Why Have the Thai Boy Love Series Suddenly Become So Popular?
By Judy Bokao
My life was changed for the better one random Saturday in 2022 when, out of curiosity, I decided to watch a Thai show that my friend had posted on her WhatsApp app status. The show in question was the popular Kinnporsche series, which followed the son of a mafia boss, Kinn, who falls in love with his bodyguard, Porsche. After this, I quickly asked my friends for more Thai Boy Love series recommendations and after watching Cutiepie, my fate was sealed and into the rabbit hole I went, never coming out. To be fair, I have never tried to leave the new BL fandom that I stumbled on. Why would I?
Thai Boy Love stories (BLs) have grown popular over the years with many viewers across the world streaming the shows. The demand for these shows is at an all-time high after gaining massive popularity during the pandemic. However, the shows originally started to be produced back in early 2013, inspired by Japanese Mangas. Following the success of the first BL show, many studios decided to invest financially in the genre, and now Thailand wields the scepter when it comes to producing boy love stories.
Why Thai BL are Popular
Over the years, the genre has gotten a life of its own as the fandom grows bigger and studios release one hit show after another. The shows not only portray the love stories of men but also tackle the equality issues and LGBTQ+ rights in the country. For example, in CutiePie, the two male leads, Lian and Nuer, openly talk about same-sex marriage and their hope that it will be legalized soon. I suppose their dream came true since Thailand legalized same-sex this year. In the beloved hit show Not Me, young university students show up to protest and demand LGBTQ+ rights. Fans love the way most Thai BLs plots are centered because they create the perfect fantasy. It all feels like a perfect fairytale where two destined people meet, fall in love, go through trials and tribulations and then have a blissful, happy ending. It is the perfect escape from reality.
Apart from the intriguing storylines, Thai BLs have some of the finest men in the world on their shows. Viewers can’t help but ship the good-looking men together and wish for a happy ending in their story. Sometimes, the feelings spill from onscreen to offscreen, and this makes the fans happier. With months of training through workshops, these actors are able to get close and create the perfect chemistry that has viewers sold on their love. Point in case is the popular ship, ZeeNunew. These two have us swooning just by looking at each other and the more they talk about their bond on and offscreen, the more fans get excited.
Lastly, the Thai Boy Love series have a dedicated fandom that will stop at nothing to support the actors and their shows. The support from fans also allows these actors to have more opportunities and gain global stardom. For example, Bible Wichapas Sumettikul won the hearts of fans in his debut role of Vegas in KinnPorsche. He is currently one of the biggest names in Thailand and an ambassador to numerous local and international brands.
The potential for Thai BLs remains high as new shows are released every year and new actors jump into the scene. The fandom is also growing as many people switch from American shows, looking for something different. The healthy competition between different platforms to outdo each other also makes for some great inspiration for writers to come up with unique stories that keep the viewers captivated. Honestly, BL shows are one of my safe havens and little joys in life. If you are looking for something new to watch, try a Thai BL show. You might join the fandom as well!
About the Author
Judy Bokao is 20 years old and was born in Ethiopia but relocated to Nairobi two years ago. She is passionate about everyone having equal rights and is also big on conservation and speaking up for our planet. Judy loves reading and photography and is just a free-spirited young lady trying to grow into a woman her mom can be proud of.
