Paywalls Thai GL producers have become adept at balancing accessibility with monetization . Most series: Offer free episodes on platforms like YouTube (and don't forget the English subs) . Especially for productions that haven't gained recognition yet, people will be less likely to pay just to watch a GL, especially when there lots of of free Thai GLs on YouTube. Monetize around  the content, not just the content itself. Add value through fan meetings, merchandise, behind-the-scenes, exclusive cuts, and international events. This strategy: Lowers the barrier to entry for international audiences Creates multiple revenue streams sustained by engaged fandoms even after the show has aired Fahlada (Lingling Kwong) and Earn (Orm Kornnaphat) in The Secret of Us I'd like to stress this point again, as this is something I feel may be easier or cheaper to implement, but could bring far greater returns: accessibility is key.   Providing English subtitles from day one ensures foreign audiences can engage immediately, helping stories and culture resonate globally without delay. This may sound small, but it’s one of the most impactful choices a production can make. Paywalls are most effective after  recognition and emotional investment have already been established. Peem (May Yada) and Kee (Fay Kunyaphat) in Somewhere Somehow For emerging GL industries (or any digital content hoping to go global), this is an important lesson: Locking content too early behind subscriptions or region-restricted platforms can limit reach, especially when the goal is to build soft power and long-term cultural export. If you can, prioritize access first, then monetization later . Tip #3: Treat GL Actresses and Queer Creators as Cultural Ambassadors One of Thai GL’s most underrated strengths lies outside the shows, in artist and talent positioning. Thai GL actresses aren’t marketed solely as performers in a niche genre , but are also positioned as: Fashion icons Brand ambassadors Event headliners Public figures who embody modern Thai identity Their visibility in global fashion weeks, ad campaigns, and international fan events extends Thai GL beyond streaming platforms and into lifestyle and consumer culture. Involve Queer People, Especially in Creative Decisions It’s also equally important to involve queer creators in the production process.   Ai (Namtan Tipnaree) and May's wedding (Film Rachanun) in Pluto, which was shown before Thailand officially legalized marriage equality Writers, directors, consultants, and other team members with lived LGBTQ+ experiences bring authenticity, depth, and nuance to the stories . When queer voices help shape content, it ensures representation isn’t performative and that the narratives resonate meaningfully with both local and global audiences. For other countries, this requires a shift in mindset: GL actresses and queer creators don’t just promote a series; they promote a country’s creative output and authentic storytelling. Strategic brand partnerships can elevate both the talent and genre. Long-term artist and creator development is as important as the show itself. Aiwarin (Lookmhee Punyapat) and Mewika's (Sonya Saranphat) wedding in Harmony Secret. This episode premiered months after Thailand legalized marriage equality. When fans follow actresses and creators across platforms, brands, and borders, soft power and social impact can scale naturally. Why This Matters Beyond Thai GL Thai GL is no longer just a niche genre; it’s becoming an exportable cultural product with real economic, diplomatic, and social implications. Dokrak (Bonnie Pattraphus) and Pam (Emi Thasorn) in Us It demonstrates that: Niche genres can drive mainstream influence LGBTQ+ stories can function as vehicles for soft power and meaningful representation Digital-first fandoms can outperform traditional marketing models Thoughtful storytelling can provide visibility, normalize queer experiences, and inspire social dialogue in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are limited Rey (Arhoung Nattawadee) and Print (Pam Tarradee) in Queendom For other countries, the goal isn’t to replicate Thai GL beat-for-beat , but to study the system behind its success : A strong literary ecosystem Digital-savvy promotion and global accessibility Strategic alignment between government, private sectors, and creators Long-term investment in talent, storytelling, and social impact Soft power and socially conscious media aren’t built overnight. But Thai GL shows that when culture, commerce, fandom, and social awareness align , even a genre once considered niche can resonate globally, empower communities, and create sustainable opportunities. Tip #4 : Remember the Bigger Picture: Queer Media is More Than Just Entertainment While GL series and films are entertaining, it’s important to remember that queer media carries social, cultural, and even political weight , especially in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are limited or under threat . Stories about love, identity, and community can: Provide representation for audiences who rarely see themselves on screen Normalize LGBTQ+ experiences in mainstream culture, helping shift public perception Inspire advocacy and conversation about rights, equality, and inclusion Rin (Janeyeh Methika) and Aokbab's (Kao Suppasara) in traditional bridal kimonos in Love Design For creators, this means approaching GL content with care, as the stories you tell can empower, validate, or educate, intentionally or unintentionally. Even when your goal is entertainment, the context matters because in many places with limited or no rights for LGBTQ+ communities, visibility can already be a form of activism . Balancing entertainment with meaningful representation doesn’t mean “preaching.” It means being aware of the broader impact  your work may have, especially in regions where LGBTQ+ communities face challenges. Thoughtful storytelling can help build cultural understanding while still being engaging, fun, and emotionally resonant. Tip #5: Governments Can Play a Strategic Role in Supporting Queer Media Even in conservative societies, supporting well-crafted GL and queer media can provide economic, cultural, and diplomatic benefits . Government involvement doesn’t have to mean creative control . The Loyal Pin demonstrates how collaboration between the government and studio helped the series reach global audiences while showcasing local culture . Pin (Freen Sarocha) and Anin (Becky Armstrong) in The Loyal Pin Governments can consider: Providing resources or grants for creators to raise production quality Promoting projects strategically to international audiences, boosting cultural visibility Positioning media as a soft power tool, highlighting local stories and talent (and the economic opportunities for everyone, like local businesses) rather than framing it as controversial content Encouraging inclusion of queer creators to ensure authenticity and avoid misrepresentation Anin (Becky Armstrong) and Pin (Freen Sarocha) in The Loyal Pin Even cautious support can help local GL content succeed internationally, strengthening soft power, generating economic opportunities, and projecting a progressive yet culturally rooted image to the world, benefiting both the country and its creators. Other countries shouldn’t aim to copy Thai GL beat-for-beat, but may benefit from studying these patterns: authenticity, accessibility, strategic talent positioning, social awareness, and government support. These can help local GL industries thrive domestically and internationally. Where the Opportunity Lies for Non-Thai GL Producers Thai GL’s success also reveals gaps others can explore, not as competition , but as differentiation . Liezel (Kolette Madelo) and Louisa (Mutya Orquia) in What Lies Beneath Opportunities include: Greater genre diversity Age-diverse stories, such as those that put older characters at the center Diversity in social class and regional POVs, such as regional, working-class, or diaspora perspectives and cultures (e.g. "Bana" and the Bisaya representation in What Lies Beneath when Liezel briefly spoke in Bisaya) Creator-driven, ensemble, or experimental formats Diversity in sexual orientation and gender identities Narratives that engage more directly with local social realities These paths don’t represent a lesser version of GL, but a different one. TL;DR Thai GL shows how a niche genre can scale globally through: Cultural authenticity Early accessibility (with English subtitles from day one) Strategic talent positioning Queer inclusion behind the scenes Institutional support The lesson isn’t to copy Thai GL, but to study how ecosystem, culture, and strategy align, and adapt those insights locally. A growing global GL landscape thrives not on duplication, but on diversity. UP NEXT: How Important are English Subtitles in Thai GL — and What We Really Lose With Bad Subs

