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. 🫶🏼

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)

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 🇵🇭

You probably hear the word 'EMV' thrown a lot by Thai GL production and management companies, but what is it exactly, and why does it matter in GL? Table of Contents: What is Earned Media Value (EMV)? How is EMV Computed? How can EMV Influence a Thai GL Actress's Career? Why Does EMV Matter for GL Actresses and Brands? EMV List of Thai GL Actresses What EMV Means for Thai GL Fans Who Should be Responsible for EMV? Media Value, as Explained by GMMTV CEO What is Earned Media Value (EMV)? EMV is a metric brands use to measure organic (not paid) social media efforts (eg. Instagram posts vs Instagram ads). Earned media, aka 'digital word of mouth', comes from engagement actions like likes, shares, and mentions. How is EMV Computed? I'll use influencer marketing consultant Lefty's formula* since their services have been used by luxury fashion houses that partnered with Thai GL actresses. Formula to Compute EMV: (Impressions * CPM) / 1000 Sample Computation for EMV (sample CPM is $100): EMV = (1000 * $100) / 1000 EMV = $100 *Source: Karla Otto, lefty, The Independents. SS25 Womenwear Roundup. Impressions: how many times a piece of content was shown to a user CPM: 'Cost Per Mille' is the amount an advertiser is willing to pay for 1000 impressions How can EMV Influence a Thai GL Actress's Career? It's pretty common to see Thai GL actresses be involved with a brand in some capacity, whether through a sponsored social media post, participating in an ad campaign, or attending an event. The latest news that caught my attention was about LingOrm being named as global brand ambassadors for Dior . A big factor behind this decision is likely LingOrm's impressive EMV at Women's Paris Fashion Week SS26. Dior took the top spot in EMV among brands, at $90.57M, and half came from LingOrm's combined EMV (almost $45M!) Top Thai Influencers at Women’s Fashion Week SS26, Lefty Here's another take on how monumental Dior's announcement is from one of my favorite YouTube Thai GL creators, HerRhythm : Why Does EMV Matter for GL Actresses and Brands? In a nutshell, GL actresses and brands need each other — and EMV matters to brands. Actresses, management, and production companies need brand sponsors. The entertainment sector relies on brands to invest in the production of shows, events, and other projects. Artists can earn an income and gain fame through brand deals. EMV could mean the difference between a GL actress being booked for certain jobs or not. Brands need influencers to help meet their marketing goals. Brands that partner with actresses can tap into their audience, reaching potential supporters and customers beyond their customer base. This is the environment the Thai GL industry is in — they need brands to sustain their careers and projects , and brands count on them to achieve their marketing goals. And when brands are deciding who to work with, a lot of the decision will boil down to numbers — so EMV can become a key factor in choosing an actress. While I'm not privy to how much brands consider EMV when deciding, it would make sense to consider EMV, as you want to ensure your investment in that actress reaches a wide audience, and potentially, more customers. And, according to Lefty, fandom can generate up to "+90% of EMV" , citing "K-pop, K-drama, and Thai stars" as the celebrity genres that generate high EMV, known for their "loyal following and hyper-engaged online fandoms." Source: Otto, K., lefty, The Independents. SS25 Womenwear Roundup. EMV List of Thai GL Actresses While not everyone releases EMV data, Lefty released stats from Women's Paris Fashion Week SS26, and here's the data for the Thai GL actresses on their list. Orm Kornnaphat - $23.48M Lingling Kwong - $21.46M Milk Pansa - $5.09M Freen Sarocha - $3.61M Faye Peraya - $2.79M Becky Armstrong - $2.49M *Davika Hoorne - $1.08M Yoko Apasra - $958.55k *While Davika technically isn't a GL actress, she co-created ClaireBell , and has hinted before that she's open to acting in one . What EMV Means for Thai GL Fans I've seen mixed reactions about EMV in Thai GL conversations on social media. Some fans are delighted when their fave gets good numbers, while some are understandably worried if the