While many Pinoy viewers are going head over heels over K-Dramas, other regional entertainments are starting to catch our attention. One of these is the drama shows coming from our neighbors in Thailand, known as lakorn. And if you are raring to check out this new genre, here are some of the great Thai drama shows that you would want to marathon over the weekend.
Thai drama no. 1: 2gether: The Series
One of the more popular genres that have emerged in Thailand in the last few years is the boys’ love genre. As the name says, the genre focuses on the romance between two male characters. However, this is different from the usual gay romance series in that they are geared more towards female viewers. These also rely more on subtext to relay the romance.
2gether: The Series, which aired from February to May 2020, is the latest entry in the genre. The series follows first-year college student and popular soccer player Tine (Metawin Opas-iwankajorn) as he tries to shake off a persistent gay admirer. To resolve the issue once and for all, he enlists the help of reserved guitarist Sarawat (Vachiravit Chiva-aree) to act as his fake boyfriend. As they enact their plan, Tine and Sarawat soon find themselves falling for each other for real.
The two lead characters are the biggest draw of the series. Win and Vachirawit portray them with such charisma that it will really draw viewers. The show is also unapologetic in its depiction of LGBT romances. Here, you will see the two characters doing things that every other romantic couple does, like kissing. It’s something that you won’t see often in local LGBT-themed shows.
Another thing that you will love about the show is the lighthearted comedy. You will find yourself laughing as Tine and Sarawat pull off their plans. Their interactions with Tine’s admirer is also comedy gold. Meanwhile, the kilig scenes will make BL fans swoon more.
Thai drama no. 2: The Crown Princess
If you are more into action and suspense, The Crown Princess is one of the Thai dramas that you would want to watch. The series follows Crown Princess Alice Adelaine Thereza Philippe (Urassaya Sperbund) of the fictional country of Hrysos. Due to a threat to her life after her coronation, Princess Alice flees and hides in Thailand.
Upon her arrival in the country, Lieutenant Commander Dawin Samuthyakorn (Nadechi Kugimiya) of the Thai Navy is assigned to as her bodyguard. Soon, the two find themselves trying to dodge the various plots against the Princess’ life. And while they are at it, the two also find themselves falling for each other.
True to its premise, The Crown Princess has a hefty serving of suspense. You will be guessing until the end who is actually behind the plot to kill Alice. There are even plenty of side stories involving the supporting characters that will catch your interest. The show also has a good amount of action in it.
Princess Alice and Lt. Cmdr. Dawin are also a nice break from the usual lead characters of these stories. The former is not your typical damsel in distress, as she is capable of handling her own in fights. This makes for an interesting dynamic between her and Dawin. The Thai drama is fairly short at just 12 episodes, so you can binge-watch it over the weekend.
Thai drama no. 3: The Gifted
The Gifted is a 2018 Thai drama that is going to be to the liking of anyone who’s into sci-fi and superhero shows. It follows struggling 10th grader Pang Semrittirong (Korapat Kirdpan) as he tries to rise on his school’s rankings from the lowest class. Fate takes a different turn for him as he soon finds himself being moved up to the school’s elite Gifted Program.
Pang soon finds out that the Gifted Program isn’t about being the most intelligent. Instead, it turns out to be a program to train special students with supernatural powers. Pang also soon discovers that he can control the minds of others. He must then uncover the mystery behind the Gifted Program and why he was sent there.
The show has a good amount of suspense in it as Pang and his crew gradually uncover the hidden secrets of the program and the school. It also has an interesting commentary about the Thai educational system and its emphasis on getting high grades. But it’s not all serious plot, as the series has plenty of lighthearted moments that add to its allure.
Thai dramas no. 4: Love Destiny
For those into historical drama, Love Destiny is a Thai drama worth checking out. The 2018 historical fantasy epic follows archaeologist Ketsurang (Ranee Campen), who has a strong fascination for 17th-century artifacts. When she figures in a car accident, Ketsurang awakens in that time period and in the body of a woman named Karaket.
As it turns out, Karaket is the daughter of the then ruler of the Phitsanulok region. However, the woman is hated by many people after murdering one of her rivals. Ketsurang must then use her modern knowledge of history and her natural kindness to make amends on behalf of Karaket.
One thing that will delight viewers is the astonishing level of detail that the production took to capture the look and feel of 17th century Thailand under the rule of King Narai the Great. Plenty of historical figures show up as characters in the story, like Kosa Pan, one of the early Siamese diplomats to France. It also touches upon actual events like the Siamese revolution of 1688.
Making the historical lesson a lot more fun is Ketsurang’s goofy antics as she tries to blend in despite her modern sensibilities. She also has to deal with Karaket’s fiance,.who is bewildered by her sudden transformation. Their hilarious encounters add to the series’ fun factor a lot.
Get your lakorn fix with these fun shows
As you can see from the above shows, Thai drama offers a lot of different stories that will suit anyone’s tastes. And there are more shows from our neighbors that are waiting to be discovered. Add them to your TV watch list and have a great watch in your spare time.