#other tharn guys

[mannimarcoiscool]

Tharn family dinner

[telomeke]

THE SIGN – CULTURAL REFERENCES, MYTHOLOGY AND META

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This post comes on the heels of the one by @respectthepetty about mythology and meta of The Sign, linked here. 😍👍 If you've not read it yet, I recommend you do before watching any more of this series, because it will help things make more sense (especially if you're not familiar with some of the cultural references thrumming in the background).

Anyway, I'd previously done some research on the legend(s) of the Garuda and the Naga in Southeast Asia, and so I'm writing this post to share what I've found because it does have relevance to at least some of what we're seeing onscreen in The Sign, and elaborates on @respectthepetty's post.

‌

The Garuda and the Naga are mythical beings with origins in Indian mythology that have been transposed into cultures across Southeast Asia.

In Hinduism, Garuda is a single deity, depicted in either full-bird form or part-bird and part-human, and is the king of birds and also a divine sun-bird (with physical attributes similar to an eagle's). His elder brother, Aruna, is the chariot driver for Surya the sun-god, while Garuda himself is the mount of Vishnu.

In Buddhist mythology, the garudas (sometimes also spelt garulas) are a society and race of gigantic predatory birds, sometimes also depicted as part-human in form. The garudas are intelligent, social and blessed with might and magical powers.

Thailand may be predominantly Buddhist, but it has also been strongly influenced by ancient Indian culture and Hinduism, and thus both the concept of a single deity Garuda and the race of garudas co-exist in Thai mythological beliefs.

The nagas on the other hand, are snake-like or dragon-like creatures, whose realm is the water world. (The word naga is derived from Sanskrit and is also etymologically related to the English word snake.)

In mythology nagas and garudas are perpetual enemies, although neither side is actually identified with good or evil – they are simply two groups eternally at war with each other (so occidental-leaning minds should dispel any preconception that the water serpents are necessarily the bad guys in The Sign, even though the narrative seems to be tilting in that direction).

When borrowed into popular culture (as has been done for The Sign) you may sometimes see influences of Chinese dragon and phoenix mythology (as Chinese cultural influence is also present in Thailand, and the dragon/phoenix motif of Sinitic culture nicely parallels the naga/garuda conflict pairing). And because of Garuda's association with the sun in Hinduism, and a parallel with the fiery phoenix of Western mythology, you may sometimes see garudas portrayed as aligned with the sun and/or flame as well.

There are some hints of these in The Sign. The naga that Phaya encounters while struggling underwater during the open sea training challenge in Ep.1 is very Thai in appearance (especially with the curved, forward-pointing crest, making it look much like the nagas that adorn Thai temple architecture). But the array of pronged, backward-pointing horns and trailing antennae appear to be a design nod at Chinese or Japanese dragons (East Asian dragons are also strongly identified with the watery realm, by the way). And in the graphics of the series (e.g., in the poster at the start of this post), the sky (the realm of Garuda) is suffused with sunlight and speckled with what look like drifting sparks, referencing sun and flame.

Because of the wings tattooed on his back and his time in the air force, Phaya is most likely the reincarnation of a garuda in human form (and this is why he struggled with the water challenge, as he was completely out of his element).

This is also possibly why we see him smoking early on in the series (because of the alignment of Garuda with the element of fire), and significantly he does this while Naga Tharn (irked by Yai's teasing at the dining table) seeks refuge in the washroom (which is ห้องน้ำ/hong naam in Thai, literally water room):

‌Billy also describes Phaya's character in the promo video for the series (linked here) as being "like fire, always hot and burning... quite hot-headed." 👍

Elsewhere in the same promo video (linked here), Tharn's good friend Chalothon is explicitly identified as the reincarnation of an important naga, which immediately signals that he and Phaya will be at odds in the series:

‌

The water deity that saves Phaya during the open sea challenge – Wansarat, whom he drew in his sketchbook – is not just Freen Sarocha in a fancy scuba suit. 😂

If you look at her arm and hand when she reaches out to save Phaya (before she turns into Tharn) the green scales meld into the skin of her human wrist – they're part of her natural covering, and she's really a nakhee/nagin/nagini, a female naga, appearing in human form to save Phaya.

The narrative has made it strongly obvious that Phaya is a reincarnated garuda, while Tharn is the reincarnation of Wansarat, from the lineage of the nagas. And the teaser-trailer (linked here) tells us that Phaya and Tharn/Wansarat are lovers bound to each other through time:

‌

However, the special promo video (released 24 November 2023) also tells us (in Heng's interview linked here) that Chalothon and Wansarat were lovers in past lives, even while it is Phaya and Wansarat (reincarnated as Tharn) who are paired by fate in The Sign.