opposite happens. Some are also confused about what EMV is and why it matters in Thai GL, so I hope this post has given you clarity. I also acknowledge that some fans feel pressured to participate in trending parties and other events to help increase an actress's EMV, and feel bad when they can't. The reality is, EMV, as well as other metrics, are essential in the decisions made by any company, whether it's a brand or a management company. It really sucks for both fans and artists alike when their dedication and effort boil down to numbers. It's a difficult system to navigate, especially since it involves money. Money always makes decisions more difficult, and for the people who need to spend it, management will require justification — why and how you intend to spend it. In many cases, metrics like EMV are the easiest way for business leaders to understand and increase their chances of green-lighting a campaign or project. Who Should be Responsible for EMV? To GL fans out there, I hope you be kind to yourself if you can't join trending parties or feel burdened that the artist's EMV is just on you. The reality is, life gets in the way sometimes, and we can't all be glued to our phones 24/7. First and foremost, take care of yourself. However, once you're able to, engaging with an actress's post (liking, sharing, commenting) , especially for big campaigns, can help boost their EMV and increase the chances they'll continue to grace our screens. But I also don't want to invalidate the hard work of fan sites and fans who help actresses trend and increase their EMV . Thank you for your hard work! Actresses and their agencies also have a responsibility, so the burden shouldn't just be on fans. Strategic and consistent promotions, building community with fans, and some creative marketing (ie. organizing promotions or contests to encourage engagement) may also help encourage participation and increase an artist's EMV, giving actresses a fighting chance in this numbers game. To conclude, I'm adding a video of GMMTV CEO Tha Sataporn discussing the T-wave, artist media value, and how it helps them secure brand deals and collaborations. I hope this post has helped you understand what EMV is and why it's such a hot topic in the Thai GL industry. 🫶🏼 How do you feel about EMV and its huge impact on the types of jobs that Thai GL actresses can get? Do you also feel pressured sometimes to trend your faves as if your life depended on it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! UP NEXT: What We Can Learn From Thai GL's Approach to Global Sapphic Storytelling

One thing that really irks me when I'm watching a Thai GL is when they overtly promote a product, especially if it appears forced. However, lately, I've seen some Thai GLs using their platform to promote causes as well. Here are my favorite scenes from Thai GL series that promoted good causes and delved into social issues. Thai GL Series That Move Beyond Commercial and Into Cause Table of Contents Roller Coaster the Series - WLW STI protection Love Design - HPV Vaccine Pluto - Universal Design Pluto - People Living With Disabilities Can Care for Others Whale Store xoxo - "Walmart Effect" ClaireBell - Prison Negligence Roller Coaster the Series (Motion Minds Entertainment) - Dental Dam The scene: Loft ( Shelly Phetsai ) is about to go down on Pure ( Pundao Panyabaramee ), and before doing the deed, she pulls out a dental dam. Roller Coaster the Series ep. 4 [2/4], Motion Minds Entertainment (YouTube) Safe sex practices for wlw, such as the use of barriers like dental dams, are something we rarely see openly shown in the media. Personally, I've never seen dental dams shown in the media, so it was really refreshing to see them represented in Roller Coaster . If you also consider that the majority of the audience is probably women, this scene makes it even more meaningful Love Design (Velcurve Studio and WeTV) - HPV Vaccine The scene: Rin ( Jane Methika ) asks Aokbab ( Kao Suppassra ) to go with her to get the HPV vaccine since she's scared of needles. Love Design ep. 5c, WeTV Cervical cancer is more than 99% preventable , and getting the HPV vaccine is a good way to help prevent it. Like Roller Coaster, because Love Design's audience is probably predominantly women, highlighting a preventive measure to a real risk that women face makes the scene even more meaningful — and could literally save lives in the long run. Pluto (GMMTV) - Universal Design The scene: May ( Film Rachanun ), a blind lawyer advocating for Universal Design, explains the concept to Ai ( Namtan Tipnaree ). Pluto ep. 2 [3/4], GMMTV (YouTube) Aside from educating audiences about Universal Design , which is the concept of designing a space to be accessible to everyone, regardless of "age, size, ability, or disability," Pluto inspired real action beyond the screen. In the scene from Pluto , May almost bumps into a low-hanging road sign. Upon seeing this, a government agency took action and replaced the sign, making it safer for people living with disabilities. Screenshot from SD PERSPECTIVES (YouTube) 4. Pluto (GMMTV) - People Living With Disabilities Can Care for Others The scene: Two scenes come to mind here — when May ( Film Rachanun ) took charge of treating Ai's wound and when she cooked for Ai ( Namtan Tipnaree ). Pluto ep. 1 [2/4], GMMTV (YouTube) The show's portrayal of May was one of the things that made me fall in love with Pluto. Despite being blind, the series never portrayed her as weak or pitiful, instead showing how her character reclaimed her identity as a strong, badass lawyer after she lost her sight. It also showed how Ai, who didn't have a disability, leaned on May for emotional support, showing how people living with disabilities can still take care of others. In one cool scene , May even cooked for Ai, guided by stickers placed on the sides of the stove. Pluto showed how, with the right accommodations, people living with disabilities can thrive. 5. Whale Store xoxo (GMMTV) - "Walmart Effect" The scene: Rather than a single scene, I want to highlight one of the show's major conflicts — convenience store chain Mouse Mart is about to open in Wan's ( Milk Pansa ) neighborhood, threatening her small grocery store. Whale Store xoxo ep. 7 [3/4], GMMTV (YouTube) Aside from delivering a cute romance, Whale Store xoxo was also a social commentary highlighting the "Walmart effect," which describes the broader — often negative — impact of a big business (ie. Walmart, or in this case, Mouse Mart) opening in a community, especially to local businesses. When big corporations like Mouse Mart enter a market, it could push out local businesses that can't compete financially. It could also create a wedge in the community, evidenced by the shift in trust, loyalty, and relationships in the neighborhood when Mouse Mart opened. As a side note, as a marketer, I also love how the show provided a primer on marketing basics through Maewnam ( Love Pattranite ), a marketing professor who was helping Wan. 6. ClaireBell (Mine Media) - Prison System Negligence The scene: Claire ( Mable Siriwalee ) discovers the body of her cellmate Pa Porn, ( Usha Seamkhum ), who died from a drug overdose caused by her dementia ClaireBell, ep. 3 [4/4] Mine Media (YouTube) Primarily set in prison, ClaireBell had an opportunity to make a statement about how the prison system can fail to protect its inmates. They showed this through Pa Porn, who died from a drug overdose after her dementia caused her to repeatedly take her medicine because she kept forgetting she'd taken it already. Despite previously being informed of Porn's condition, the warden, Wichai (Vittaya Wasukraipaisan), did nothing, which cost her life. At the end of the day, despite being criminals, inmates are still human beings, so they're entitled to basic care and rights. This storyline illustrates how prison negligence can, unfortunately, result in tragic consequences. Updated: December 7, 2025 What are your favorite scenes from Thai GLs? Let me know in the comments below! UP NEXT: 36 Thai GL Series for 2026

Looking for gift ideas for the special Thai GL fan in your life? Here are items that will surely bring a smile to their face. What to Get the Thai GL Fan in Your Life Table of Contents: Subscription to Streaming Services Brands Created by Thai GL Actresses Thai GL Merch Translated Thai GL Novels Brands Loved/Endorsed by Actresses Subscription to Streaming Services While the Thai GL boom has brought us more series than ever, we've also been hit with paywalls, especially for series produced by streaming services. Here are some streaming services you can consider gifting. WeTV WeTV's library includes Denied Love (EnjoyJune), Love Design (KaoJaneJaneKao), and