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 Lucky Numbers Karma Making Merit Ghosts/Spirits Past Lives Name Change Feng Shui Why These Beliefs Matter in Thai GL Meeting Thai GLs Where They Are Disclaimer 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. Love Design, Episode 9 (WeTV) 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. Milk Pansa as Ongsa in 23.5, Episode 4 (IQIYI) 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. View Benyapa as Aylin in 23.5, Episode 4 (IQYI) 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. Jan Ployshompoo as Na in MuTeLuv, Episode 1 (GMMTV, YouTube) 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. Jan Ployshompoo as Na in MuTeLuv, Episode 1 (GMMTV, YouTube) 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. Jan Ployshompoo as Na in MuTeLuv, Episode 1 (GMMTV, YouTube) 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. Film Rachanun in High Season: Bye Bye Summer, Episode 7 (GMMTV, YouTube) 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. Runaway, Episode 2 (GROW Entertainment, YouTube) 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. Namtan Tipnaree in High Season: Bye Bye Summer, Episode 7 (GMMTV, YouTube) 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. Runaway Episode 1, (GROW Entertainment, YouTube) 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. IceMemi and GraceNingNing, Player Episode 3 (Heart Pop Studio, YouTube) Returning to High Season, in another episode, NamtanFilm wins 1000 jasmine garlands ( Phuang Malai ) in a game, which they offered to the temple.  NamtanFilm in High Season Season: Winter, Season 3, Episode 1 (GMMV, YouTube) 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. Music Praewa as Win, Runaway, Episode 2 (GROW Entertainment, YouTube) Like yin and yang, there are good spirits, and there are also bad spirits. Music Praewa as Win, Runaway, Episode 2 (GROW Entertainment, YouTube) 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. Plaifah Siraacha as Boon, End credits for Runaway (Grow Entertainment, YouTube) 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. Player, Episode 3 (Heart Pop Studio, YouTube) 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 . I'm Your Moon, Episode 1 (U Entertainment, YouTube) 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. In 2016, Faye competed in MGT using her former name, Supaporn Malisorn, Beam Nattapong (YouTube) 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. Janeyeh Methika as Rin and Kao Suppasra as Aokbab in Love Design, Episode 9 (WeTV) 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. Milk Pansa as Ongsa in 23.5, Episode 4 (IQIYI) 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. Plaifah Siraacha as Boon in Runaway, Episode 2 (GROW Entertainment) 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. 🫶🏼

I started thinking about visibility vs representation in Thai GLs after reading Miusic Praewa's thoughts on why she doesn't see Runaway as a GL because it isn’t romance-centered. Instead, she hopes audiences will see it as the story of someone who falls in love, allowing audiences to understand what love means and why this relationship exists, rather than being fixated on the idea that two people will end up together, or the quintessential "happy ending" in Thai GL. Looking at it from that perspective could also help the audience navigate the complicated relationship of the three leads, which include Plaifah Siraacha and Piano Nichapat . Miusic also mentioned her worries about how top/bottom roles in GLs don’t reflect real-life sapphic relationships. Her concerns are valid, as Thai GL does carry expectations like the top/bottom dynamic , and aligned with these roles, the tropes that rely on power dynamic/physicality (eg. boss/employee, taller top/shorter bottom). These characteristics come from girls' love in Japanese yuri , which introduced top/bottom roles to its characters. And, while these make great fiction, it doesn't really reflect reality. I also appreciate seeing an actress comment about the industry, especially someone like Miusic , who has publicly stated she's part of the community. It just hits different when you hear from someone involved in a sapphic series, and even more when they're part of the community they're trying to represent. Miusic: I really want to act in a GL (Girls' Love) series someday. Because I'm pansexual and currently an actress, I want to contribute to this community and show people that love is something that can happen to anyone. There will be a day... I believe I can do it. -X, May 2023 Her perspective hit me: I feel like Thai GL is still largely in the visibility stage  — making sapphic love seen, even if not yet fully represented . For this post, I'll use a spectrum to illustrate sapphic portrayal in Thai GL, and includes the following stages: invisibility, visibility, and representation . I break down the evolution of sapphic representation in Thai GL, where I believe it is in terms of representing sapphic love, and where I hope it's headed. Visibility and Representation in Thai GL Table of Contents: Planting Seeds of Visibility: GL Side Couples From the Margins to the Center — Pioneering Thai GLs Why Tropes are Prominent Representation Requires a Shift in Assumptions There's Room for Every Kind of GL The Real Problem isn't Taste — it's Limitation Visibility Opened the Door, but We've Got a Long Way to Go Planting Seeds of Visibility: GL Side Couples It might seem unthinkable now, but there was a time when sapphic characters and couples were invisible or not as overtly portrayed in film and TV. Media reflects the society of its time , and as attitudes around LGBTQ+ people changed, so did their portrayal in media. Before Thai GL series had sapphic couples as leads, they often appeared in smaller, safer forms: the side couple . Think Ink ( Milk Pansa ) and Pa ( Love Pattranite ) in 2021's Bad Buddy. Or further back, Dao ( Fon Sananthachat ) and Koi ( Belle Kemisara , who played Kae in ClaireBell) back in 2013 in Hormones (which also starred Love Design's Kao Supassra ). Of course, we can't forget the groundbreaking 2010 film Yes or No , which was the first Thai film to portray a sapphic couple as leads. Other sapphic films that followed include She: Their Love Story and Fingering (yes, this is the actual title and a big part of the storyline, lol). While sapphic characters appeared as guest stars in dramas, having them as leads didn't happen on TV, and audiences had to wait 12 years after Yes or No was released to see a sapphic couple lead a series, with FreenBecky in Gap. Side couples started out as visible but secondary, existing alongside the main plot and often confined to familiar dynamics. Ink was a high school friend of the leads, while Pa is the sister of one of the leads. Dao was a main character, but her storyline started with a heterosexual romance. Koi was first portrayed just as Dao's friend without her own storyline, but their relationship, and Koi's story, evolved in the next seasons. Hormones had multiple leads, so the GL storyline wasn't the focus of the series. Sapphic visibility typically comes first, and nuance follows later. Despite being on the sidelines, side couples shouldn’t be seen as “lesser” stories. They represent an early stage of visibility: characters finally allowed to exist on screen, even if their stories didn’t yet drive the narrative. Sapphic characters gradually moved from the sidelines to central roles, when Gap premiered in 2022. From the Margins to the Center — Pioneering Thai GLs When Thai GL finally moved sapphic couples to leading roles, it felt revolutionary. Gap proved that stories about two women could carry a full romantic arc and reach global audiences. As of writing, Gap has more than 1.7 billion views on Idol Factory's YouTube. But center stage didn’t automatically mean representation because many GL series relied (and still rely on): Clear, Easily Understandable Dynamics Often top/bottom, protector/soft roles, or having characteristics typically associated with masculinity and femininity, reinforcing the idea of a "man" and "woman" in the relationship. Familiar Romantic Beats with Neat, Happy Endings Despite everything the characters go through, and even when certain moments or situations threaten them ending up together, they always do. Nobody really breaks up (or not for long) in Thai GL. Another trope also comes into play here: the wedding, since Thai GLs almost always end with the characters getting married (not complaining, just pointing out). Conflicts Designed to Reassure Rather Than Destabilize These stories often favor conflicts that reassure the audience: problems arise, but they never seriously unsettle the relationship’s foundation or challenge how the characters understand their love. 1. External Obstacles, Not Internal Desire Examples include disapproving parents, workplace rules, social expectations, or class differences. The conflict comes from the outside , not from how the women feel about each other. The couple is emotionally aligned early on, and the audience is never meant to doubt their commitment. Why it reassures: It frames sapphic love as pure and unquestioned — only society is the problem. Portrayal in Thai GL: Gap had it all: homophobic grandmother, no dating rule in the office, Sam ( Freen Sarocha ) as a member of nobility, and everything that came with it, plus Mon ( Becky Armstrong ) being a commoner and Mon's employee. 2. Misunderstandings That Resolve Quickly One character overhears something out of context, gets hurt, but the truth comes out within an episode or two. No long-term emotional damage and the misunderstanding exists just long enough to create angst. No change in how the characters see each other. Why it reassures: The relationship itself is never unstable — communication fixes everything and forgiveness is guaranteed. Portrayal in Thai GL: This is a common Thai GL trope. Comment below which series came to mind when you read this! 3. Pre-Defined Emotional Roles One character is always the protector, initiator, or emotional anchor, while the other is consistently softer or more reactive. Conflict reinforces these roles instead of challenging them. Resolution often involves the “stronger” character stepping in. Why it reassures: The audience always knows who will act, who will forgive, and who will hold the relationship together. Portrayal in Thai GL: Pluto comes to mind, with May being the one who's always caring for Ai's emotional needs, and at one point, even cooked for her. There's even a heartbreaking scene towards the end when May asks if anybody cares about what she wants because she keeps getting pushed aside for others. I appreciate that they assigned this role to May instead of Ai, because it avoided portraying people with disabilities as weak or dependent. 