Thai GL Series
Written by: Ratsameethum Noolar
When discussing Thai entertainment, one cannot overlook Thailand’s reputation as a leader in producing Boys’ Love (BL) series. This market has captivated both domestic and international audiences, building a global fanbase. While Thai BL series has already been widely recognized, the spotlight is now also turning towards Thai Girl’s Love (GL) content.
Thai GL series not only highlight Thailand’s progressiveness and openness towards LGBTQ+ themes but also present significant opportunities for the Thai media industry. This article explores the world of GL series, delving into their origins, evolution, characteristics, and reflections on societal values.
GAP The Series (Photo Credit: IDOLFACTORY OFFICIAL)
What is GL or Yuri?
Before diving into the world of Thai GL, it’s important to understand a few key terms. In Thailand, the term “Y”—pronounced waai (วาย)—is commonly used as an umbrella term for romantic genres depicting same-sex relationships. It originates from the Japanese terms “Yaoi,” which refers to Boys’ Love (BL) fiction, and “Yuri,” which refers to Girl’s Love (GL) fiction. It is important to note that, while the term “Y” has largely been associated with BL, it also encompasses GL. In recent years, this broader inclusion has become increasingly evident as GL content continues to grow in visibility and popularity.
Girl’s Love, GL, or Yuri, is a genre of fiction centered on romantic relationships between female protagonists. Much like BL, GL often portrays one character as more dominant or tomboyish while the other is more feminine (Sukmoung, 138). Although earlier representations of GL relationships tended to follow this trope and can sometimes appear to be unrealistic, Thai media has worked to rectify these portrayals by offering more authentic and diverse depictions of same-sex relationships.
Brief History of GL in Thailand
The GL genre traces its roots back to Japanese anime and manga. Its early beginnings can be found in the S-Class genre, which depicted intense but platonic friendships between schoolgirls. Over time, these narratives expanded beyond friendship to explore deeper, romantic emotions between female characters, culminating in works like Shiroi Heya no Futari (The Couple in the White Room), which many regard to be the first proper Yuri fiction.
In Thailand, GL content began to emerge in the early 2000s, coinciding with the global rise of Japanese pop culture. Thai audiences were introduced to anime and manga, including Yuri stories, largely through fan-driven efforts like fan-subbed anime, translated manga, fan art, and fan fiction. Initially confined to niche circles, Yuri content gradually gained momentum.
Yes or No (Photo Credit: Thai Film Archive)
Between 2005 and 2010, a significant shift occurred in Thai GL content. Fan-created Yuri stories transitioned from online platforms to published works, with numerous publishers catering to the demand. This period also saw the rise of GL dramatizations, such as the 2010 film Yes or No (อยากรักก็รักเลย), one of the first Thai GL films. Another milestone was Rak Kaew (รากแก้ว), released in 2022 and widely considered the first Thai GL TV drama.
Over the past few years, the Thai media industry has seen a golden era for LGBTQ+ content as Thai society became even more open and accepting of gender diversity. While the BL genre dominates Thai media, its popularity has paved the way for other LGBTQ+ content, with numerous GL series, movies, and novels gaining both domestic and international acclaim.
Initially, Thai GL series adopted familiar BL tropes, such as school-based romances and friend-to-lover narratives. However, production has been evolving significantly, carving out their own niche with mature, realistic portrayals of relationships and exploring wider range of themes. Thai GL series now often distinguish themselves from BL’s traditional dominant-submissive dynamics. Beyond romance, GL stories often tackle sensitive and complex issues such as coming-of-age struggles, societal pressure, family expectations, age differences, and class disparities. These themes add depth to the storytelling and resonate with audiences seeking nuanced and relatable narratives.
23.5 (Photo Credit: GMMTV OFFICIAL)
Notable Titles
Now, let’s delve into some interesting Thai GL series that showcase the genre’s diversity and rich themes. From heartwarming teenage romances to thought-provoking dramas, each title offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Thai GL content.
Gap: The Series (2022)
Gap: The Series (ทฤษฎีสีชมพู) is Thailand’s first mainstream GL series and has been considered one of the most successful GL series with over 100 million views on YouTube and a week-long trending hashtag on X (then known as Twitter). This phenomenon does not only help, but also open up for more exciting prospects of GL series in Thai media.
The series follows the relationship of Lady Sam, an upper-class descendant and Mon, an ordinary girl. With huge obstacles laying between them, their journey of love is not a bed of rose and far from possible. Here, the audiences can explore the themes of age difference and class disparity. What makes this series stand out is its perfect blending of romance and the harsh reality of the real-world issues.