Queendom (PamArhoung). Here's how they compare on the WeTV Free vs WeTV VIP plan : Show WeTV Free WeTV VIP Denied Love Ep. 1-2 free on the cut version No access to uncut versions Access to all episodes, cut and uncut Love Design Ep. 1 free on the cut and uncut version No access to special eps. (9-10) and uncut versions Access to ep. 1-9, cut and uncut Ep. 10 can be accessed by purchasing Fast Track Queendom Ep. 1-2 free No access to Queendom Final EP Live Rerun Access to ep. 1-12 Can rent Queendom Final EP Live Rerun IQIYI IQIYI counts Player (IceMemi), Harmony Secret (LMSY), Petrichor (EngLot), and 23.5 (MilkLove) among the Thai GL series in its catalog. Here's how they compare on the IQIYI free vs IQYI VIP accounts : Show IQIYI Free IQIYI VIP 23.5 Ep. 1 free Ep. 1-12 free Harmony Secret Ep. 1 free No access to special clips Ep. 1-8 free No access to special clips Petrichor Ep. 1 free on both Thai and Vietnamese versions No access to special clips Ep. 1-10 free on both Thai and Vietnamese versions Access to special clips Player Ep. 1 free No access to special clips Ep. 1-11 free No access to special clips GagaooLala GagaOOLala is a streaming platform exclusively for LGBTQ+ content, featuring a catalog that includes both Thai and international GL series from Brazil, South Korea, France, Japan, and beyond. Their Thai GL series catalog includes Apple My Love (OrmFolk), Unlock Your Love (BMineNear), and Love Senior (AndaLookkaew), as well as the classic Thai GL movie Yes or No and its sequel, Yes or No 2, and spin-off Yes or No 2.5 (all accessible only with a VIP membership). Here's how they compare on the GagaOOLala free vs GagaOOLala VIP memberships : Show GagaOOLala Free GagaOOLala VIP Apple My Love Access to ep. 0 (documentary) and ep. 1 Access to ep. 0-6 Love Senior Access to ep. 1 Access to ep. 1-10 Unlock Your Love Access to ep. 1 Access to ep. 1-8 YouTube Premium Thai GL series on YouTube, such as Idol Factory GLs like Gap (FreenBecky), The Loyal Pin (FreenBecky), and Somewhere Somehow (FayMay), can all be accessed for free on YouTube. But the ads that keep popping up during an episode can get annoying, especially in crucial moments of the show. YouTube Premium can offer ad-free viewing and also gives access to YouTube Music, so that special Thai GL fan in your life can listen to their favorite GL OSTs on the go. OneD OneD is a Thai streaming platform owned by ONE31, which is under GMM Grammy. It's no surprise that most GMMTV GLs — including 23.5 (MilkLove), Pluto (NamtanFilm), and Us (EmiBonnie) — are on OneD. Aside from the GMMTV GLs, you can also find Unlock Your Love and ClaireBell on the app. For ClaireBell specifically, you can only watch the uncut versions, which have additional scenes not included in the cut version, on OneD. While those shows can be accessed for free, OneD Premium offers ad-free viewing, better video quality (full HD), and up to two simultaneous device viewings. Ch3Plus Ch3Plus has a monopoly over the Ch3 GLs, so it's the only legal platform to watch all full episodes. They only put three episodes at most on YouTube, so you'll eventually have to move to the app if you want to see what happens next in your LingOrm or LenaMiu series. Here's how The Secret of Us (LingOrm), Only You (LingOrm), and My Safe Zone (LenaMiu) episodes compare on YouTube vs Ch3 Plus : Show YouTube Ch3 Plus The Secret of Us Ep. 1-3 free Ep. 1-8 free even on free plan (ad-free on Premium) Only You Ep. 1-3 free Ep. 1-3 free even on free plan (with ads), but ep. 4-14 can only be accessed on Premium My Safe Zone Ep. 1-3 free Ep. 1-5 free even on free plan (with ads), but ep. 6-8 can only be accessed on Premium Netflix Netflix's GL catalog may vary per region, so please check what's available in your area, but one GL that you might only be able to access on Netflix is Reverse 4 You (ChristineMae)! Brands Created by Thai GL Actresses I previously wrote about brands owned by Thai GL actresses , so check out that post if you're interested! Here are some of the brands that have recently released, or will release, products, perfect for gifting! Always Wonder (Lingling Kwong) - 'Everyday Sanctuary' homeware collection While Always Wonde r started as a clothing brand, they're starting to expand into more of a lifestyle brand with its dedicated homeware collection, 'Everyday Sanctuary.' Mark your calendars 'cause it's