4. Temporary Rival Love Interests A third person appears but is clearly not a real threat. The rival exists to provoke jealousy without really standing a chance. The audience can predict the outcome because it was never really a competition. Why it reassures: Jealousy becomes proof of love, not a source of rupture. Portrayal in Thai GL: The Secret of Us is the first GL I thought of, with two women hitting on each lead, but you could apply this to almost all GLs because there's almost always a rival love interest. 5. Conflict That Strengthens Bond An argument that ends with a confession, kiss, or emotional breakthrough. Pain leads directly to closeness No lingering resentment and there are no unresolved emotional consequences Why it reassures: Every problem confirms the relationship instead of testing it. Portrayal in Thai GL: This is prevalent in enemies-to-lovers GLs, as there comes a point when they stop being enemies and start to understand each other, and hate turns into attraction. Another example could be ClaireBell. While there was an initial attraction between the two characters, their relationship really took a turn when they started learning about each other's lives and accelerated when they simultaneously experienced loss and became each other's safe space. This isn’t a flaw — it’s a survival strategy. Having lead couples increased the stakes (and risk) for the production. Making sapphic characters leads didn't guarantee that they would be easily understood by the audience, especially those outside the community. Despite progress in LGBTQ+ recognition, there still exists misconceptions and discrimination against queer people everywhere. For example, feminine-presenting queer women still need to explain how their looks have nothing to do with who they want to date: Because of how the world has been conditioned by heteronormative standards, the love between two women might be villainized, trivialized, or misunderstood, so these storytelling elements probably served as signposts that helped guide the audience. The stories weren’t just romance, they were proof that sapphic love could be safe, aspirational, and as this industry is still a business, commercially viable. Why Tropes Are So Prominent Critics often point to the prevalence of recognizable tropes, but in the visibility stage, they function as narrative shorthand . Tropes help audiences quickly understand: Who desires whom Where emotional safety lies How intimacy unfolds Clarity matters when the genre is still securing legitimacy. The problem isn’t that tropes exist — it’s when they stop being choices and start being treated as definitions , as if saying "this is a GL so it should fit within this box and have A, B, and C to be considered valid." Representation Requires a Shift in Assumptions Representation begins when stories stop feeling the need to explain themselves — when queer love isn’t framed as an exception. It’s the difference between: What sapphic love is supposed to look like vs How and why these two people fell in love Representation allows for: Messy or shifting dynamics Characters who don’t fit neat roles Conflicts rooted in personality, timing, or desire Some newer Thai GLs gesture in this direction. Runaway broke the top/bottom dynamic because the characters keep shifting from strong to weak and protector to protected throughout their timelines and storylines. I find this realistic, as there are no set roles in real-life relationships. A healthy relationship should display shifting dynamics : when one person is weak, the other person can be strong for both of them, rather than expecting one person to do the heavy lifting all the time. But representation doesn’t replace visibility — it exists alongside it . There's Room for Every Kind of GL Not everyone watches GL for the same reason. Some viewers enjoy comfort-focused or light-hearted  stories filled with tropes, and that doesn’t make them lesser. Some days, you just want something easy that allows you to escape to a world where problems are easily resolved and you can expect a happy ending. For people living through difficult realities, predictable romance and emotional safety can be a refuge. They offer reassurance and show a world where things work out, which is exactly what someone would need if that's not their reality. Younger queer people who are discovering their sexuality with no support around them, or worse, living in a homophobic environment, could find comfort and hope in these stories. Despite watching 23.5 as an adult, I still felt like it healed my inner child, especially with how supportive the parents are about their kids coming out because I had the opposite story growing up. Other viewers may want complexity and nuance : ambiguity, emotional friction, and narratives reflecting the contradictions of queer life. Shows like Runaway and ClaireBell show stories where love can develop out of the most extreme situations. Runaway is tragic for a Thai sapphic series, and its characters are so morally ambiguous that they don't fit the ideal GL characters you root for, and some people prefer that, too. Whale Store xoxo, while fitting the conventional cutesy GL at times, also tackled the real issue of debt, trying to save a failing business, and the Wal-Mart effect . The Real Problem isn’t Taste — it’s Limitation The issue isn’t that Thai GL includes comfort-focused or trope-driven stories. The problem would arise if those were the only  stories allowed to exist. Representation doesn’t take comfort away — it simply ensures comfort isn’t the only option . Personally, I'm down for anything, as long as it doesn't promote anything that harms the community it's trying to represent . As a foreigner, I also try to remind myself to check my mindset because I want to be as respectful as I can be to the culture. If there's something I don't necessarily agree with or understand, I'll try to look it up to understand the intention behind it, and what drove the creators to include it because, sometimes, it's so much bigger than the actresses and the production companies. It might be the culture, political situation, or norms it exists in, and you can't change that overnight, but it also doesn't mean it will never change. Just look at how Thailand legalized marriage equality this year — it's proof that they can change things once they're ready. And, if something negative happens, I believe in giving others a chance to improve as long as they're willing to, rather than canceling them. It's a balancing act, but that's also why it's great that we have so much diversity now. I can choose which shows and couples I want to engage with and those that aren't really for me. Even if I don't understand or agree with everything I see in the industry, I remain hopeful that things will keep getting better from here. Thai GL is still pretty new, and it should be expected that there will be bumps on their road to success. It's about giving them a chance to explore, grow, and evolve. And if they make mistakes along the way, I still trust that production companies and actresses will listen to feedback, and see how and where they take this genre next. Visibility Opened the Door, but We've Got a Long Way to Go My wishlist for the future of sapphic representation in Thai GL? More stories and more diversity in characters, whether in showing different sexual orientations and gender identities, disabilities, body types, and other traits beyond the beauty standard. As of now, a lot of Thai GL is aspirational, showing privileged characters that don't struggle with money or are conventionally attractive, and there's nothing wrong with that because it got us to where we are now. I also don't want to invalidate the experiences of people who have money or looks because they also have their own struggles despite their privileges. But to take it closer to representing the community, we need to show characters and stories that break the mold, and I'll patiently wait until we get there because I believe we'll get there in time. Recent Thai GL has also strayed from the tom/dee (masc/femme) couple shown during the Yes or No days. However, upcoming 2026 GL Be My Angel brings back this type of couple. In the future, I hope we also see more diversity in characters, such as adding trans and nonbinary characters , and featuring pairings that are a little more unconventional, such as a GL with a tom/tom couple , because why not? Masc/masc relationships also exist in real life, and they're just as valid as anyone else's relationship. Thai GL isn’t failing sapphic storytelling. It’s growing and evolving, but it will take time and effort to take it from visibility to representation. In a world where queer people are still being discriminated and our rights taken away, I'm just grateful we still have people and companies who are pushing for the community and its stories to be visible. Side-couples made sapphic love visible at the margins, while lead-focused GLs brought it to the center. The next step isn’t replacing what came before, but widening the space so softness, fantasy, messiness, and complexity can all exist together. Visibility was necessary and representation is the road we’re still working towards. And there's room for all of it. 🫶🏼 Disclaimer: This post isn’t meant to discredit Thai GL or the people who love it. I’m grateful for how much visibility the genre has brought to sapphic love, especially in a media landscape where queer women have long been sidelined or erased. When I talk about visibility versus representation, I’m not ranking stories or saying one type of GL is “better” than another. Comfort-focused, trope-driven romances matter — especially for viewers who find safety, hope, or escape in them. At the same time, I believe it’s worth talking about where the genre can go next and how representation can expand without taking anything away. You don’t have to agree with everything here to engage. This is simply one fan’s perspective, offered with respect for the industry, the actresses, and the audiences that made Thai GL possible in the first place. I’d love to hear which GLs you feel already represent sapphic relationships well — or what kinds of stories you hope to see more of. Share your thoughts in the comments below! UP NEXT: How Important Are English Subtitles in Thai GL — And What We Really Lose With Bad Subs