And as the nagas and garudas are bitter enemies, the love story between Phaya and Tharn/Wansarat that transcends time and reincarnation cycles is also one that must have been (and will continue to be) forbidden by their respective naga and garuda tribes (especially since Tharn/Wansarat also used to be naga Chalothon's lover), and will undoubtedly be a source of conflict in the series. This is way beyond the Montagues and Capulets! 😍

‌

So with this as the base, I took a look at the characters' names, and those belonging to Phaya, Chalothon, Tharn and Wansarat especially also reflect their garuda/naga origins. 🤩

Phaya's name (พญา) means lord, king or leader. While it can be applied to the nagas (พญานาค/phaya naak refers to the King of the Nagas) it is also used for Garuda (the Thai national symbol) – พญาครุฑ/phaya khroot, or Lord Garuda (and is what his name references in The Sign).

(above) Billy Patchanon as Phaya

‌

Chalothon's name (ชโลทร) is rare, but it is derived from Pali/Sanskrit and means river, sea or body of water, reflecting the watery homeland of his naga persona.

(above) Heng Asavarid as Chalothon

‌

Tharn's name (ธาร) also has a connection to his water-dwelling naga roots. Tharn/ธาร is short for ลำธาร/lam thaan and means stream, brook or creek (and he is thus a naga nong to Chalothon's phi).

(above) Babe Tanatat as Tharn/Wansa

However, Tharn is his chue len. His formal name is Wansa, and is the same Wansa in Wansarat (which the narrative lets us know at Ep.1 [3‌/4] 9.35).

(above) Freen Sarocha as Wansarat

Now Wansarat is spelt วรรณษารัตน์ in the subtitles (at Ep.1 [3‌/4] 9.02), and I can't find any translation of it that makes sense in the context of The Sign's world-building.

But Wansarat's name is spelt differently elsewhere on the Internet (on Thai drama websites, and movie databases, etc. like thaimovie.org), and I assume they've all based it on official releases from Idol Factory because the spelling is consistent across these other sources – it's วรรษารัตน์ there.

And Wansa/Wansarat spelt this way also reflects the nagas' dominion over water, because วรรษา/wansa (an archaic word, referenced in an older dictionary but not newer ones) means rain or rainy season (from the Sanskrit varsha) – in Thailand the nagas are also associated with rain control, and prayers are offered to them for timely and abundant rainfall when it is needed. (The -rat part of Wansarat is a feminine ending meaning jewel or gemstone, and may echo with meaning for speakers of Indian and Sri Lankan languages, since it's derived from the Pali/Sanskrit ratna).

‌

Just out of interest (because nobody asked 😂) some of these naga/garuda elements were also present in the early episodes of KinnPorsche – the den of the Theerapanyakuls (nagas, wealthy beings of the underworld) was full of watery elements (e.g., the waterfall, the various pools, and Tankhun's carp – which in Chinese belief are the original, natal form of dragons). The -nak in Kinn's formal first name Anakin (which is not a traditional Thai name) is also a nod at the word naga. Porsche had the tattoo of a fiery phoenix on his back, and was out of his element whenever water was concerned (e.g., his failed pool challenge, the mermaid costume punishment, his misadventure with the sprinkler when he tried to smoke in the store room – water vanquishing the flame). Kinn was unable to make fire when they were trapped in the forest, despite claiming to be friends with the flame, while Porsche could immediately do it.

But I didn't see the KinnPorsche narrative taking the naga/garuda themes much further than these random nods in the earlier episodes. Maybe it did (like Kinn and Porsche could be seen acclimatizing to each other's realms more), but I just couldn't be bothered to look at the show more closely since it didn't really stand up to deeper scrutiny, and after the first few episodes I just went along for the exhilaration of the ride instead. 👍

‌

Anyway, I'm totally bedazzled by the level of world-building going on in The Sign and look forward to more from the series. If the first episode is anything to go by, I think Executive Producer Saint Suppapong may be on to something! 😍

[ppeonppeonhan]

I don't know when all R-rated BLs started being

crime mysteries -- was it after Manner of Death, KinnPorsche, or Not Me -- but I have found myself watching a naked man get bent over like a pretzel or sucked dry in a shower, and thinking...

What made Charlie try to save Babe in the first place? What ties does he have to the bad guy? And can they ever really be together if Charlie's power drains Babe's? (Pit Babe)

Are Nont and Nant really twins or did Nant have a psychotic break after being drugged and assaulted by a sadist? And if they are twins, then did Nuth really murder Nant in a drugged-out possessive rage or was that just one of his sadistic hallucinations, and Nant is somewhere recovering peacefully? (Playboyy)

If Tharn is bound to Phaya in this life to make up for the bad karma he accrued in his past life, then will their passion for each other disappear after he defeats the bad guy/Doc slash pays his debt? And did the Doc kill his parents? (The Sign)

Is Nail really Blue's doppleganger or did he have a mental break after trying to unalive himself, and now Him is trying to make up for what he did by being the perfect boyfriend? And if he is just a doppelganger, then are we rooting for Him or against Him, who is clearly just trying to absolve his own guilt? (For Him)

Just...so many mysteries to solve in between hip thrusts. I feel like I need a chart.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Bit Slow Round These Parts

Organized, in each category, by ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Dec 2023 Wk 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Last Twilight (Fri YT) ep 8 of 12 - Mhok is about the most indulgent boyfriend on the planet. Why they dressed as 1930s gangsters for the wedding? I have no idea idea, but it’s adorable. IFYLITA mark 2? And they’re even dancing together using bits of the same steps that were used that show too. Cute nod.

