Thai television drama—or Lakorn—has evolved from simple romantic tales into a sophisticated storytelling medium that blends romance, social commentary, fantasy, and thriller elements. This list honors the series that have defined, redefined, and transcended the genre, earning both domestic acclaim and international recognition.
The Classics: Timeless Masterpieces
1. Dao Pra Sook (1993)
The grandmother of all Lakorns
- Why it’s iconic: Starring Ann Thongprasom and Num Sornram, this romantic drama set a blueprint for generations. The story of a man torn between two sisters became a cultural touchstone and remains a benchmark for emotional storytelling.
- Impact: Established the “Koo Jin” (on-screen couple) tradition and proved the power of character-driven conflict.
2. Song Naree (1999)
The ultimate revenge drama
- Why it’s iconic: Kob Suvanant plays a woman who assumes a new identity to avenge her past. A masterclass in slow-burn revenge with unforgettable emotional payoffs.
- Impact: Popularized the transformative-revenge trope and elevated female-led narratives.
3. Manee Yard Fah (2000)
Fantasy romance perfected
- Why it’s iconic: Aom Phiyada and Chakrit Yamnam star in this timeless tale of a mermaid who falls for a human. The exquisite chemistry and tragic romance captivated a nation.
- Impact: Showcased Thailand’s ability to weave folklore into mainstream television with high production value.
The Golden Era: 2000s Game-Changers
4. Sawan Biang (2008)
The “toxic romance” benchmark
- Why it’s iconic: Ken Theeradeth and Ann Thongprasom deliver career-defining performances in this adaptation of a classic novel. A story of revenge, hate, and obsessive love that pushed boundaries.
- Impact: Set a new standard for romantic intensity and complex character arcs. Still studied for its acting and direction.
5. Princess Hours (2017)
Thai royal romance redefined
- Why it’s iconic: The Thai adaptation of the Korean hit Goong became a phenomenon. Pattie Ungsumalynn and Thanawat Wattanaputi (Pope) brought a fresh, local charm to the story of a commoner marrying a crown prince.
- Impact: Proved successful adaptations could retain local flavor and introduced a new generation to palace romance.
6. Rak Nakara (2017)
Historical epic masterpiece
- Why it’s iconic: Set in the Ayutthaya period, this tale of two half-sisters in love with the same king is breathtaking in scale, costume, and tragedy. Kimberley Anne and Natapohn deliver powerhouse performances.
- Impact: Raised the bar for historical production design and period-accurate storytelling.
The Modern Revolution: 2010–2020
7. Hormones: The Series (2013–2015)
The voice of a generation
- Why it’s iconic: A groundbreaking teen drama that tackled sexuality, mental health, class, and family with unprecedented honesty. It felt more like an indie film than a TV series.
- Impact: Changed how Thai TV approached youth stories and launched the careers of Prachaya Ruangroj, Sutatta Udomsilp, and others.
8. Love Destiny (Buppesannivas) (2018)
The national sensation
- Why it’s iconic: Ranee Campen and Thanawat Wattanaputi (Pope) in a time-travel romance that swept Thailand. Blending Ayutthaya history with comedy and romance, it achieved record ratings and cultural saturation.
- Impact: Revived national interest in Thai history, fashion, and language. A rare drama that united all ages and demographics.
9. The Gifted (2018)
The genre-bending school thriller
- Why it’s iconic: Set in a school for students with hidden abilities, it blended mystery, sci-fi, and social commentary. A gripping, smart series that refused to talk down to its audience.
- Impact: Proved Thai TV could execute high-concept genre storytelling and built a passionate fan theory community.
10. Bad Genius: The Series (2020)
The heist thriller set in school
- Why it’s iconic: Based on the hit film, it expanded the story of exam-cheating schemes into a taut, socially-aware thriller. Chimon Wachirawit’s performance anchored the moral complexity.
- Impact: Sparked national conversation about academic pressure and corruption, with film-quality tension.
The BL Revolution & New Wave
11. SOTUS (2016)
The blueprint for Thai BL
- Why it’s iconic: Perawat Sangpotirat (Krist) and Prachaya Ruangroj (Singto) in a senior-junior university romance that defined the campus BL genre. Its slow-burn realism built a massive following.
- Impact: Kicked off the modern Thai BL boom, proving the genre’s domestic and international commercial viability.
12. 2gether: The Series (2020)
The global breakout
- Why it’s iconic: Win Metawin and Bright Vachirawit became overnight international stars with this fake-dating tale. Its accessible humor, chemistry, and pandemic timing made it a worldwide hit.
- Impact: Took Thai BL fully global, breaking streaming records and launching a new era of international fandom.
13. I Told Sunset About You (2020)
The cinematic masterpiece
- Why it’s iconic: More than a BL—it’s a coming-of-age art film. Putthipong Assaratanakul (Billkin) and Krit Amnuaydechkorn (PP) star in a story of identity, memory, and first love in Phuket.