Queendom is one of those Thai GLs that quietly snuck up on me. What initially feels like a familiar body-swap story unfolds into something more introspective, emotionally grounded, and surprisingly tender. Beneath its fantasy setup, Queendom is a story about identity, power, healing, and what it means to be truly seen, not just by someone else, but by yourself . Rather than relying solely on romance or shock value, the series takes time to explore its characters as people shaped by their environments, mistakes, and the expectations placed on them . Queendom is also an ode to self-love . It doesn’t just tell a love story about two people; it also shows the transformative power of giving yourself that love. Spoiler alert: Contains minor spoilers for Queendom Finding Yourself Through Someone Else: Everything I Loved About Queendom Thai GL Table of Contents Watching Beyond the Body Swap When Confusion Becomes Immersion Hidden Visual Symbolisms in Mirrors and Reflections Controlling Mother Trope Done Right Forgiveness as Quiet Redemption Love Beyond Bodies and Appearances Age-Diverse Queer Representation Pulling Back the Curtain on Celebrity Culture Yearning as a Love Language Queer Joy in the Ordinary TL; DR Watching Beyond the Body Swap If the idea of characters falling for someone who’s in their body feels weird, I assure you that reaction is completely understandable . Even the characters expressed discomfort about it in episode 7: I felt the same way, but what helped was reframing how I looked at the body swap. Instead of focusing on the physical image, I thought of it like watching yourself in a video : You recognize the face, but the person you’re observing feels separate. You’re noticing expressions , choices , and emotions rather than identifying with the body itself. Rey ( Arhoung Nattawadee ) and Print ( Pam Tarradee ) aren’t falling in love with their own bodies — they’re falling for the person inhabiting them. Once I watched it that way, the discomfort faded, and the romance felt more natural: rooted in connection rather than appearance. Additionally, it also helps forgetting they switched bodies . Just watch it like you would any other GL: as a story of two people who meet and develop feelings for each other. When Confusion Becomes Immersion One of my early criticisms of Queendom was how abruptly  Rey and Print switched bodies. Because it happened so early, I felt like I didn’t know the characters well enough to fully feel the impact of the swap. Compared to something like Freaky Friday, where generational differences make the swap instantly obvious, Queendom's body swap felt more subtle, almost too subtle  at first. However, as the series progressed, that initial confusion began working in its favor . Visual cues, like Rey wearing pink or Print adopting Rey's neutral colors, helped anchor the switch. As their relationship develops and they become more entrenched in each other's lives, we also see their identities start to mix , with Rey wearing pink and Print wearing neutral tones. To me, this might represent classic domestic sapphic behavior, as living with a girlfriend means having a shared wardrobe , so eventually, you start dressing alike because you borrow stuff from each other. They even start dressing in coordinated couple outfits : Eventually, I stopped resisting the premise and accepted what was unfolding . Because of this, the romance never felt strange  to me. I immersed myself and viewed it as two people falling in love through shared experiences rather than physical bodies.   Hidden Visual Symbolisms in Mirrors and Reflections How Mirrors and Reflections Hinted and Revealed the Body Swap Mirrors and reflections feature prominently in Queendom. In episode 1, Rey and Print do a mirroring exercise, where they imitate each other’s gestures. This was an early hint that they would step into each other's perspectives . When they woke up the next day, their mismatched mannerisms already hinted that something was off. However, the body swap is only fully revealed when they look into the mirror and realize it isn't their face reflected to them. Photobooth as Spaces of Intentional Reflection The photobooth also feels like a part of this symbolism. Unlike mirrors, which confront you instantly, photobooths are spaces of intentional reflection . You step inside knowing you’ll be seen, captured, and preserved. Photobooths make you wait to see yourself, and you have to accept whatever version of you it captures. Early on, Rey and Print treat the photobooth as a possible solution to their body swap. During this time, they were also still in the 'rivals' part of their rivals-to-lovers storyline. But as the story progresses, the photobooth’s meaning shifts. In episode 7, they duck into it to shield themselves from the rain, and the photobooth is no longer about reversing the body swap . Instead, it becomes a small, private space where they can exist without performance, expectation, or judgment. Inside the cramped booth, there’s no audience: just two people sitting with versions of themselves they’re slowly learning to accept. Their relationship has also taken a dramatic turn, and as they develop feelings for each other, everything looks brighter . Visually, we see the change inside the photobooth, from dull (ep. 1) to vivid (ep. 7). The photobooth represents a gentler form of self-reflection. Unlike a mirror, it doesn’t demand immediate recognition. It allows time and captures moments as they are, imperfect and fleeting, as if saying: this version of you is worth keeping too. Finding Self-Love Through Another's Eyes Together, the mirrors and the photobooth trace Rey and Print’s journey toward self-love. The mirror forces them to confront who they are , or who they think they are . The photobooth, however, lets them sit with who they’re becoming . By learning to accept their reflection through someone else’s eyes, they learn to love themselves. Rey and Print are literally falling in love with themselves through someone else’s eyes, a reminder that love can be learned from others , but ultimately, we also have to give it to ourselves . Beyond a love story between two people, Queendom also explores how meeting someone could help you see yourself from another perspective and grow from that experience . The body swap literally made that happen because Rey and Print were able to see their lives play out as bystanders rather than the ones actually living them . What makes this especially effective is how the series uses mirroring not just visually , but emotionally . While living Rey's life, Print was able to understand her deeper, allowing her to rethink misconceptions she held about Rey's privileged upbringing. On the other hand, Rey was able to experience a healthier family dynamic in Print's family. Upon seeing how passive Print's mother was, Rey understood how not standing up for yourself could harm not just you , but the people around you . They don’t just mirror each other; they reveal blind spots the other couldn’t see alone. Controlling Mother Trope Done Right The controlling parent isn't a new trope in Thai GL, but Queendom is one show that does it right . In some cases, parent storylines aren't fully developed and don't serve a purpose other than adding another external obstacle to the love story. Queendom doesn't fall into that trap because the controlling parent, Rey's mom ( Kob Pimalrot ), adds context and depth to the story. Since the plot explores how the characters develop over time, it's essential to understand their personalities , and a big part of how they turned out is parenting . Because of her mom's controlling behavior, Rey turned out to be submissive and not in total control of her life . As we see more of her mother's influence on her life, we understand why Rey turned out that way. It felt freeing to see her finally develop the skills to handle it differently . Forgiveness as Quiet Redemption Rey experienced cancel culture from her classmates and was bullied for receiving advantages because of her parents' wealth. The event that triggered this is tied to her mother's controlling behavior, but it didn’t make the bullying any less damaging . Rey carried the effects into adulthood, impacting her self-esteem because she felt that it invalidated all of her previous achievements . Queendom delivers a powerful moment when Print, who was directly affected by Rey’s mother’s actions, chooses empathy over resentment . This was a beautiful scene that showed the power of forgiveness and what could happen if someone chooses to channel that pain in a healthy way rather than turning it on themselves or others . This moment works because it avoids spectacle. There’s no dramatic confrontation, just shared humanity. The series understands that redemption doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Love Beyond Bodies and Appearances Queendom reinforces the idea that beyond physical attraction , love can also start from emotional connection . By removing physicality as the foundation of attraction, the series asks viewers to focus on emotional intimacy . The result is a romance that feels sincere, intentional, and deeply human. Age-Diverse Queer Representation The inclusion of an older side couple, Wanmai ( Linn Mashannoad ) and Saifon ( Praew Chermawee ), is a welcome departure from the youth-centric focus of Thai GL, as both actresses are in their 30s. Queendom acknowledges that queer love exists at every stage of life, even in our 30s and beyond, and deserves to be shown. I also appreciate that Wanmai and Saifon have a fully developed storyline , rather than existing solely to serve the main couple's storyline. They had their own conflicts and resolution , so it felt like they were given a complete arc despite being a side couple. I'd love to see Linn and Praew in another show, especially since we don't see a lot of actresses in their 30s in Thai GL, which could also feed the toxic ageist perspective some fans hold, and worse, hurl at actresses: Pulling Back the Curtain on Celebrity Culture Queendom doesn’t shy away from the darker realities of fame : anti-fans , invasive shipping culture , rigid public images , and the sexualization of actresses under the guise of support. Rather than treating these as side issues, the series integrates them into its emotional stakes, offering a thoughtful critique of the industry . It also ties back to the visual imagery of reflections. Reflections and the Loss of Ownership of Self In Queendom, reflections don’t just symbolize self-discovery, but also represent the exposure and loss of control that celebrities endure. When Rey and Print look into mirrors, step into the photobooth, or film each other, they're choosing how and when to be seen , making these moments intimate and self-directed . In contrast, several scenes show their reflections through phone screens, recording without their consent , turning their reflections into something taken rather than owned.   