set to release on December 18 at 12 PM (Thailand time/GMT+7), and because of LingOrm's star power , this may also sell out quickly. Check out all of the items in the Everyday Sanctuary collection in the last slide: Keep Silent (Orm Kornnaphat) - 'Keep Snowman Away' collection Orm's clothing brand, Keep Silent , released its winter collection, 'Keep Snowman Away' last week, and some items are already sold out. Featuring socks, shirts, and hoodie/shorts sets with a snowman theme, these items will be the perfect holiday gift for Orm fans! Ninety Two (Freen Sarocha) - New collection dropping soon Freen's brand, Ninety Two , is the perfect gift for Freen and Thai GL fans who love basics. They've recently been teasing a new collection via social media, but the release date and name of the collection is still a mystery. Teasers show hoodies with '1998' printed on them, which may be a reference to Freen's birth year. Cielor (Becky Armstrong) - 'Merry Christmas' collection dropping soon Becky's Angels are probably among the luckiest fans recently because Becky's clothing brand, Cielor , keeps releasing one collection after another. Recently, they released a collaboration with Harper's Bazaar around the same time they released the New B Era collection. With Cielor teasing a Christmas collection, it won't be long before we see new products from CEO Becky! Now's also the perfect time to snatch up deals because some of Cielor's items from older collections are on sale and you can get two items for the price of one . Thai GL Merch If the Thai GL lover in your life loves GL merch, here are some gift ideas for them! ClaireBell Doll Keychain These cute doll keychains depict Claire and Bell (BleJie) and can be purchased separately or together. It also includes exclusive solo and duo photocards of Mable and Pangjie. Pre-order starts on December 15. Lingling Kwong Photobook Ch3 will release a Lingling photobook (including photocards) soon, with the pre-order period from December 24 to January 4. GMMTV Shop Merch GMMTV GL fans can order official merch through the GMMTV Shop website. Most of them are sold out, but here are some that are still available for Whale Store xoxo and Pluto as of writing: Whale Store xoxo Merch As of writing, several Whale Store xoxo (MilkLove) merch is still available on the website, including the Memorial Boxset , Whistle Hair Tie , Maewnam Shopping Bag , and Maewnam Windbreaker . Pluto Merch As of writing, only the Pluto Tumbler is left in the Pluto (NamtanFilm) merch collection on the GMMTV Shop. Girl Rules Ebook (Thai only) Girl Rules is GMMTV's highly anticipated 2026 series that will feature at least three couples: MilkLove, NamtanFilm, and ViewMim. The ebook is available on GMMTV Shop , but do note that it's only in Thai for now. Translated Thai GL Novels (English) If that special someone loves reading the source novel for series or just Thai GL novels in general, here's where you can find the perfect gift for them. Novel Print Novel Ebook ClaireBell by KA9ESAMA (BleJie) ClaireBell on Lily House ClaireBell on Meb Enemies With Benefits by Snow Leopard (JanJingjing) EWB on Lily House EWB (Special version) on Lilly House EWB on Meb Bake Love Feelings (ViewMim) by Snow Leopard Bake Love Feelings on Lily House Bake Love Feelings on Meb Ditto (MilkLove) by zezeho Ditto on Lily House Ditto on Meb Love Design (KaoJaneJaneKao) by THEK34 Love Design on Lily House Love Design on Meb Like a Palette (PrigkhingFah) by zezeho Like a Palette on Lily House Like a Palette on Meb The Loyal Pin (FreenBecky) by Monmaw The Loyal Pin on Lily House The Loyal Pin on Meb 4Elements: The Water (EngLot) by salmon The Water on Lily House The Water on Meb Brands Loved/Endorsed by Thai GL actresses With strong, devoted fandoms behind them, it's no wonder brands tap Thai GL stars to endorse their brands. Here are some brands they've endorsed and used, and where to get them online. These would be perfect for anyone who wants to dress like their fave Thai GL actress. Gentlewoman Gentlewoman is a Thai fashion brand that has been worn by several GL actresses, including BleJie, Mae Methakarn, Yam Matira, and Jane Methika. Shoppable Gentlewoman Items Worn by Mae Methakarn: 👚 - Harvest Stripe Top 👖 - Best Buddy Denim Trousers 👛 - The Companion Pet Carrier 👜 - Pistachio Dawn East-West Bag Shoppable Gentlewoman Items Worn by BleJie: 👚 