- Impact: Elevated BL to an artistic medium, celebrated for its cinematography, soundtrack, and emotional depth. Won international critical acclaim.
The Social Dramas: Reflecting Thailand
14. Girl From Nowhere (2018–2021)
The dark anthology
- Why it’s iconic: Chicha Amatayakul (Kitty) as Nanno, a mysterious girl who exposes hypocrisy and corruption in every school she visits. Each episode is a standalone social horror story.
- Impact: Gained a massive global Netflix audience for its bold, often brutal, social commentary. Unlike anything else in Thai television.
15. Project S (2017–2019)
The sports anthology
- Why it’s iconic: Four series (Spiike!, Skate Soul, Side by Side, Shoot! Love) exploring different sports with deep human drama. Standout is Spiike! about volleyball, featuring Nanon Korapat.
- Impact: Showed the power of thematic anthologies and how sports drama could tackle issues like disability, gender, and ambition.
The Fantasy & Supernatural Wave
16. The Stranded (2019)
Netflix’s first Thai original
- Why it’s iconic: A supernatural survival thriller about students trapped on an island after a tsunami. Starring Chutavuth Pattarakampol (March) and a strong ensemble.
- Impact: Marked Thailand’s entry into high-budget international streaming originals, with Hollywood-level production.
17. The Blue Hour (2022 series adaptation)
Psychological horror excellence
- Why it’s iconic: Based on the film, this expanded series delves into bullying, guilt, and the supernatural in a remote school. Atmospheric and terrifying.
- Impact: Proved Thai TV could sustain long-form horror with psychological depth.
Critical & Award-Winning Standouts
18. Mue Prab Gook Gook Goo (In Family We Trust) (2018)
The prestige family thriller
- Why it’s iconic: A wealthy family unravels after the patriarch’s death. With a film cast including Srirasmi Suwadee (Pancake) and Ananda Everingham, it’s a gripping, cinematic mystery.
- Impact: Won international awards and was hailed as a new peak for Thai dramatic television.
19. Wai Sab Sarae (The Judgment) (2019)
Courtroom drama redefined
- Why it’s iconic: A gripping legal drama where each case explores social issues. Pachara Chirathivat leads a stellar cast in morally complex stories.
- Impact: Brought procedural depth and social realism back to prime time.
The 2020s & Beyond: New Classics
20. F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers (2021–2022)
The definitive adaptation
- Why it’s iconic: Bright Vachirawit, Win Metawin, Dew Jirawat, and Nani Hirunkit brought a fresh, Thai sensibility to the global hit. Tackled classism and trauma with surprising depth.
- Impact: Became a pan-Asian phenomenon, introducing a new generation to the story and solidifying the cast as superstars.
21. The Eclipse (2022)
BL with social edge
- Why it’s iconic: First Kanaphan and Khaotung Thanawat in a story set in a strict school, blending romance with themes of rebellion and authority.
- Impact: Praised for its moody cinematography, symbolism, and willingness to engage with political themes.
22. 23.5 (2023)
The heartfelt coming-of-age
- Why it’s iconic: A girl dreams of reaching the northern lights in this beautifully shot, emotional series about family, dreams, and grief.
- Impact: Celebrated for its poetic storytelling and visual innovation, pointing to the future of Thai drama.
Honorable Mentions & Cult Favorites
- U-Prince Series (2016–2017) – Anthology that launched careers.
- Bad Buddy (2021) – Beloved university BL with flawless execution.
- My Husband in Law (2020) – Modern marriage-of-convenience comedy with Mew Nittha and Mik Thongraya.
- Kleun Cheewit (2017) – A modern classic of revenge and redemption with Urassaya Sperbund and Nadech Kugimiya.
What Makes a Thai Drama Timeless?
- Chemistry Over Everything – The “Koo Jin” effect can define eras.
- Cultural Specificity – The best export Thai culture without dilution.
- Emotional Authenticity – Whether melodrama or subtle romance, feeling is key.
- Social Resonance – The great ones speak to their time.
- Rewatchability – Comfort, nostalgia, and discovery on second viewings.
Where to Watch in 2026
- Netflix: Girl From Nowhere, The Stranded, F4 Thailand, The Gifted, 2gether
- YouTube (GMMTV): Most modern hits with official English subs.
- Viu & WeTV: Extensive classic and contemporary libraries across Asia.
- Local Networks: Many classics receive reruns on Thai television.
The Final Verdict
Thai drama has journeyed from daytime melodrama to a versatile, internationally competitive storytelling format. These series represent not just entertainment, but cultural milestones—each capturing something essential about Thailand, its people, and its artistic vision at a point in time.
Whether you’re drawn to the intense romance of Sawan Biang, the social bite of Girl From Nowhere, the youthful energy of Hormones, or the global charm of 2gether, Thai television offers a rich, evolving landscape worth exploring.
Start with: Love Destiny for classic Lakorn charm, I Told Sunset About You for cinematic beauty, or Girl From Nowhere for dark, modern anthology storytelling.