The photobooth was literally a safe space where they could hide from prying eyes , as the previous scene showed a stranger recording them and posting it without their consent. This visual shift mirrors the reality of celebrity life, where images are consumed, circulated, and judged regardless of boundaries . This is especially true in Thai GL, an industry plagued by non-consensual recording during artists' private time, stalking, and harassment . By using reflections to contrast voluntary reflection with invasive surveillance , Queendom highlights how privacy for celebrities isn’t about invisibility, but about who gets to look, and on whose terms . Yearning as a Love Language This is where Queendom truly shines, in my opinion. It fully utilized the 12-episode arc to bring us a romance that doesn't feel rushed. Rather than convincing us that Rey and Print are attracted to each other through immediate confessions or physical intimacy, Queendom allowed us to feel it through more subtle ways like meaningful looks and gestures. Rey’s teasing paired with Print’s quiet yearning creates a dynamic fueled by restraint. This is more realistic for a rivals-to-friends, then friends-lovers arc, rather than them being passionately in love right away when we just saw them hating each other. The series understands that yearning is a language and it speaks it fluently. Queer Joy in the Ordinary When Queendom allows its characters peace, it leans fully into it. Domestic moments feel soft, intimate, and grounding. Even a scene where Rey and Print are just brushing their teeth becomes a celebration of love. This isn’t just representation for the sake of it. It’s a celebration of queer joy in everyday life. "You make me realize the definition of 'You are me, I am you. We are bound by the souls." -Print, Episode 12 Queendom doesn’t rush its characters toward happiness. Instead, it allows them to grow into it. I understand why some fans describe it as a 'comfort' show: Queendom is thoughtful, healing, and deeply human. TL;DR Queendom uses a body-swap premise to tell a moving GL story about identity, agency, and love beyond appearances. Through thoughtful symbolism, strong character development, and a slow-burning romance filled with yearning, the series explores healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It stands out for handling familiar tropes with care, offering age-diverse queer representation, critiquing celebrity culture, and delivering pure moments of queer joy. You can watch all episodes of Queendom on WeTV . Check out the trailer here: UP NEXT: Why Runaway Deserves a Spot on Your Thai GL Watchlist (Even If You're Not a Fan of Horror)

The start of 2026 brought trauma for Filipino sapphics, as new episodes of the drama What Lies Beneath featured a sapphic storyline between Louisa ( Mutya Orquia ) and Liezel (Kolette Madelo) . Recent episodes revealed the story of these childhood sweethearts, who met as teenagers in a small town in the Philippines. When word got around about their relationship, Liezel's father — who's a pastor — confronted her and threatened to destroy Louisa's life if they ran away together. Liezel asked how her father could call her “sinful” when he was also committing sins by threatening to lie and ruin another person’s life. He responds, “ God will forgive me. I’m doing this for your own good.” Liezel's father’s mindset, where people rationalize doing harmful things in the name of conservative religious beliefs, is still prevalent among many Filipinos. And they’ll fight tooth and nail to uphold these beliefs, even if it hurts the people closest to them. In an earlier episode, Liezel tried staying away from Louisa. She said she can't be feeling the way she does, that she shouldn't feel that way about her. These feelings, which she should just feel for a boy, is how she's feeling for her friend. Imagine having these natural, healthy feelings towards someone, but you try to push it down because you've been conditioned all your life that it's wrong, essentially robbing yourself of happiness. The two eventually get together, but forced to break up because Liezel couldn’t see a future for them. For me, this felt painfully realistic, especially for people who grew up in rigid environments that don’t allow you to imagine a future outside of your immediate circle. Here are my thoughts on why this storyline struck such a chord with Filipino sapphics, and what it reveals about the typical queer experience in the Philippines. Disclaimer: This show, and my thoughts, do not represent all Filipino sapphics. However, the fact that this storyline resonated with so many people online is proof it reflects an experience still worth representing in Philippine media. There are many members of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community whose lived experiences differ. But until we see greater visibility and diversity in local media, it will remain difficult to portray the full spectrum of queer stories. This is just one narrative, but it’s one that's still happening, hence it deserves to be told. How a GL Side Couple Collectively Traumatized Filipino Sapphics Table of Contents: Conservative Religious Beliefs are Still Pervasive in Our Society Barely Any Queer Representation in the Local Media Marriage Equality is Still a Fever Dream for Us Why Louisa and Liezel’s Story Hurt So Much Queer Love Is Still Treated as a Moral Debate Why Representation Like This Still Matters, Even If It's Painful The Hope We’re Still Holding On To Filipino Sapphic Shows and Movie Recommendations Conservative Religious Beliefs Are Still Pervasive in Our Society While several online sources describe the Philippines as a gay-friendly destination , the reality for Filipinos who actually live there is a bit different. Conservative religious beliefs — some which are outright homophobic — are still deeply embedded in our society. While Louisa’s father being a pastor adds to the extremity of his beliefs, many people who don’t hold positions of power within the church still subscribe to the same mindset. Religion is so closely incorporated into Filipino culture that it affects how we view, treat, and even legislate for LGBTQ+ people. I remember how shocked my American friend was when I showed her my homeowners' association memo signed off with “God Bless.” I was so used to religion being embedded in everyday Filipino life that I forgot not every country lives the same way. Although we try to uphold the separation of church and state, religion continues to bleed into politics. During election season, candidates who receive the endorsement of certain religious groups are often predicted to win because of bloc voting. Whoever their religious leader supports, the entire group votes for. The unfortunate reality is that these dominant religions often uphold conservative values, values that strip queer Filipinos of basic dignity, let alone actual rights. Fewer Queer Representation in the Local Media The Philippines is one of the most dedicated fanbases of Thai GL. In 2025 alone, several CPs held fan meetings in Manila, including LMSY, Faye, NamtanFilm, and GinJay. This year, BleJie, MilkLove, and FayMay are among the CPs confirmed to visit Manila for official events. Despite clear proof of audience demand for sapphic media, there is barely any WLW content produced in the Philippines, especially in the mainstream. The first (and only) GL series produced by a major network was The Rich Man’s Daughter, which premiered in 2015. The Rich Man's Daughter Trailer: I want to highlight how they described this as the "most provocative" drama on TV at the time. The difference between this drama and the rest? A sapphic couple leads it. Marriage Equality is Still a Fever Dream for Us I casually watched Thai GL starting with Gap, but I’ll admit that I truly became invested after Thailand legalized marriage equality last year. Even though I’m not Thai, I celebrated for my fellow Southeast Asians when their country became the first in the region to grant equal marriage rights to LGBTQ+ people. Seeing Thai GL portray marriage between two women hits differently when their country’s laws finally reflected those stories. Unfortunately, that’s not the case in the Philippines. Here’s a video featuring Bie Revalde, Miss Trans Global Philippines 2021 and gender equality advocate, where she discusses the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the Philippines in 2025, and how far we still are from marriage equality when we can’t even secure basic protections. Why