The Sign (Sat YT) ep 6 of 10 - Everything but the kitchen sink includes lesbians apparently. Excellent. Carry on. Also a lot of filler about the sides. (Boring, stop that.) I wish the doctor were a little bit more of a multifaceted character (and less evil snakey), and that we had some of his backstory + Tharn. If we saw them as kids, having a longer true friendship, it would make Tharn’s attitude a little bit more sympathetic and forgiving.

For Him (Thurs iQIYI) ep 5 of 10 - I like this show, but it’s awfully one-sided in the romance arena. I mean shouldn’t they be trying to support and make each other happy? Why does it always have to come from Him? Also, I’m constantly worried about the fact that Nail doesn’t eat any vegetables. His digestive track must be in serious distress. And if the boy is a bottom?! Look I have concerns is all I'm saying, I hope he's getting his fiber along with the dk. Meanwhile... Mom confrontation! Always fun.  

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 9 of 10 - Now I’m having a hard time keeping the twins straight. Who’s getting beat up for whom, what’s going on? No matter who, First caught himself a live one. I like those bits.

Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 7 of 14 - I got little crumbs of my sides but not enough, and then they dropped the mpreg bomb. Kinda like blowing the BL diaper. Trash watch happening here.

Cooking Crush (Sun YT) ep 5 of 12 - They are so cute. And mostly such good communicators. Except evil dad is evil! I didn’t have OffGun tango on my bingo card, but I'm happy to check it off. After making everyone sing, GMMTV is now making everyone dance. I much prefer it. Kiss came a bit out of nowhere. But it was sweet. 

A few minutes later...

Bake Me Please (Mon Gaga) ep 6fin - I don’t know, I feel like this just wasn’t good enough for the class of talent involved. Which means it’s mostly the story and script's fault. In the end I kinda just wanted Guy to get the guy.

In cluclusion:

A lack-luster story about a group of bakers coping with (mostly) a shoddy script that could not be saved by either the beauty nor the talent of the actors involved. It suffered for lack of narrative backbone and so did I. 6/10

Middleman’s Love (Fri YT & iQIYI ep 8fin - Mai is an adorable clingy boyfriend, and that bit was kind of cute.

Summation:

Office clown, Jade, a manic pixie dream dork, is courted by the new intern, Mai. This show is right in my wheelhouse but it fell flat for me. I wish it had lived up to the concept behind the title (if nothing else). If we had done more of Jade‘s family and the reasons behind his self-worth struggles and self-acceptance issues, they might have been easier to bare. Without backstory, the show had no through line. In the end, Jade was a largely intolerable character, and Mai felt flat and lacking in personality. I was disappointed with this show, and I hope they don't blame the pair for the poor ratings. 6/10

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) 1626 ep 19 of 24 - Meh. So dull. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

VIP Only (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 7 of 10 - I’m not really interested in the late addition love triangle concept.

Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 4 of 8 - a bit too frenetic and manic for me, this one. Glasses boy is best boy. But I’m kind of confused as to was actually going on with this show. Including whether I like it or not.

I Became the Main Role of a BL (Japan Sun Gaga) ep 1-3 - AKA BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen - it should finish airing at the very beginning of the year, so I decided to wait and watch all 3 back-to-back. 

It's Airing But...

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 14 eps - Dear Playboyy, it's not you, it’s me… I hate you. You’re about as deep (and as palatable) as a shot glass of cum. While I'm sure you’re someone’s kink, you're my weakest link. Goodbye. I DNFed this at ep 5. Frankly I'm impressed with myself for getting that far.

Night Dream (Sat YT) 6 eps - It’s a pain to track down and I really didn’t like the first episode so… DNF  

The Whisperer (Sun ????) 10 eps - Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). I don't think even the perfect single dimple can motivate me to watch. Word is... it's terrible.

7 Days Before Valentine (Weds WeTV) 10 eps - Giving me Luminous Solution vibes. I'm waiting to binge if safe.

Dead Friend Forever (Thai Sat iQIYI) - horror, meh, tell me if it's worth my time?

