With the Marriage Equality Bill recently getting royal approval, we can’t help but acknowledge the impact of Thailand’s BL and GL dramas in shifting societal norms.

These on-screen love stories might just have helped to create a society ready for real-world change.

Well, it’s happened. Thailand is about to join Taiwan and Nepal in the same-sex marriage club, with the Marriage Equality Bill set to take effect on 22 January 2025. It’s been signed off by His Majesty the King, making it official in the Royal Gazette, and just like that, Thailand becomes the third country in Asia to offer same-sex couples legal marriage rights. Not exactly something you’d have bet on a decade ago, is it?

After more than 20 years of hard-fought activism, the Senate finally waved it through in June. The bill has ditched the gender-specific lingo – no more “husband” and “wife”, just sensible, neutral terms – and, critically, extends adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples. You know, things that any decent, progressive society should have been doing for years.

The Long, Slow Crawl Towards Progress

Twenty years is a lifetime to fight for something as basic as equality, but that’s exactly what activists in Thailand have been doing. And now, finally, they’ve seen the fruits of their labour. The Marriage Equality Bill is about the law and a society catching up with reality. People like Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the founder of Bangkok Pride, have led this charge with ferocious determination. To celebrate, she’s organising a mass wedding of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples come January, and really, it’s about time.

While the movement for marriage equality had been active long before the dramas gained popularity, notable films and series like Love of Siam and Hormones: The Series laid the groundwork by presenting LGBTQ+ narratives to the mainstream. These early works drew public attention and opened up conversations about the complexities of same-sex love, normalising discussions around sexuality and setting the stage for the burgeoning genre of BL and GL dramas.

A Decade-Long Movement for Equality

The campaign for marriage equality in Thailand has been in motion for over a decade, driven by activists and advocates committed to securing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Although these efforts began well before the rise of same-sex romance dramas, the genre played a crucial role in amplifying the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the public sphere. By portraying romantic relationships between same-sex couples as normal, loving, and aspirational, these shows began to challenge traditional norms and promote acceptance in a way that had not been done before.

What started as a niche genre for a specific audience soon grew into a cultural phenomenon, capturing the attention of mainstream viewers in Thailand and other countries. This exposure helped to shift public attitudes, as viewers of all backgrounds started to engage with and empathise with LGBTQ+ characters. The more these stories were told, the more they resonated with real-world discussions about love, acceptance and equality.

Media: How TV Shifted the Cultural Conversation

Sure, the campaign for marriage equality was already well underway before SOTUS and 2gether graced our screens. But let’s not pretend these dramas didn’t have a hand in moving the needle. They didn’t just help start a conversation—they practically held up a neon sign saying, “It’s time to catch up.”

These shows broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and painted a picture of what love could look like in an inclusive society. By portraying same-sex couples as relatable and emotional, these shows helped the broader public see LGBTQ+ individuals as real people with depth and complexity. Furthermore, these dramas invited audiences to question why same-sex couples in real life should be treated any differently. They also sparked conversations about rights, legal recognition and the importance of equality, slowly laying the groundwork for the acceptance of marriage equality in Thailand.

Dramas That Dared to Break the Mould

1/10 SOTUS: The Series (2016)

Respect, love beyond boundaries and the evolution of relationships.

Directed by: Lit Samajarn

Let’s start with a classic. This drama follows the relationship between two university students, Arthit, a senior, and Kongpob, a freshman. What begins as a mentor-student relationship evolves into a deep bond, overcoming societal expectations.

“SOTUS” was one of the first Thai same-sex romance series to gain mainstream success. It challenged traditional hierarchies and normalised LGBTQ+ relationships, leading to a surge in similar dramas.

2/10 TharnType: The Series (2019)

Sexual identity, acceptance and overcoming prejudice.

Directed by: Bundit Sintanaparadee

Where 2gether was playful, TharnType was raw. Tharn, a gay university student, and Type, a homophobic roommate, start off with conflict but eventually form a romantic relationship. The show explores Type’s internal struggles with his sexuality.

“TharnType” pushed boundaries by exploring deeper emotional and psychological aspects of LGBTQ+ relationships. It raised conversations about internalised homophobia and acceptance.

3/10 2gether: The Series (2020)

Innocence of first love, discovering oneself and overcoming societal pressures.

Directed by: Weerachit Thongjila

It’s not every day you get a rom-com that changes a nation’s perception of love, but 2gether did just that. This light-hearted series tells the story of Tine, a university student, who asks Sarawat, a popular student, to pretend to be his boyfriend to ward off an admirer. However, their fake relationship turns into something real.

During its release, “2gether” became a massive hit both in Thailand and internationally. Its light tone and portrayal of young love resonated with a wide audience, further normalising same-sex relationships.

Photo: Courtesy of Youtube/GMMTV

4/10 I Told Sunset About You (2020)

Coming of age, self-acceptance and the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.

Directed by: Naruebet Kuno

This coming-of-age series follows the complicated relationship between two childhood friends, Teh and Oh-aew, as they navigate their feelings for each other. The show is set against the beautiful backdrop of Phuket and deals with identity, love and growth.

Praised for its cinematography and emotional depth, “I Told Sunset About You” was a breakthrough in portraying the complexity of same-sex relationships. It had a profound effect on viewers and opened up discussions about LGBTQ+ identity.