Louisa and Liezel’s Story Hurt So Much The reason this GL side couple collectively traumatized Filipino sapphics isn’t because their story was shocking or new; it’s because it was familiar . Many of us have seen ourselves in Liezel: the girl who loved deeply but couldn’t imagine a life beyond the walls surrounding her. Some of us have also been Louisa, watching our partner give up on a love we both want to fight for, yet having no way to promise a better future. When queerness is treated as something you’ll “grow out of,” rebel against, or pray away, it becomes nearly impossible to imagine love surviving long-term. Liezel didn’t leave because she loved Louisa any less. She left because society had already convinced her there was no safe place for them to exist together. Her pain — being forced to choose between her faith, her family, and her happiness — is something many Filipino sapphics understand intimately. Being told your love is sinful while the people hurting you believe they’re morally justified creates a trauma that lingers long after the relationship ends. Queer Love Is Still Treated as a Moral Debate What makes Liezel's father especially triggering isn’t just his role as a pastor; it’s how accurately he represents a common mindset: that harm is acceptable if it’s done “with good intentions.” This belief that religion excuses cruelty continues to shape how queer Filipinos are treated by families, communities, and lawmakers. Our love is constantly subjected to moral debate, as if our existence and love requires approval. When a parent frames control, threats, and emotional violence as acts of love, it teaches you that suffering is something you’re meant to endure quietly. Why Representation Like This Still Matters, Even If It's Painful As painful as Louisa and Liezel’s storyline was, it mattered . It didn’t sugarcoat the Filipino WLW experience and didn’t offer fantasy or easy resolutions. Instead, it showed the real cost of loving another woman in a society that refuses to protect you. For Filipino sapphics who rarely see themselves reflected in local media, this storyline —even as a side plot — felt like recognition. It was painful, yes, but it was also validating. The Hope We’re Still Holding On To Despite everything, Filipino sapphics continue to hope . We hope for better representation in local media. We hope for laws that recognize our humanity and love. We hope for families who choose love over doctrine. Watching Thai GL flourish both onscreen and in real life shows us what’s possible when a country decides queer people deserve dignity. Unfortunately, it also highlights how far the Philippines still has to go. Louisa and Liezel’s story didn’t just reopen wounds. It reminded us why we continue to demand more from our stories, our society, and our future. Because loving another woman should never feel like something you have to endure and survive. Filipino Sapphic Shows and Movie Recommendations For anyone interested in Filipino sapphic shows and films, I’ve created a list on MyDramaList . Some titles, such as The Rich Man’s Daughter  and Pearl Next Door , offer free episodes on YouTube with English subtitles. If you're more into films, some of the more recent releases include Open Endings , Baka Bukas , Rookie , and Billie and Emma . Hopefully, some streaming services like Netflix or GagaOOLala have it in your region. 🤞 Alternatively, Tomboy Film Club  is an X account dedicated to supporting Filipino sapphic media. They have a more extensive list than mine, which even includes sapphic short films. Their posts are in Filipino, but X’s auto-translate feature works well when I checked. UP NEXT: What We Can Learn From Thai GL's Approach to Global Sapphic Storytelling

Pagsimula ng taong 2026, sabay-sabay natrauma ang mga tomboy sa Pilipinas dahil sa rebelasyon ng kwento ni Louisa ( Mutya Orquia ) at Liezel (Kolette Madelo). Ipinakita sa mga bagong episode na naging magkasintahan pala ang dalawa nang magkakilala sila sa isang maliit na bayan sa Pilipinas. Napagtsismisan ang dalawa, at nang malaman ito ng tatay ni Liezel — isang pastor — binantaan niyang sisirain niya ang buhay ni Louisa kung tumakas sila. Tinanong ni Liezel kung bakit siya natawag na makasalanan, kung ang ama mismo ay nagsasala sa pagbanta niyang sisirain ang buhay ng iba. Ang sagot niya, "Patatawarin ako ng Diyos. Ginagawa ko ito para sa ikabubuti mo!" Ang pag-iisip gaya nang sa ama ni Liezel, kung saan binabaluktot ang mga masasamang gawain sa ngalan ng mga konserbatibong paniniwala, ay laganap pa rin sa maraming Pilipino. At ipinaglalaban nila ito nang todo, kahit pa nasasaktan na nila ang mga taong pinakamalapit sa kanila. Noong una, sinubukan ni Liezel lumayo kay Louisa. Sabi niya, hindi dapat ganito ang nararamdaman niya. Ang mga nararamdaman niya, na dapat sa lalaki lang, ay kung ano na ang nararamdaman niya para sa kaibigan. Napakalungkot isipin na ang mga natural at nakakabuting emosyon tulad ng pag-ibig ay pilit mong tinatanggihan dahil buong buhay mo ay tinuruan kang mali ito. Parang ikaw na rin mismo ang nagnakaw sa sarili mong kaligayahan. Naging sila, pero napilitan din silang maghiwalay dahil hindi makita ni Liezel ang magiging kinabuksan nila. Para sa akin, ipinakita nito ang realidad ng mga Pilipinong tomboy, lalo na yung mga lumaki sa mga saradong pamilya at komunidad kung saan hindi ka makakita ng kinabuksan sa labas ng mga grupong ito. Ito ang aking mga teorya ko kung bakit iba talaga ang naging hugot ng mga Pilipinong tomboy sa What Lies Beneath, at kung ano ang ipinakita nito sa kalagyan natin sa Pilipinas. Disclaimer: Hindi layon ng palabas, at ng aking mga opinyon, na sabihing ito ang pinagdadaanan ng lahat ng tomboy sa Pilipinas. Subalit, nakita natin ang reaksyon at pag-viral ng WLB kaya pwedeng senytales ito na may mga taong ganito pa rin ang nararansan kaya maganda pa ring naipakita ito. Maraming miyembro ng LGBTQ+ na iba ang karanasan sa ipinakita ng WLB. Subalit, kung hindi dadami ang mga ganitong karakter at kwento sa mga palabas natin, patuloy pa rin tayong mahihirapan na maipakita ang mas maraming karanasan ng mga miyembro ng ating komunidad sa media. Iisa lang itong kwento ni Liezel at Louisa, pero ito'y kwentong nangyayari pa rin, kaya nararapat lang na maipakita pa rin ito sa ating mga palabas. Kung Paano Sabay-Sabay Natrauma ang Mga Tomboy Dahil sa What Lies Beneath Table of Contents: Laganap pa Rin ang Mga Konserbatibong Paniniwala sa Pilipinas Kakaunti Lang ang Mga Palabas na Ipinapakita ang Karanasan ng LGBTQ+ Malayo Pa Rin Tayo sa Marriage Equality Bakit Iba Ang Hugot Natin sa Kwento ni Louisa at Liezel Tinuturing Pa Rin na Imoral ang Pagmamahal sa Kapwa Lalaki o Babae Bakit Mahalaga Maipakita Ang Ganitong Mga Kwento, Kahit Masakit Panoorin Ang Pag-Asang Pinanghahawakan Pa Rin Natin Mga Kwentong Tomboy na Gawang Pinoy Last Na: Mensahe Ko Para sa Lahat ng Mga Pilipinong Tomboy Laganap pa rin ang mga Konserbatibong Paniniwala sa Pilipinas Habang maraming nagsasabi na gay-friendly daw ang Pilipinas, iba ang realided para sa mga Pilipinong nakatira sa bansa. Ang mga konserbatibong paniniwala — iba dito ay homophobic , o harapang nakakasama sa mga miyembro ng LGBTQ+ community — ay laganap pa rin sa ating lipunan. Nakadagdag man sa labis na pagiging konserbatibo ng tatay ni Luisa ang kanyang pagiging pastor, marami pa ring Pilipino na ganito mag-isip kahit wala silang posisyon sa simbahan. Kadikit halos ng relihiyon ang ating kultura kaya malaki ang epekto nito kung paano natin tignan, itrato, at gawan ng polisiya ang mga miyembro ng LGBTQ+. Naalala ko pa na nagulat ang aking kaibigang Kano nang ipakita ko sa kanya ang isang memo galing sa aking condo. Sa dulo, nakasulat, "God Bless." Sanay na ako makakita ng mga relihiyosong mensahe at tradisyon sa pangaraw-araw kong buhay kaya nakalimutan ko na hindi ganun mamuhay lahat ng tao, lalo na yung nasa ibang bansa. Kahit sinusubukan natin paghiwalayin ang simbahan at politika, patuloy pa ring naiimplwensyahan ng relihyon ang politika. Kapag eleksyon nga, may mga kandidato na nakikinita na nating manalo dahil may basbas ng lider ng mga religious group . Dahil ito sa tradisyon ng bloc voting , o yung pagboto ng pare-parehong kandidato na may basbas ng lider. Ang malungkot dito ay malaki ang impluwensya ng mga ganitong grupo para palawakin ang mga konserbatibong paniniwala na tinatanggalan ang mga LGBTQ+ ng dignidad. Dignidad pa lang ay hindi na maibigay sa atin; paano pa ang mga karapatan na ipinagkakait din sa atin? Kakaunti Lang ang Mga Palabas na Ipinapakita ang Karanasan ng LGBTQ+ Isa ang Pilipinas sa mga nangunguna pagdating sa pagsubaybay sa Thai GL. Noong 2025, ilang CP din ang nagfanmeeting sa Maynila, tulad nila LMSY, Faye, NamtanFilm, at GinJay. Ngayong taon, sila BleJie, MilkLove, at FayMay naman ang mga siguradong bibisita sa Pilpinas. Kahit meron na tayong patunay na maraming Pilpino na susubaybay sa GL, hindi ganun karami ang mga ganitong palabas sa bansa, lalo na yung mga mga galing sa mainstream, o yung malalaking network. Ang una (at nag-iisang) buong GL series na galing sa malaking network ay The Rich Man's Daughter, na 2015 pa ginawa. The Rich Man's Daughter Trailer: Nabanggit sa voiceover na "most provocative" o pinakamapusok daw na drama sa TV ang TRMD nang mga panahon na yun. Ang kaibahan niya sa ibang drama? Tomboy ang mga bida. Malayo Pa Rin Tayo sa Marriage Equality Gap ang unang Thai GL na pinanood ko, pero hindi ako masyadong tumutok. Pero mas tumutok na ako nang naging legal na sa Thailand ang marriage equality, o ang kapantayan sa kasal para sa LGBTQ+, noong 2025 . Kahit hindi ako Thai, natuwa ako para sa mga ating mga kapitbahay nang maging una sila sa Southeast Asia na magbigay ng ganitong karapatan para sa kanilang mga LGBTQ+ na mamamayan. Iba ang hugot ko pag nakakakita ako ng dalawang babaeng kinakasal sa isa't isa sa Thai GL, lalo na dahil alam kong legal na sa Thailand ang ganitong kasal. Kaso, hindi