It's done and I didn't, or we can't

Beyond The Star (Weds iQIYI) 8 eps - House of Stars meets Boyband. I was NOT impressed with ep 1. Been told I shouldn't bother. So I won't.

Behind the Shadows (Korea movie) - This is a historical I was interested in, but I've been told they kill the gay so I'm OUT.

[INTERNATIONAL] Cherry Magic (Sat YouTube) ep 3 of 12 - yeah Japan put the smack down on our boys. Sadness. You can use a VPN if you like. Read all about it here.

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - will binge when I have a spare day.

Crazy work load right now so no idea when that will be. (End of year is a bear for me.)

Honestly I'm gonna have an epic number of dnf's this year for me.

Next Week Looks Like This

Original 2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED). With the end of the year upon us I'll do an "announced for 2023 but never happened list" soon.

Also my best ofs are coming.

Don't think I'll do a stats round up this year, everything progressing as before.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

(Last week) - sorry, forgot to link it.

It's 2024 people! Round ups are coming!!!! Leave a comment or an ask, if you have something specific you want addressed.

[mikuni14]

I love when BL series show their couples in everyday, ordinary situations, especially among other people (that's why I love the obligatory, traditional "tree planting trips" in Thai BLs 😄). I love it when, despite the presence of other people, both lovers are hyper aware of each other, glancing or openly staring at each other, touching, teasing, flirting with each other... sometimes to the point where everything else disappears and it's just them, in their own little pink bubble 😊 Tharn and Phaya are amazing in this - as in practically everything - which is why they are such a perfect couple for me. And what I wrote above was brilliantly shown for example in the bar scene 👌 But let's not forget this scene, Phaya doesn't even try to play it cool

Meanwhile Tharn is like 😶

Which of course only makes Phaya's interest go 📈 because that's the type of little shit guy he is lol

gosh, but I just love the arrogant, cocky Phaya, ok

[the-wayside]

Oooooo.

I love it.

They've taken the case structure to mirror the arc structure, so this new case is the set up for the next character arc.

Something that rang loud and true for me is that anything that happens has to be Tharn's choice. Why doesn't Chalothorn just drag him off if he's so powerful etc. blah blah blah? Phaya, who is the the Bird King God, why can't he just drag Tharn off? They can't. Tharn has to choose (and he always chooses Phaya in the end).

Phaya is driving discovering their past selves and I love that because discovering who they were helps him win Tharn now. Only by knowing what happened can he protect Tharn. And with four six episodes left, we needed the discord. We needed a fracture, a true fracture, to force, lbh, Tharn, to cross the chasm. He is in this constant state of yearning but nothing can seem to make him break his own vow. I think Tharn was harsh with Phaya when he hit him but it was almost a boiling point moment because it isn't actually about Chalothorn. It's about Phaya, and Tharn who is fighting the rising tide of his feelings constantly around him. He's frustrated with himself and Phaya. Why can't he shake him off? Why is Phaya like this? Why is he still falling for him when he knows mentally he shouldn't? Why does he care that a pretty girl is talking to him and his family? He cares so damn much that it hurts him.

So yeah, he hit Phaya because he threatened his friend, as any good friend would, but it wasn't all about that. Plus if a guy I liked tried to hit one of my friends I'd punt him too. If my friend turned out to be evil, they'd get the same treatment. Tharn is trying to be fair to everyone but all it's doing is tearing him apart. All he actually wants is to give in and have Phaya. He yearns when no one is watching because they aren't. This man isn't oblivious. He isn't confused. He's actively telling himself no and that can't last forever. And when it happens, it won't be because of Phaya, it will be because of Tharn (as I've always said).

Yai, beautiful himbo that you are. I love him so much. He's such a good friend. He is the guy who shows up in a dino costume to bury the body. It's so nice to see someone be an actual real friend. And for the guys to act like guys, razzing each other and talking about love and whatever because guys do. Not exactly like girls, but sometimes the pendulum swings too hard in TV shows and it's hard to see male characters act like actual men. Not everything is wild toxic masculinity and heavy grunting instead of talking about your feelings.

Loved it, I really did. I need the break from the tension and to ready myself for the journey to the finish. Lessgooooo.

[timotey]

I'm surprised that so many people think that Tharn didn't believe Phaya when Phaya told him that he was in danger. But he already knows that, that's kinda the point here.

Everyone and their uncle, mystical grannies included, keep telling Tharn that he's in danger, that some thing is coming to claim his life. Which is kinda the reason why he doesn't want Phaya by his side. Because he's convinced that it's his karma killing people around him. And he would rather die himself than have anyone die for him, that's the cornerstone of his being, it has been so since thousands years ago. And that's why the cycle keeps repeating itself. Tharn keeps making the same mistakes in his need to protect others, sacrificing himself instead of leaning on Phaya, over and over again. He has to overcome something that's been a part of his make-up since forever to break the cycle. And unlike Phaya, he knows nothing of his Naga past, he has no idea why all this is happening in the first place. One sneaky snake made sure of that.