Photo: Courtesy of Rakuten Viki

5/10 KinnPorsche: The Series (2022)

Love amid adversity, loyalty, the complexities of familial relationships and the struggle for acceptance in a world filled with danger and societal expectations.

Directed by: Kongkiat Komesiri, Krisda Witthayakhajorndet, and Banchorn Vorasataree.

If you thought a BL drama couldn’t fit inside a mafia crime thriller, think again. “KinnPorsche” revolves around Kinn, the heir to a powerful crime family, and Porsche, a young man who becomes his bodyguard. Their relationship evolves from a professional bond to a passionate romance, as they navigate challenges within the criminal underworld and their own personal struggles.

The series gained immense popularity for its gripping storyline, well-developed characters and high production values. It received praise for its representation of a same-sex relationship in a unique context, combining action, romance, and drama. “KinnPorsche” resonated with audiences both domestically and internationally, further pushing the boundaries of LGBTQ+ representation in Thai media.

6/10 Gap: The Series (2022)

Navigating idolisation, romantic love, gender barriers and societal expectations.

Directed by: Nuttapong Wongkaveepairoj

“Gap: The Series” centres around Mon, who has always looked up to Sam after she came to her aid years ago. Upon graduating from university, Mon applies for a job at Sam’s company, only to be met with a cold reaction from Sam. As Mon breaks down Sam’s emotional walls, her admiration transforms into love, illuminating Sam’s world. However, their relationship faces challenges such as gender norms, an eight-year age gap and social class, given Sam’s aristocratic background.

7/10 Show Me Love (2023)

Dreams, friendship and unexpected romance.

Directed by: Thanamin Wongskulphat, Bundit Sintanaparadee

“Show Me Love” stars Engfa Waraha, Charlotte Austin and Ornpreeya Nesa Mahmoodi. The story revolves around Meena, who has a beautiful voice and dreams of becoming a singer. Meanwhile Cherene, frustrated with her previous beauty pageant attempts, gathers the courage to compete again. As they pursue their dreams, friendship blossoms into unexpected love, illustrating the power of support and determination.

8/10 The Secret of Us (2024)

Heartbreak, second chances, love and familial expectations.

Directed by: Saratswadee Wongsomphet

This one’s a bit newer, but it’s no less powerful. “The Secret of Us” follows Fahlada, a dermatologist whose life is turned upside down when her former lover, Earn, unexpectedly reappears after a year apart. Fahlada had spent three years in a loving relationship with Earn, only to have it abruptly ended without explanation. As they reconnect, Earn is determined to prove she can rekindle their romance, but Fahlada grapples with her past heartbreak and the complexities of their renewed relationship. The series explores the challenges of love amid emotional scars and the struggle for acceptance in a world filled with familial pressures.

9/10 23.5 (2024)

Love at first sight, identity and the courage to be oneself.

Directed by: Kanittha Kwanyu

“23.5” features Pansa Vosbein, Pattranite Limpatiyakorn, and Benyapa Jeenprasom. The series follows Ongsa, who experiences love at first sight with the more popular Sun. However, she chooses to approach her under the pseudonym Earth. The question looms: will Ongsa reveal her true identity to Sun? This tender story explores the themes of vulnerability and the fear of rejection in the pursuit of love.

10/10 Blank (2024)

Love, age gaps and societal expectations.

Directed by: Kasama Nitsaiphan

“Blank” showcases the love story of two women with a 16-year age difference, starring Faye Peraya Malisorn and Apasra Lertprasert. Their romance faces hurdles from family pressures and societal norms, challenging the authenticity of their connection. This story explores the challenges of love that go against traditional boundaries, highlighting the fight for acceptance in a world that often restricts relationships.

Photo: Courtesy of 9StarStudiosTH

The Quiet Revolution

What these dramas provided—whether intentionally or not—was far more than just entertainment. They humanised the LGBTQ+ community in a way that society hadn’t seen before. These dramas gave a voice to a community that had long been marginalised. They provided audiences with an opportunity to see that love, in all its forms, is valid and worth celebrating.

These series proved that visibility matters. They weren’t always loud or overtly political, but that’s what made them so powerful. They slipped into the hearts and minds of viewers who might have never otherwise engaged with LGBTQ+ issues. Through storytelling, they softened the edges of what could be a polarising topic, wrapping it in emotion, drama and relatability.

Absolutely. While these dramas have done wonders in shifting public perception, there’s still more that can be done off-screen. The leading stars of these shows, with their massive fan followings, hold incredible influence and we can only hope to see them using their platforms to actively support the activists and organisations driving real change. It’s one thing to tell powerful stories on screen, but imagine the impact if those same stars stood side by side with advocacy groups, lending their voices to the ongoing fight for equality.

We love the stories, but seeing these actors step out of character and engage with the community—whether by supporting LGBTQ+ organisations, speaking at events, or using their star power to raise awareness—would take their influence to another level. Beyond the fiction, their involvement in real-world activism could create an even greater wave of support for equality in Thailand. After all, the fight isn’t over just because the law has changed—society still has work to do. And who better to help lead that charge than the faces of these beloved dramas.

Now, as Thailand prepares to legalise same-sex marriage, it’s impossible to ignore the role that these shows played. They didn’t just reflect a changing society; they helped create one. And as we move towards January 2025, it’s worth remembering that sometimes, real revolutions happen not with a bang, but with a love story.