pa rin ganun ang kwento natin sa Pilipinas. Dito sa video, binanggit ni Miss Trans Global Philippines 2021 Bie Revalde, kung ano na ang estado ng mga karapatan para sa LGBTQ+ sa Pilipinas, at kung gaano pa tayo kalayong mabigyan ng kapantayan sa kasal dahil kahit ang mga panimulang proteksyon nga ay kulang pa rin tayo: Bakit Iba Ang Hugot Natin sa Kwento ni Louisa at Liezel Natrauma tayo kay Liezel at Louisa hindi dahil nakakagulat o bago ang kwento nila, kundi dahil sanay na tayo sa mga ganitong kwento. Marami sa atin ang nakita ang sarili kay Liezel: isang babae na lubos nagmahal ng kapwa babae, ngunit hindi makakita ng kinabukasan. Isang kinabuksan kung saan tanggap sila at hindi kinamumuhian o pinandidirihan. Marami din sa atin na naging si Louisa, na pinakawalan ang pag-ibig kahit gustong ipaglaban dahil wala rin tayong maipangakong kinabuksan. Kung patuloy nating itrato ang pagiging LGBTQ+ bilang isang pansamantalang estado na pwede mong baguhin kung labanan o ipagdasal, magiging imposible talaga na makakita ng kinabuksang kayang ipaglaban ang ganitong pag-ibig, kahit wala namang mali dito. Hindi iniwan ni Liezel si Louisa dahil hindi niya ito mahal. Iniwan niya ang kanyang nobya dahil nakumbinse siya ng lipunan na walang lugar kung saan ligtas silang magmahalan. Ang kwento ni Liezel — kung saan napilitan niyang mamili ng pananampalataya, pamilya, o kaligayan — ay kwentong marami sa atin ang nakakaintindi dahil tayo mismo, o may kilala tayo, na ito rin ang naranasan. Masakit na marinig paulit-ulit na makasalanan magmahal ng kapwa babae, lalo na kung malapit sa atin ang nagsasabi nito. Kadalasan pa, kumbinsido pa sila na sila ang tama dahil sa mga paniniwala nila. Nakakatrauma ang mga ganitong eksena at bitbit natin ang traumang ito kahit gaano pa katagal mula nang nahiwalay tayo sa ating mahal. Tinuturing Pa Rin na Imoral ang Pagmamahal sa Kapwa Lalaki o Babae Ang talagang nakakainis sa tatay ni Liezel ay hindi yung pagiging pastor niya, kundi kung gaano niya pinaalala sa atin ang pag-iisip ng maraming Pinoy: na okay lang gumawa nang masama kung maganda naman ang intensyon mo. Itong paniniwala na pwede kang manakit ng iba sa ngalan ng relihiyon ay ang dahilan kung bakit ganito tayo tatruhin ng ating mga pamilya, komunidad, at mga pulitiko. Patuloy nilang sinasabi na imoral ang ating pagmamahal, na parang bang ang buhay at pag-ibig natin ay kelangan nilang payagan. Kung ikaw ay lumaki sa paniniwala na ang pagdidikta at pagbabanta ng magulang ay pagmamahal, iisipin mo na lang na normal magtiis at magtimpi kahit nasasaktan ka na. Bakit Mahalaga Maipakita Ang Ganitong Mga Kwento, Kahit Masakit Panoorin Masakit man makita ang kinahinatnan ni Louisa at Liezel, mahalaga pa rin ito. Hindi tayo pinakitaan ng WLB ng magandang kwentong masaya o happy ending na hindi naman akma sa totoong nangyayari. Pinakita niya kung ano ba talaga ang kapalit ng magmahal ng kapwa babae sa isang lugar na ayaw kang protektahan. Para sa mga tomboy na gutom na gutom makakita ang mga tulad nila sa ating mga palabas, ang kwento ni Louisa at Liezel ay parang pagtanggap na rin. Masakit siya, oo, pero nakaktuwa pa rin makita ang tulad mo sa mga palabas tulad nito dahil pinapaalala niya na hindi ka na-iisa. Ang Pag-Asang Pinanghahawaka Pa Rin Natin Sa kabila ng lahat, patuloy pa rin tayong umaasa. Umaasa pa rin tayo na mas makita pa ang ating mga sarili sa mga palabas natin. Umaasa pa rin tayo na magkaroon ng mga batas na kikilalanin ang ating pagkatao at pag-ibig. At umaasa pa rin tayong magkaroon ng mga pamilya na pipiliin ang pagmamahal kesa sa paniniwala. Nakita na natin na sumikat ang Thai GL at kung paano naging realidad sa Thailand ang mga kasal na noon ay sa palalabas lang makikita. Nakita na natin kung anong posible kung piliin ng bansa bigyan ng dignidad ang LGBTQ+. Kaso, pinaalala niya rin sa atin kung gaano pa kalayo ang Pilipinas ganitong realidad. Hindi lang binuksan ni Louisa and Liezel’s story ang mga sugat na pilit nating tinatago. Pinaalala niya din kung bakit dapat nating patuloy ipaglaban na magkaroon ng mga ganitong kwento, pantay na pagtrato sa lipunan, at mas magandang kinabuksan para sa LGBTQ+. Dahil hindi natin dapat maramdaman na kelangan natin tiisin at pagdusahan ang magmamahal ng kapwa babae. Mga Kwentong Tomboy na Gawang Pinoy Kung may interesado sa mga palabas at pelikulang tomboy na gawang Pinoy, check niyo si Tomboy Film Club ! Sila na ata ang may pinakakumpletong listahan na alam ko at bilib ako sa ginagawa nila para pasikatin ang mga ganitong kwento, lalo na yung hindi galing mainstream na hindi masyadong nabibigyan ng atensyon kahit maganda rin. Last Na: Mensahe Ko Para sa Lahat ng Mga Pilipinong Tomboy Pinost ko rin ito sa aking X account , pero dahil natabunan na, lagay ko na lang dito para mas madali basahin: An open letter to the Filipino wlw community Kahit masaya ako na may sapphic representation sa What Lies Beneath, may kirot din kasi pinaalala niya kung gaano kahirap mabuhay bilang isang babae na nagmamahal ng kapwa babae sa Pilipinas. Para sa lahat ng nasa ganitong kalagayan, mahigpit na yakap. Mahirap man isipin ngayon, pero wag kang susuko. Alagaan ang sarili, at tandaan na walang mali sa iyo — kahit ano pa ang sabihin ng iba, kahit kapamilya mo pa. Walang mali sa iyo. Paalala din ito sa gobyerno at mga Pilipino na pilit pa rin nagbubulag-bulagan sa mga kababayang miyembro ng LGBTQ+. Kahit hindi niyo kami bigyan ng karapatan, hindi kami mawawala. Kami ang mga anak, kapatid, kaibigan, katrabaho na araw-araw niyong sinasaktan. Sana maintindihan niyo na ang pagbigay sa amin ng kapantayan at karapatan ay hindi kawalan sa inyo. Pero, araw-araw, kami ang tinatanggalan niyo ng dignidad at pag-asa dahil gusto naming magmahal at mahalin. Lahat tayo ay may karapatang magmahal at mahalin. Please, wag niyo itong tanggalin sa amin. At alagaan natin ang isa’t isa dahil pantay tayong lahat. UP NEXT: What the Sapphic Storyline in What Lies Beneath Revealed About the Filipino WLW Experience 🇵🇭

The Thai GL industry has several unique practices, both from the industry side and the fandom's. Here are some interesting things about Thai GL that I noticed as a foreign fan, and may be new to foreign audiences. 21 Things in Thai GL That Confuse or Shock Foreigners Table of Contents: Money Bouquets/Walls Tuktuk Ads, Billboards, And Other Public Ads Food Support Live Selling Fanservice Parasocial Relationships Real-Life Shipping ( Khu Jin ) Ship Names Fandom Names Fan Clubs Fanmeetings Hi Bye, Hi Touch Mascots Blessing/Worship Ceremony ( Buang Suang ) Merit Making Sports Competitions Outings Trend Parties/Social Media Hype Actresses Having a Bacholor's Degree (and Beyond) Side Businesses and Self-Management Actresses Singing Show OSTs Disclaimer Money Bouquets/Walls While not common in other cultures, cash is an acceptable gift in Thailand, particularly among family members, which is how Thai fans typically treat artists. A common sight at fanmeetings, money walls and money bouquets are literally what the name implies — walls of cash, bouquets, and other designs made out of cash. Fans raise these funds to show their love for the artist. Here's an example from one of Freen Sarocha's fan clubs: Another example was when Lingling Kwong received around $283k during a 2024 fan meeting. She has also been gifted gold bars , among other expensive gifts like luxury fashion items. TukTuk Ads, Billboards, and Other Public Ads If you're a K-pop fan, you might have seen this trend because fans sponsoring ads for idols are pretty common, and these ads can also appear abroad, not just in their home country. A uniquely Thai version of this trend is the tuktuk ad, which is an ad placed on a type of public transport in Thailand. Food Support As you may have guessed, the main love language of Thai GL fandoms is gifts. Another example is food support, which is how they help energize the actresses and crew while shooting a series or movie. This is usually food or food trucks sent to the set, and tend to be branded, with the faces and names of the actresses plastered all over the packaging and decorations. Live Selling Live selling — selling products on livestream — is a big trend in Asia, and even our Thai GL faves do it (Namtan even played a live seller on Breakup Service!) They sell everything from cosmetics to cooking paper. Aside from the joy of interacting live and buying something from the actress, brands encourage spending by dangling rewards for top spenders. These can be exclusive merch or opportunities to interact with the artist online or at a special event. Some brands also create campaigns that involve multiple GL actresses, which turns the event into the Olympics of spending. Fanservice Fanservice is such a polarizing topic within the Thai GL community. Some fans love it, and some fans hate it, while others are in the middle and just call for responsible shipping. But who we rarely hear from are the artists who have to engage in fanservice themselves. Here's a video from former BL actor Perth Nakhun discussing how fanservice works in the industry (sorry, don't have a GL version for now but I'm guessing it's similar!) Parasocial Relationships Parasocial relationships are defined in psychology as a strong, one-sided connection or familiarity with a person , whether real or fictional. Fans may project their own feelings onto artists, which causes them to feel a deep connection even if they've never met the artist. Channelled healthily, artists can inspire fans to become better in the hopes of becoming more like the person they idolize, or their romanticized version of that actress or character. These positive feelings and encouragement could also help actresses feel supported and inspired as they navigate their careers. However, when channelled negatively, fans may become possessive, hold unreasonable standards, and invade actresses' privacy. One sad story is Near Inthira's, who starred in Unlock Your