And now imagine you are Tharn and the guy you have feelings for tells you, "You're in mortal danger, I will stay by your side and protect you." No wonder he totally stonewalled Phaya. If something is about to happen to Tharn, he doesn't want Phaya anywhere near him.

[brazilian-whalien52]

10 BL Boys I Want Carnally

I was tagged by @kennyomegasweave ❤️

Honestly thou, what is attraction? What is wanting carnally? Almost no idea but a slight one

1. Porsche from Kinnporsche. Come on, it's impossible to not drool enough to fill a river to Apo

2. Zhao Yulan from guardian. Him and this smile made to fuck me over, plus the stupid lollipop. Shen, I know why you waited for centuries

3. Babe from pit babe. Okay, but this choice is not exactly babe but pavel? I had the biggest crush on 2moons and honestly that is my fav but I am too old for that pavel now! Although I loved those fucking tattoos

4. Kim from Kinnporsche. You know maybe here is my love for Jeff showing because damn he hits hard but also when I look for Kim pictures he is mostly adorable? I am just attract to his cynic baby girls rockstar vibe

5. Rain from love in the air. He is just so mesmerizing?

6. Xia Yao from advance bravely. But honestly both leads here are such a big cast... The rain scene was spectacular but I was so obsessed over baby girl Xia Yao that is not even funny. I had a picture I was obsessed that i cant find anymore

7. Gavreel from Gameboys. Just the way he says baby is my weak spot. My weakest spot is always a pretty smile (see apo above too and others). Nothing can destroy me as much as one and his smile is just...

8. Pat from Bad Buddy. Funny enough normally not me type but honestly pat is just so charming that he is impossible not to love. If he looks at me like that I feel weak on my knees (anyway why am i lying about type when he also has the prettiest smile)

9. My personal weatherman. Which one? Well you see i do not know how to explain this. Yoh is just so fluffy and just out of this world and I just want to trace Mizuki moles. Together they are just... Ah

10. Tharn from tharntype. I know controversial, he fucked up a lot but you don't have all the facts! Facts 👇

you guys cant believe how face blind i am and the revelation I had doing this. Fucking lord.

Anyway, I had to control myself to not add to many gifs? I want to add more by them become too much. It is all pavel fault!

Is there anybody that hasn't done this challenge yet? It seems like most people had done, if you weren't tag before please feel free to do it. I am tagging @theelast-straw @hyperfocusmadness @jackpoompkin @troubled-mind @telomeke @lookingforshangrila @chocomilkshakeblog @twig-tea because I do not seem to remember they doing it?

[respectthepetty]

Okay. I am missing something here and I am hoping your expertise can help. Everyone keeps talking about the pink lighting in The Sign series and I just don't understand the significance. If it wouldn't be too much trouble I am hoping you can explain it to me. Thank you!

@pluckygazelle, for me, in the simplest form, pink = 💕love💕

Shows like GAP clearly stated such in its series by color coding one character pink and the other black.

So when Porsche was asked if he loved Kinn in KinnPorsche, his backdrop was pink.

Jade just asked Mai in Middleman's Love why everything had turned pink, to which Mai responded it was because Mai loves Jade.

We know Pisaeng fell first in Be My Favorite, so maybe it was here under the pink club lights that Pisaeng sealed his fate.

Or when Kawi passed out on him with the pink wisteria in the background.

Sometimes, the pink sheets snitch on the couple and tell us they are in love like in Between Us.

Or in Big Dragon, even when Yai didn't want to admit he loved Mangkorn.

Normally, if a pair is color coded, seeing pink (or having rose-colored glasses) denotes that they are happy and in love, like with our Green Guy wearing pink in Love Tractor.

Because even Pink Milk used to be a BL staple signaling that this would be a queer love story, which is why I was thrilled when Last Twilight's Mork combined two love symbols into one.

Which I think was also a callback of sorts to Jimmy and Sea's first series together, Vice Versa, since Jimmy's character's, Puen's favorite color was pink.

Once again, pink = 💕love💕

Regardless if it's a soft pink

Or a more intense one

We know the love is there, which is why I liked that Tharn and Phaya started soft,

And will only intensify as the story progresses.

So, yeah, 8/10 times, pink = 💕love💕

The remaining 2/10 is Tankhun's wardrobe.

[theflagscene]

I find this scene in episode six very interesting, it was very minimal but I think it said kind of a lot.

Yai is doing his damndest to convince Tharn to take a chance on a relationship with Phaya, so of course good ole doctor snakey shows up. Only he doesn’t spare a passing glance at Yai and it seems like Yai doesn’t realize the other man is there, even after another person has drawn him away from Tharn and his brooding stare.