Show Me Love (Photo Credit: TVDB)
Show Me Love (2023)
Show Me Love (แค่อยากบอกรัก) tells a story of Meena and Cherine, two girls with different backgrounds but similar aspirations. The series weaves in the themes of dreams, friendship, and self-discovery. What adds more excitement to this series is the backdrop of competition and beauty pageant, which is rarely seen on other series. Moreover, the story also explores the challenges most LGBTQ+ individuals encounter such as familial pressure and societal expectations. Overall, Show Me Love is a heartfelt story filled with friendship, drama, and love, which undoubtedly touch people’s heart.
23.5 (Photo Credit: TVDB)
23.5 (2024)
When mentioning the romantic genre, the trope of teenage love cannot be missed out. One of the most heartwarming GL series set in a school is 23.5 (องศาที่โลกเอียง), which follows two classmates, Ongsa and Sun whose relationship gradually blossom into a romantic bond. This series offers audiences a nostalgic feel, highlighting adolescent transformation and high school memories. Thus, the viewers can explore through the themes of coming-of-age, friendship, and self-discovery. For anyone who are looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy, 23.5 the series will promise you a delightful experience.
Petrichor the Series (Photo Credit: TVDB)
Petrichor The Series (2024)
Petrichor: The Series (หยดฝนกลิ่นสนิม) is an excellent example of a significant shift in Thai GL storytelling, where the focus extends beyond romance to incorporate other subgenres. This upcoming and highly anticipated series blends romance with a detective narrative. The story follows the unlikely partnership between Tul, a new crime department officer, and Cherund, a physician from the Institute of Forensic Science. Despite their frequent arguments, the two must work together to solve a murder case and bring justice to the victim. What makes this show stand out is its ability to offer viewers a fresh experience by intertwining a romantic storyline with themes that address pressing social issues, creating a thought-provoking and engaging narrative.
The Loyal Pin (Photo Credit: TVDB)
The Loyal Pin (2024)
The Loyal Pin (ปิ่นภักดิ์) is one of the Thailand’s first period GL series. It follows the story of two upper-class ladies, Pin and Anil, whose friendship has been long established since childhood. Even though, this show primarily focuses on romantic relationship of the female protagonists, it also highlights some social issues, including familial expectations and societal pressure, which add the depth to the narrative.
Blank the Series (Photo Credit: TVDB)
Blank The Series (2024)
Another Thai Girl’s Love series that deserve more attention is Blank (เติมคำว่ารักลงในช่องว่าง). Like many thought-provoking Y series, this shows offers audiences romantic perspective of same-sex relationship, while addressing the struggle over conditions. It follows the relationship between Khun Nueng, a runaway grownup who finally breaks free from her family, and A-Nueng, a twenty-year-old girl. Thus, What the audiences are expected to find in this show is the exploration of age difference, acceptance and love.
Why Thai GL Series Are Hidden Gems
While Thai GL content continue to grow in both quality and popularity, GL series remain relatively lesser-known compared to the Boys’ Love (BL) genre. Statistics show that GL series consumption is concentrated on specific platforms, such as YouTube, Netflix, and ReadAWrite (THA-IN, 37–40). Additionally, the predominance of the Thai language can create barriers for foreign audiences, limiting the global exposure of these series.
Despite the challenges, this rising genre is steadily carving out its own space, offering profound narratives, high-quality storytelling, and meaningful societal contributions. Here are some reasons Thai GL series can be considered as the “hidden gems” of the Thai Y space:
- Powerful Social Message
The presence of GL series in the pool of Thai Y content helps create visibility to the diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences in Thailand. By portraying diverse forms of love and relationships, these series break down societal divides and challenge traditional norms, fostering greater inclusivity. Thai GL series highlights the voices of female same-sex couples in Thailand, bringing to life their experiences and the challenges they face.
The Secret of Us (Photo Credit: Ch3Thailand)
- Quality of Storytelling
A driving force behind the success of Thai GL series is their exceptional storytelling quality. Over time, these series have evolved to better reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ communities and contemporary social contexts. Many GL series feature compelling narratives, engaging characters, deep exploration of themes and conflicts, and not to mention the skills of dedicated actresses and producers who bring the story to life. This combination delivers both emotional resonance and valuable life lessons. By balancing heartfelt romance with relatable struggles, Thai GL productions elevate the viewing experience, making them captivating for a broad audience.