👖(Pangjie) - Shhh...Bear Tank Top , The Gloaming Skirt 👚 👖(Mable) - Shhh... Bear Top , Sepia Groove Trousers Shoppable Gentlwoman Item Worn by Yam Matira: 🧥 - Olive Tonal Stitch Knit Cardigan Shoppable Gentlwoman Item Worn by Jane Methika: 👚 - Off Shoulder Polka Dot Top 👖 - Blue Foundry Denim Pleated Skirt (item in link isn't the same color, but looks similar) 👜 - Leather Soiree Hauler Bag (item in link isn't the same color, but identical) maison KEEPS maison KEEPS is a Thai lifestyle brand that has been spotted on several Thal GL actresses, including Milk Pansa and Pam Tarradee. Shoppable maison KEEPS items worn by Milk Pansa: 👚 - Olive-Ivory The Ringer Dual Logo 🧥 - Dark Brown Santal Jacket 👖 - Beige-Ivory Plaid Annie Midi Skirt 👜 - Maison Bag | Also spotted on Namtan Tipnaree and Becky Armstrong, but it's not appearing on my end, so I'm guessing it might be limited only to Thailand or certain regions, or it's sold out. Shoppable maison KEEPS item on Pam Tarradee: 👚 - White Navy Blue Taylor Tailored Shirt If you see anything you like on this list, feel free to share with your family and friends! 😉 UP NEXT: Thai GL Actresses Who Own Businesses

You know the feeling: you open a link or post to find out what’s happening to your Thai GL fave, then bam — it’s in Thai — and you have to wait until a Thai fan (or Grok) translates it to understand what's happening. Hitting "show translation" isn't always a great idea, either, because it's so unreliable... and could also lead to mistranslations like this: Thankfully, some creators are doing the heavy lifting and providing us with Thai GL news in English and other languages. I've compiled a list here, including bloggers and social media creators, and the links to their accounts. Table of Contents:  Girls Love Info  (English) Thai GL Update (English) L'Essentiel Des Girls Love (French) Thai GL Archives (English) Lez Front (English) GirlsLoveHub (Portuguese) Lesbocine (Portuguese) GL Series Italia (Italian) Only GL News (English) Girls Love Türkiye (Turkish) Girls Love Haber (Turkish) Where to Get News About Thai GL Series and Actresses  Note: I tried to feature resources dedicated to Thai GLs as a whole on this list, and not those that focus on specific CPs only. Might do it in another post, so let me know if it's something you might be interested in, and I'll work on it! Girls Love Info (English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish) Girls Love Info is one of the best GL news sources covering everything from series, books, and interviews with actresses, such as their latest interview with the Queendom cast . What I Love About Girls Love Info: Talent Wiki - dedicated pages for GL celebrities Calendar - The calendar page shows the birthdays of GL actresses. Perfect if you're planning a trip to Thailand to attend a birthday event. Thai GL Update (English) Thai GL Update serves Thai GL news in carousels, so it's perfect if you're in a hurry or just scrolling through Instagram. What I Love About Thai GL Update: Aesthetic feed - Pretty in pink, Thai GL update also delivers on bringing bite-sized content that's easy to understand. Very active account - You can be assured that you get the latest available Thai GL news because Thai GL Update consistently posts. L'Essentiel des Girls Love (French) Bonjour to all French-speaking Thai GL fans – L'Essentiel des Girls Love is for you! They're also running a festive giveaway for the season, which is so cute and got me wishing I spoke French so I could join! What I love About L'Essentiel des Girls Love: Dedicated French Thai GL resource - While I'm not French, I love the idea of having a resource for Thai GL in your own language. 'Cause sometimes, you just need that word from your language to express how gorgeous your Thai GL fave is. Actress interviews - They interviewed EngLot when they were in Paris and shared the full video on their YouTube channel . Thai GL Archives (English) Like Thai GL Update, Thai GL Archives delivers updates and news through carousels, with headline-style text on the images and in the caption. What I Love About thai gl archives: Aesthetic feed - Love the elegant dark feed Episode announcements - This account updates viewers every time a new Thai GL episode has been released. They also used to create a weekly schedule post, which can help us keep track of what episodes we can look forward