The only time Yai has ever even acknowledged the existence of Chalothon was to Phaya in episode three, to reassure him that Tharn hadn’t just been snatched away from him by some random stranger. And that’s it, that’s all Yai has to say about that. He says that they’ve known Chalothon since they were kids, okay, so let’s break that down.

One can assume that the night Phaya drowned when they were kids, the third boy was Chalothon, right? He lures them away to the Naga festival with firecrackers and food, yet when Phaya is in fact being called into the water, sees the Naga’s green eyes and starts to drown, the third boy isn’t with Tharn and Yai. The next time you see Tharn, he’s just with Yai and the third boy, who we’re just going to assume is Chalothon, isn’t there with them. He shows back up with sweets for both boys - none for himself - after Phaya is already dying in the river.

When Tharn claims to have gotten a sign about a boy drowning, Yai laughs at him and the third (Chalothon) is quick to agree and attempts to drag the two away. That is until they hear Phaya’s auntie crying for help, which is when both Tharn and Yai take off, Chalothon following close behind. He’s playing the long con, this is their 4th incarnation (sorry for the spoilers if you didn’t know that) Which means snakey boy has failed to get Tharn to return with him to the Naga kingdom three times already, not including the first time he lost them to King Garuda. He has learned, he knows he can’t push, he needs to bide his time, but he also has to steer clear of Luangpor. Guess who is never seen anywhere near the all knowing monk? Yeah, the third boy, the other witness and sort of hero that ‘helped’ save Phaya that night. He doesn’t show up when Tharn, Yai, Phaya and their aunties speak with the revered monk the next day.

I think that Chalothon is using some witchery to insert himself into the good graces of the people in Tharn’s life when needed, but otherwise they don’t actually realize he’s there. Like he’s purposely blocking Yai from interacting with him because Yai is that annoying older brother who would tell Tharn; dude that doctor guy is sus as hell!

To Yai he’s made a memory of himself like an old childhood friend, but otherwise Yai is none the wiser to him. He already has Tharn’s trust implicitly, not only as his long time friend but as a medical professional. Chalothon has been manipulating and gaslighting Tharn for - one can assume - most of his adult life. Using mental health and basically the fear of being insane to keep Tharn controlled, and it was going so well too, until Phaya showed back up in his life.

Hot-headed, knuckled brain Phaya who’s both bark and bite. He already has his memories as King Garuda trickling back in, probably faster than Chalothon expected. And it quickly became clear that while Chalothon might have been able to cause descension in the ranks using simple medical jargon and the fear of being labeled as mentally unstable, Phaya and Tharn reconnecting has already awoken their powers, not to mention that their memories are returning as lightning speed. Think in episode five when Phaya grabs Chalothon’s shoulder and burns him, he just does it instinctually, without even trying. Not only that, but the mark left behind is in the shape of talons. Phaya is becoming too strong and Yai is pushing Tharn closer toward him, even offering himself up as protection, sacrifice, one might say.

Chalothon has no need for Yai anymore, subtly is no longer the name of the game. And while he might be willing to wait yet another lifetime to try again, that doesn’t mean Chalothon wants to. But he has made it clear that he will kill Tharn and start all over if his hand is forced and since Yai is firmly committed to keeping Phaya and Tharn together, well… I’m thinking he might have just moved himself higher up ole doctor snakey’s list of very expendable people.



[wanderlust-in-my-soul]

10 BL Boys That I Want "Carnally"

aka The Horny List

I was tagged by @my-rose-tinted-glasses @twig-tea @rocketturtle4 and @nieves-de-sugui 🤍 Thank you so much! And sorry I am late to the game! I am lying down with a cold right now... what means I had a little time to think about this list and to respect my own weak heart for bad boys and puppy guys... The heart wants what the heart wants...

Starting the list with one of the softest and warmest bad boys out there right now:

Mhok from Last Twilight

He stole my heart from the beginning and never gave it back. I guess he will keep it for eternity. And that is totally fine! He has the biggest heart and is the biggest green flag disguised as a red flag that is walking the bl-world right now. I love how he looks at Day, how he takes care for him and how he slowly fell for him.

I guess the second one doesn't come as a surprise when you look at my profle pic:

Boeing from Only Friends

He is just sex on a stick and I am still mad that he got introduced so late into the show. He would have been so much fun to watch destroying the whole "friend group" piece by piece. I would have watched such a show. Well I guess I would watch a show in which he just leans out of the pool like that for 40 minutes straight and I wouldn't be mad...

On third we have our first couple, because one doesn't work without the other:

DongWook and DoHyun from A Breeze Of Love

I was so freaking happy seeing those two wanting each other. Those two were in love with each other, not just on an emotional level but on a physical level attracted to each other and the series didn't hide it! It is my favorite bl of this year and the mutual attraction played into it. And those two are just two lost puppies who wants to love and be loved and urgh! I love them!

