Before it was only K-Drama that dominated Asian drama forums and sites, then there came C-Drama and J-Drama from China and Japan, respectively. Now, Asian powerhouses in the field of TV series and romantic comedies face a legitimate competition in Thai drama, which is more popularly known as lakorn.
For starters, like K-Drama, Thai lakorns are slowly changing the landscape of Asian drama with its fascinating stories and relatable characters, not to mention their actors who look so pleasing to the eyes.
A lakorn episode normally runs for an hour and when internationally broadcast, the running time is around 45 min. per episode.
Lakorns have very distinctive, though formulaic, characters, and narrative conventions. Generally, each lakorn aims to have a perfect ending, at least based on a few series we’ve seen.
In this week’s MS Entertainment Listicle, we are giving a rundown of the top five lakorns local viewers should start watching.
1. You’re My Destiny (2017)
There are specific reasons why it’s our top choice. First, this Thai drama is one of the most talked about lakorns online. And secondly, local TV viewers will soon have the chance to see the Thai version, dubbed in Tagalog, of this original Taiwanese drama (Fated To Love You)as it’s the first lakorn to hit local TV. It will soon air on GMA.
The story revolves around Pawut (Wisetkaew “Bie” Sukrit), a successor of a large company and Wanida (Esther Supreeleela), a secretary in a law firm. The two had an intimate encounter while on a cruise. Three months later, Pawut faces a big responsibility after learning that he impregnated Wanida.
2. Full House (2014)
The formula of a good laugh and cheesy romance never gets old as well as Full House that has been adapted several times.
In its Thai version, Aom’s (Sucharat Manaying) house and belongings are swindled by her sister while she is on a trip to Korea. Soon, she finds out that it is sold to Mike (Pirath Nitipaisankul). She opts to sign a marriage contract in an attempt to get her belongings back.
3. Kluen Chiwit / Life’s Waves (2017)
Jeerawat (Urassaya Sperbund) is a famous actress with a painful past and tries to drink to forget her suffering. Once while driving intoxicated, she accidentally hits Sathit’s girlfriend which caused her dire consequences as Sathit (Suparat Prin), who happens to be a lawyer tries to take revenge on her.
Kleun Cheewit has the kind of taste that future lakorns need in the future as it proves that there’s more to life than just pain and suffering.
4. I See You (2016)
The series is a mix of both romance and horror coming to life in one whole show.
It follows the story of Pairin (Chansangavej Chayanit) who can talk to supernatural entities but tries to fit in and pretend that she couldn’t. With the help of her ‘friends’, she solves mysteries circling around the hospital where she works as a nurse.
Every episode makes its viewers shriek and fall in love with the show’s comical relief while balancing to deal with supernatural creatures.
5. Ka Badin (2015)
In the era of King Nang Klao, Haym (Ma James), an heir turned elephant keeper, meets his childhood friend Lamduan (Matt Peerane Kongthai), a leading actress of a dance troupe and soon fell in love with each other.
Cliché as it sounds, another man takes away Lamduan from Haym, making him do whatever he can to rescue his lover and earn his reputation back.
As interesting as a love story in a historical era can get, Ka Badin takes us with Haym as he sets on a journey to get back Lamduan and a ride back in time to know the history and culture of Thailand. Louise Lizan