to daily. Lez Front (English) Lez Front is a reel-heavy account, perfect for anyone who wants to get lost in memorable clips from their fave GLs. What I Love About Lez Front: More video content than other accounts Easy-to-follow synopsis: Lez Front adds a synopsis to their posts, so it's easy to understand what the clip is about. I think this might also be helpful for members of the deaf community since it can allow them to understand the context of the video. GirlsLove Hub (Portuguese) Olá to our Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking Thai GL fans! If you're on the hunt for interviews with your faves, GirlsLove Hub might have it. They've interviewed several GL stars, including NamtanFilm, Mae Methakarn, EmiBonnie , and LMSY! What I Love About GirlsLove Hub: Exclusive interviews - GirlsLove Hub has interviewed both GL authors, like Salmon ( 4Elements , Queendom), and actresses. Reviews - You don't often see GL series reviews (except for the short reviews on X), so it's refreshing to see them here. Lesbocine (Portuguese) Another olá to our lucky Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking Thai GL fans who have a second Portuguese site dedicated to GL, Lesbocine . What I Love About Lesbocine: Multi-channel approach - Lesbocine has several platforms so you can consume their content however you like it best — YouTube, blog, social media, and even their own Spotify podcast Wide range of WLW topics - Aside from sapphic entertainment, Lesbocine covers a wide range of topics for the Brazilian sapphic community, such as events. GL Series Italia (Italian) Ciao! The next on my list is GL Series Italia , a GL resource in Italian. What I Love About GL Series Italia: Bilingual captions - GL Series Italia offers both Italian and English captions, allowing English-speaking fans to follow along. Casting for the first Italian GL - This isn't related to Thai GL, but I saw their post and wanted to celebrate it! More GLs means more visibility, so everyone wins in the end! Only GL News (English) Adding Only GL News to the list based on someone's recommendation in the comments! What I Love About Only GL News: Very clean feed - Since they use a black and white template (basic, but not boring), their grid looks so neat! Timely Updates and Concise Headlines - Only GL News can be relied upon to deliver the latest news, and the headlines are concise, yet well-written, so you'll get the gist of the story right away (I need to take notes from them 'cause I like writing looong things nobody really reads lol.) Girls Love Türkiye (Turkish) I came across Girls Love Türkiye since they liked my tweet (thanks for the like btw!) and merhaba  to Girls Love Türkiye and Turkish GL fans! What I Love About Girls Love Türkiye: Dedicated Turkish resource - I'm so happy to see that the GL fandom is also growing in Turkey! Even though I can't understand the captions/tweets, I find it so cool to see Thai GL news in Turkish. I hope your local Turkish fan base continues to grow! Bulleted List of Headlines - I love Girls Love Türkiye's newsletter posts ! It's such a great way to catch up on everything that has happened in the GL world for the week, especially if you've been out of the loop for a while. 11. Girls Love Haber (Turkish) Adding one more Turkish fansite to follow for Thai GL news is Girls Love Haber , which I believe translates to Girls Love News! What I Love About Girls Love Haber: GL Calendar - I absolutely love the idea of Girls Love Haber's GL Calendar , and I've actually been looking for one since I can't remember which GL episodes drop on what day! Diverse content - Like all of the accounts on this list, Girls Love Haber reports on different couples, so if you're a multi-stan having difficulty balancing all your faves (guilty of this!), this account can be helpful for you. It's great to see that there are Thai GL fans everywhere, including Asia, Europe, and South America. We may be in different places and speak different languages, but we're all part of a global community that loves Thai GL series. 👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏻 Which is your favorite source of Thai GL news? Please let me know in the comments if I missed anything, because I can easily update the blog to add new sources. Last Updated: December 7, 2025 UP NEXT: Things in Thai GL That May Be New to Foreign Audiences