Going on to an old crush of mine:

Forth from 2 Moons 2

Yes, it is mostly Pavel, but I really liked this soft bad boy with this rascal hair cut and the tattoos. I loved his whole character and yes in the end I am just a weak girl, because look at him!

One character I wish I could drag out of the screen and keep as my own little prince of his stupid white horse:

Yai from I Feel You Linger In The Air

He is one of the prettiest men I ever saw and his puppy eyes with which he is looking at Jom and the soft voice whenever he says his name were making me weak in the knees. He is a total romantic and just wants to love and be loved in return. He is the perfect gentleman and loyal till the end. He needs a strong partner at his side to be the best version of himself and when he dances, the whole world stops for a moment.

Coming to a very much new pic for me and it is a pairing again:

Naoki and Yamashiro from Kiss x Kiss x Kiss: Love ii Shower

I mean Naoki looked like a greek god and Yamashiro was just so sensual in this short episode. I have to confess, I couldn't find a version with subtitles, so I don't know exactly what they were talking about, but in the end, did I really care that much, especially when they started using a language I could understand very good? No, not really. Sometimes I just like looking at beautiful people kissing each other.

One of my long-lasting loves:

Mark from Love Mechanics

I adore War. I love him so much and I am going feral when Jack & Joker really comes real next year. He has one of the best faces out there. He looks good crying and being evil and of course laughing. And Mark was such a lost puppy prick and Vee treated him really shitty for most of the times, but because I love Vee too, I can't be too hard on him. But Mark, I want to give him a hug... everytime all the time!

And on we go with another recent catch for my eyes:

Phaya from The Sign

He is such a flirt and he makes it very clear that he likes Tharn and I love that for us. He is one of the people I want to be hold in their arms just like Tharn here. I can't wait for those two to finally give in to their feelings! And for the mystical plot to unfold itself more, because I really want to know what is going on! And I want those two to save each other.

The next one is called Papi Chulo on TikTok and I can see why:

Sailom from Wedding Plan

The series might not be the best one out there and Papi Chulo might be frustrating for some people, but I loved them both! Lom is such a treat and for most of the times I understand why he acted like he did. And after he came clean with Namnuea he was the best boyfriend/fiancé. And he has one of the best smiles out there and such a cute mole!

Closing this list with the one character I am going feral at the moment whenever he is on screen:

Prom from Playboyy

He has this pure lust in his eyes whenever he looks at Nont and I love it. I don't know if I would trust Prom, but be sure if this man wants to put on a mask and punish me in his basement I would let him... He is one of my guilty pleasures right now and I would watch the series just for him and his fucked up relationship with Nont.

This was fun! I am so late to the game, I am not tagging anyone, because I know many have done it already and I don't want to double tag :) But if you see this and want to do it yourself, feel free to make your own list and tag me, so I can have a look at your picks 😊

[bengiyo]

The Sign Ep 9 Stray Thoughts

Last week, we finally got the backstory on the Naga stuff, and it was lacking. Also, Phaya's questions were lame as hell. Thankfully, we got to see Tharn wearing Phaya's clothes, and there was some great bro content. The investigation stuff continued, connecting more mueders, but I'm barely paying attention to the shoelace mystery. The Abbott told them to stay away from the water, but of course they didn't listen, so Phaya drowned.

This hospital scene on the waiting room bench is pretty good.

Montree and his villain mustache. I am glad we confirmed that Montree put a hit out on Tharn's dad.

Oh lord, they trapped Phaya in the shadow realm.

Of course Chalothorn is here to finish his mission on Tharn.

Everyone is constantly eavesdropping on this show.

Update your conspiracy boards, girls. The inspector is even more involved than we thought. This explains the weird energy between the inspector and Montree a few episodes ago.

Everyone is doing a great job in this hospital room scene. I like how seriously they're playing this drowning and the aftermath. I have gripes about this show, but that was good character writing for a group scene.

These guys lose every fight, and the choreography for the bathroom scuffle was loose.

Suddenly: Chart. Welcome back, Kaownah. I'm glad you weren't just here for a one-off role.

It's serious now. He's unleashed his Animality.

Tharn is going rogue now! I'm excited.

Okay, I'm good with them getting back to each other, but Phaya is definitely going to get winded trying to have sex.

It's about time these things finally started coming together. I don't want the show to lose momentum at this point. This episode was under 50 minutes and I think it helped.

