Thai BL dramas (Boys’ Love) have become a global sensation, offering a unique mix of romance, passion, and emotional depth. If you are new to the genre and looking for a starting point, we’ve got you covered. This beginner’s guide introduces you to seven steamy Thai BL dramas that will ignite your interest. From the iconic TharnType, to the passionate love story set against the backdrop of the mafia in KinnPorsche (though not available on OTT in India), to the heartwarming romance of 2gether: The Series, this list is your gateway to the most captivating and steamy stories in the Thai BL universe.
1. Bed Friend – Viki Rakuten
The story centres around two work colleagues, Uea and King, who are often at loggerheads. However, a drunken outing leads to a one-night stand, changing the dynamics. Uea, who has trust issues due to past traumas, is drawn to King despite his reservations about love and commitment. When Cupid strikes, the two are forced to navigate their complex ‘friends with benefits’ relationship and fierce office competition while accepting their newfound feelings. The sizzling intimate scenes and the slow-burn romance make this a must-watch.
2. TharnType – Viki Rakuten
The series follows Type, a college freshman with deep-seated hom*ophobia due to a traumatic childhood experience. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is forced to share a dorm room with Tharn, an openly gay student. Initially, Type is hostile and tries to push Tharn away, but over time, their antagonistic relationship evolves into a passionate romance as Type begins to overcome his prejudices and feelings. The sizzling chemistry between the lead actors, Mew Suppasit and Gulf Kanawut, is electric, and the series doesn’t shy away from depicting the complexities of their relationship. The drama’s mix of tension, passion, and character growth has made it a must-watch in the BL genre. There’s also a sequel that gives a further peek into Tharn and Type’s relationship.
3. Bad Buddy – Viki Rakuten
Pran and Pat have been rivals since childhood due to a feud between their families. Despite their parents’ efforts to keep them apart, the two end up attending the same university and living in neighbouring dorms. Over time, their rivalry transforms into a close friendship, and eventually, they realise that their feelings for each other go beyond mere friendship. The series follows their journey as they navigate their growing feelings while trying to keep their relationship a secret from their feuding families. The series blends light-hearted comedy with heartfelt moments, creating a story that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
4. Love in the Air – YouTube
The series features two interconnected love stories, each following one of the main characters as they navigate unexpected and intense relationships. The first story focuses on Phayu, a skilled mechanic and biker, and Rain, a university student who gets caught in a storm and ends up being rescued by Phayu. What starts as a simple act of kindness leads to a complicated relationship filled with teasing, sexual tension, and burning attraction. The second story follows Prapai, a wealthy businessman, and Sky, a student with a troubled past. As Prapai pursues Sky, their relationship slowly transforms from a one-sided chase into something deeper and more meaningful. The series features several known for its steamy scenes and strong chemistry between the lead couples. Each story arc is packed with emotional intensity, making it a must-watch for fans who enjoy Thai BL dramas.
5. Lovely Writer – YouTube
The story follows Gene, a successful novelist known for writing popular BL novels, despite his reservations about the genre. When one of his books is adapted into a drama series, he becomes involved in the production process and meets Nubsib, the actor cast in the lead role. Nubsib is charming and perfect for the part, but as Gene gets to know him better, he discovers that Nubsib has had feelings for him since their childhood. What begins as a professional relationship blossoms into a real-life romance, with the pressures of the entertainment industry, public scrutiny, and their insecurities playing villains in their love story. The series also cleverly critiques and plays with the tropes often found in Thai BL dramas, making it a refreshing watch for both new and longtime fans of the genre.
6. 2gether: The Series – Viki Rakuten
This is a hugely popular Thai BL drama that played a significant role in bringing the genre into the mainstream, both in Thailand and internationally. The story follows Tine, a charming and somewhat clueless college student relentlessly pursued by an admirer named Green. To shake Green off, Tine asks Sarawat, the school’s popular student, guitarist and soccer player, to pretend to be his boyfriend. Sarawat agrees, and what starts as a fake relationship to ward off Green slowly turns into something real as the two spend more time together. However, managing their growing feelings while dealing with the pressures of their social circles and personal insecurities proves to be a challenge.
7. The Miracle of Teddy Bear – YouTube
This heartwarming Thai BL drama blends fantasy with emotional storytelling. It introduces us to Tofu, a teddy bear that magically comes to life as a human after years of being the beloved companion of Nut, a young man dealing with personal troubles. As Tofu adjusts to his new life as a human, he retains all the memories and feelings from his time as Nut’s teddy bear, including his love for Nut. Tofu helps Nut overcome his emotional pain and heal from past traumas, all while hiding his true identity. As they grow closer, Nut notices that Tofu might be more than just a stranger in his life, leading to a touching exploration of love, friendship, and healing.