Love and Lucky My Love. After her boyfriend passed away, she posted a tribute to him , which caused some fans to harass her because they felt betrayed she was dating a man and that the ship wasn't real. Despite losing someone she loved, Near was the one who apologized to fans — for being in a relationship. Real-Life Shipping ( Khu Jin ) Khu jin , or imagined couple, refers to the real-life shipping of artists rather than characters. Shipping is common in many circles, including K-pop, where it's common to see idols become touchy with each other to fuel fans' fantasies, while never acknowledging it and distancing themselves from homosexuality. Khu jin takes this, but turns it on its head by putting their romantic "relationship" front and center through storylines and fanservice in series, other types of content, and events. Ship Names Anyone new to Thai GL may be unfamiliar with the naming convention for ship names. Since GL is an offshoot of BL, it follows the same practice of naming ships using the "seme-uke"/top-bottom logic : the top's name goes first, and the bottom comes next. These names could apply to both character names and the actresses' real names as well. Aside from establishing a brand, it's also used to trend the ship on social media. The top often displays traditionally masculine characteristics, such as being more dominant and protective. Physically, they tend to be taller, which come in handy in swoon-worthy scenes like when one woman is against a wall, and the other leans in; or the shorter one falls, and the taller one catches them just in time. LingOrm is one exception to this because Orm is taller than Lingling, yet Lingling is the definitive top in the ship. The top also initiates intimate moments, which is why some people went wild when Bell topped Claire first in ClaireBell. This dynamic is also evident in the styling of promotions for 4Elements: tops wear suits and bottoms wear dresses. Some yuri fans don't really like this , as they feel the seme-uke logic doesn't apply to women the same way it was intended for men. GL actresses have also talked about this: Around the 16-min. mark, JuneMewnich talk about their worries that people won't respond well to their ship because they're both feminine-presenting. ( Mirror Thailand, YouTube ) You also have the KaoJaneJaneKao ship, whose very name refuses to follow the top-bottom logic and instead goes for a vers approach, allowing flexibility and switching in roles. Fandom Names Ship names are easy because they just put the actresses' names together, but it's more complicated for fandom names. These names are often an extension of the actresses' identities and something meaningful for their fans: Having a fandom name allows fans to identify with a community, and to an extent, an identity. For example, Anys, EmiBonnie's fans, have been associated with gaming since EmiBonnie themselves play PUBG with their fans. Fan Clubs While fan clubs aren't unique to Thailand, the way they're organized for Thai artists is probably different from other countries. While this isn't something I'm completely knowledgeable about, from what I've observed, there's always an "official" fan club based in Thailand. A good indicator of this is usually if it has the 'official TH' title and if the actress follows the account. Pundao Official TH: official fanclub of Pundao , which she follows. These fan clubs work closely with the artist's team. For example, for Namtan Tipnaree's public birthday event, her official Thai fan club drew the lucky participants who could join and provided instructions about the seat plan. Among other responsibilities, they also assisted in receiving gifts and providing guidelines on permitted gift items. Fanmeetings Usually, especially in Western media, fans are limited to seeing their favorite actresses onscreen. However, in Thai GL, artists are expected to perform in live events, such as fanmeetings. To describe a fanmeeting to someone new or outside the Thai GL space, I'd say it's a mix of a concert and a talk/game show. Actresses perform songs and dance, and the production value can be likened to an actual concert. The event also features some form of Q&A and/or games. Hi-Bye, Hi-Touch While you see foreign singers reach out to fans at concerts, in Thai GL, it's formalized and something you could pay for, collectively referred to as "fan benefits." Fan Benefits for EmiBonnie's Manila Fanmeeting Hi-bye, usually included in all ticket types, is when fans exit the venue in a line, passing through the actress/es who'll wave at them. Hi-touch, depending on the event, could only be available for the most expensive tickets, with some even offering it only through a raffle, so even an expensive ticket won't guarantee it. During a hi-touch, the fan could high-five the artist. Mascots While Thailand loves their mascots , in the GL space, GMMTV dominates, with three GL CPs getting their own mascots: Muvmuv (MilkLove), Lunar (NamtanFIlm), and Any (EmiBonnie). These mascots don't simply represent the CPs because they feed into the lore and turn them into parents, with the child being their mascot. These mascots, entertainers in their own right, sometimes accompany the actors at events, like movie premieres, and even get invited to shows . Some of the more popular mascots also get their own brand deals. Their "birth" is shown in a video called "MY IDEAL FAN," where the artists draw the mascot and explain why they chose to create and name it that way. Here's EmiBonnie creating Any: Blessing/Worship Ceremony ( Buang Suang ) The blessing ceremony, or buang suang , is another uniquely Thai custom that blends Hindu, Buddhist, and Thai folk beliefs. In this ritual, film and TV crews ask the gods for their blessings to make the production successful. Companies usually post about the blessing ceremony on social media. In some instances, companies even allow fans to watch the ceremony, such as in the case of 4Elements: Merit Making Merit-making is deeply rooted in Thai Buddhist culture , and with more than 93% of Thais identifying as Buddhist, it's common to see Buddhist references in Thai GL. A recent example is Film Rachanun's public birthday celebration. Instead of a typical birthday event, Film opted to make merit with fans (and Namtan) on her birthday. Sports Competitions GL-producing companies like GMMTV, and recently Ch3, organize sports competitions that become hybrid sporting events, concerts, and fanmeetings. GMMTV has been holding its annual Starlympics since 2023, which features their artists competing in different sports and performing in a mini-concert. Of course, there are opportunities for fanservice as well! Ch3's response is the Girls Cup, which also pits the artists in games, but only features female talents. Fans are also treated to benefits, like taking a group photo with the teams. Outings This is specific to GMMTV as I haven't really seen other companies publicly promote their company outing like the blue company does. It's one of the most awaited events for fans because it's one of the rare times when you see artists interact with each other in real life. I know there's a 2025 version of this on GMMTV's channel, but that video barely features the women so here's one from June Wanwimol instead! There are a bunch of GL actresses here, including some who have already left the company: Participants are also required to come in costume for the first night, which creates more buzz as fans eagerly anticipate what their faves are wearing. Trend Parties/Social Media Hype Social media plays a big part in the Thai GL industry, so much so that it has helped out faves land huge brand deals with luxury brands . Hashtags, trend parties, and online conversations on social media sites like X and Reddit help drive the globalization of Thai GL and get the actresses noticed by brands, who could potentially invest in their next project or hire them for brand campaigns. Actresses Having a Bachelor's Degree (and Beyond) Alongside their impressive acting credentials and stunning visuals, it's also typical for Thai GL stars to have at least an undergraduate degree. Again, this may be a cultural difference with other parts of the world where earning a degree isn't as important anymore, but generally, in Asia, kids are expected to get an undergraduate degree. They even hold public graduation events that fans can attend: One of the most impressive examples is ClaireBell's Mable Siriwalee, who is a literal scientist and has a Master's in Cellular and Molecular Science for Biomedical Applications from Suranaree University. She is also credited in five cancer research papers . Side Businesses and Self-Management Aside from having impressive degrees, some of our Thai GL faves also flex their entrepreneurial muscles by becoming CEO of their own companies. I wrote an entire post about this so check it out if you're interested to learn which Thai GL actresses have their own businesses . Actresses Singing Show OSTs Rounding up this list is when actresses sing their own soundtrack. People have mixed opinions about this, especially since not all actresses can sing (and that's okay as long as they can act!), and the song tends to get overplayed sometimes to the point it gets repetitive or annoying, especially during intimate scenes. Ending this blog with one of the most iconic Thai GL soundtracks of 2025, More Than Words (Us the Series) by Emi Thasorn. I feel like every Thai GL fan, regardless of fandom, has this on their Spotify Wrapped this year! It was #1 for me! 🤣🫶🏼 Which of these were new to you when you started getting into Thai GLs? Let me know in the comments! Please don't forget to subscribe to my blog if you like my content! 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. 🫶🏼 UP NEXT: Foreign Language Websites and Social Media to Follow for Thai GL News https://www.rachwrites25.com/post/where-to-get-news-about-thai-gl-series-and-actresses