Sirilak “Lingling” Kwong and Kornnaphat “Orm” Sethratanapong, with fans gifting them flower bouquets (Photo Credit: Thairath)
- Impact on Foreign Audiences
Following the global success of BL series, Thai GL productions are now gaining traction on an international scale. Producers view this momentum as an opportunity to expand LGBTQ+ content beyond Thailand. Efforts to reach global audiences include organizing fan meetings and concerts, which help create a personal connection between fans and the stars of these series.
One notable example is FreenBecky FaBulous FanBoom in MACAU, a fan meeting featuring Freen and Becky, the popular duo from Gap: The Series. The event sold out within two minutes and attracted nearly 2,000 fans, demonstrating the international appeal of Thai GL content.
Thai GL series are no longer confined to domestic audiences; they have found enthusiastic fans worldwide. With the growing popularity of LGBTQ+ media, Thailand is solidifying its position as a major player in the international BL and GL industry.
Reflection of Thai Society
The GL series serve as a mirror reflecting the nation’s societal and cultural values. They highlight the country’s openness to gender diversity and creativity in exploring LGBTQ+ narratives, resonating with both local and global audiences. By combining inclusivity with innovative storytelling, Thai GL content has become a powerful medium for cultural expression and social progress.
Engfa Waraha and Charlotte Austin sharing their adorable moments through TV program (Photo Credit: Sanook)
Openness and Acceptance
Thailand’s thriving GL industry reflects the country’s growing acceptance of gender diversity and openness to LGBTQ+ representation. Welcomed by both Thai and international audiences, these series celebrate love and inclusivity while highlighting the progressiveness of Thai society.
While same-sex couples still face challenges like societal pressure and familial expectations, GL series play a crucial role in increasing visibility and fostering understanding of LGBTQ+ lives. They portray diverse relationships, shed light on hardships, and address unresolved societal issues. By bringing these stories to the forefront, GL content has helped advance acknowledgment and acceptance of gender diversity and lesbian relationships, contributing to meaningful social change in Thailand.
A tangible achievement that reflects this progress is the recent approval of the same-sex marriage bill in Thailand, which is set to take effect next year—a milestone that fills the Thai LGBTQ+ community and their allies with pride.
Artistic Creativity
Creativity has been a vital essence of Thai artistic expression since ancient times. Even in modern Thai artistic endeavors, this creativity continues to thrive in new mediums. In the realm of Y fiction, the Thai media continues to tailor LGBTQ+ content to appeal to both domestic and international audience, exploring fresh narratives, themes, and perspectives about LGBTQ+ communities.
Thai GL series stand out for their creative storytelling across a wide range of genres, including teenage romance, historical dramas, and mystery thrillers. This versatility not only promises viewers exciting and engaging experiences but also broadens the visibility of LGBTQ+ stories. By weaving rich narratives with unique concepts, Thai media showcase their progressiveness and commitment to portraying LGBTQ+ relationships with depth and authenticity.
Pluto (Photo Credit: GMMTV OFFICIAL)
Conclusion
Thai GL series are more than mere entertainment; they are powerful representations of love, experiences, and open-mindedness of Thai society. Beyond providing heartfelt and engaging stories, Thai GL series amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ communities and pave the way for greater inclusivity in Thai media. Today, Thai GL content is ubiquitous, appearing in fan fiction, novels, movies, series, music videos, and more.
For those interested in exploring LGBTQ+ productions, particularly GL content, there is an abundance of material available, much of it accessible online. If you’re drawn to stories of love, heartfelt friendships, and poignant dramas, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of Thai GL series.
The story of “Girls’ Love” series is a fascinating aspect of modern Thai culture, showcasing the open-mindedness of Thai society and the creativity of its artists and producers. Join us as we explore more stories from Thailand and its people, taking you on a journey to uncover the essence of Thainess.
References and Sources:
Sukmoung, Warangkana. Reflection of Homosexual in society through Thai motion picture. 2018. Bangkok University. Master’s Thesis.
http://dspace.bu.ac.th/jspui/handle/123456789/3162
THA-IN, Piyaphat, Guidelines for Girl Love TV Series as a Popular Genre in Thailand’s
Entertainment Industry. 2023. Silpakorn University. Master’s Thesis.
http://ithesis-ir.su.ac.th/dspace/bitstream/123456789/5289/1/651020001.pdf https://thestandard.co/women-loving-women-thai-movies-and-dramas-supporting-characters/
https://capitalread.co/recap-girls-love/
https://www.amarintv.com/spotlight/lifestyle/detail/60628
https://thecitizen.plus/node/53855
https://thestandard.co/petrichor-the-series/