[silverraes]

10 BL Boys I Want Carnally

10 BL Boys That Make Me Feel Things™

(not sexual, not romantic but a secret third thing)

okay so I wasn't exactly tagged in this but I saw several people doing this and I'll take just about any excuse to scream about my favorite characters so I'm just going to very sneakily join in on this trend 👀

there is absolutely no ranking to these bc I couldn't rank them if I wanted to

(also I changed the name a little bc my ace ass is literally physically incapable of wanting anyone carnally but I still have lots of thoughts lmao)

1) Tharn (The Sign)

I mean. is literally anyone surprised that this is where we're starting?

he's the nicest person out there. he can kick your ass if he wants to. he lost his parents at a young age and is absolutely convinced that everyone he loves is doomed to die and he keeps seeing visions of people dying and he's told again and again that those he has wronged in a past life - which he doesn't even remember - are still out to get him and yet he has so much kindness left for the world??

also he can be such a little shit and knows exactly how to tease Phaya back I love him so goddamn much.

(also that mole-)

2) Kim (Kinnporsche)

was he also on my characters I'd hit with my car list? maybe. and what about it.

I love him so much. he's such a badass but he's such a loser. famous singer who falls for a fan he was supposed to be investigating but is too emotionally constipated to admit it. badass son of a mafia family who can kick ass but only if he wants to. who does it like him honestly

(it also helps that he's played by just about the prettiest man alive)

3) Babe (Pit Babe)

did I start watching this show ironically? yes. is every mention of alphas and mpreg and that mama/papa thing hitting me like a brick and causing me 9000 psychic damage every single time? also yes. did I absolutely fall in love with the show and just about every character in it? you bet your fucking ass I did.

but I especially love Babe. he's just so babygirl. special alpha man who has to act tough and strong but just wants to be babied by his dumbass loser (affectionate) alpha boyfriend. like, he's actually so goddamn soft?? I love him.

4) Guy (Bake Me Please)

I think we all knew this was coming. I was literally gushing about him for half of the episodes. Guy my beloved. that show did not deserve you.

he spends the entire show supporting his crush's every decision and trying to make sure he's okay literally how could you not love this man

(yes he was a petty bitch for like 5 minutes there but he immediately apologized for it the next episode. properly. unlike certain other people-)

5) Sprite (Twins)

he's so himbo coded. himbo of all himbos. the himboest. not a brain cell in that head. he's my little dumbass I love him.

he deserves so much better than what he's being put through. someone please just love and support him for who he is. and also take him away from that family

(please talk to your boyfriend tho I am begging)

6) Wei Wuxian (The Untamed)

MY BELOVED. I could write essays about him. he's such a great character I love him so fucking much. if you ever had to bear witness to me talking about him.. I am so sorry.

sassy emo bitch with a flute and a tragic backstory who's seen as evil by just about everyone but only ever had the best intentions. absolute fucking dumbass. kicks ass. always smiling despite the circumstances. loves his siblings so damn much. doomed by the narrative. what more could you possibly ask for

7) Zhou Zishu (Word of Honor)

I'm trying so damn hard to keep this list to one character per show and it really took me a while to decide if I wanted to include him or Wen Kexing but ultimately it was Zhou Zishu for me

just.. god. him. assassin sect leader just trying to retire who keeps getting dragged into the biggest bullshit but doesn't really mind bc the bullshit comes with a mysterious pretty man. also that whole god damn nail thing. I have so many thoughts and feelings about that but this post would get too long if I got started on those-

(also actually pulling the "I'm literally dying" card to get out of chores is so fucking valid of him. more characters should do that)

8) Milk (Choco Milk Shake)

he is quite fucking literally a reincarnated cat, of course I love him. I could list reasons for why I love him but it would be the exact same reasons just about every cat person on earth lists for why they love cats so. but here's a quick summary, just in case:

petty. dramatic. knocks over glasses. silently loves you so fucking much.

9) Tew (My Dear Gangster Oppa)

I really did not expect to love him this much? greenest of green flags (except for the plot line we shall not talk about). can and will kill people and is fine with it (seriously it is so refreshing to see a mafia character not having a huge moral dilemma about being in the mafia). both a badass mafia man and a gamer guy who doesn't know how to talk to people and is absolutely whipped for his gamer bf.

also scars make a person just about 110x more attractive I don't make the rules. even if the scars are weird and yellow, it's the thought that counts.

10) Tian (A Tale of Thousand Stars)

I? love him??

I just love how he sets out to do something for someone he didn't even know because he feels like this person deserves that much at least and how he ends up genuinely loving and caring for those kids and the village and this inner conflict he's having the entire time but hiding oh so well and how he actually calls out his parents on their rich people bs and-

tagging everyone who reads this far and wants to do it. seriously. I mean it. if you want to do this, please go ahead and say I tagged you. I love reading everyone's thoughts.

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

I love Yai so much.

He's so protective & loyal. I really want to know who he was in the past life, because they implied all the friends are connected! Has he always been Tharn's loyal friend?

Also Phaya hitting Tharn was such a dick move. But it does seem like his anger might be beyond normal - I forget who theorized that Chalothon might have had some sort of supernatural effect on him? But it seems very plausible. It's an effective way to keep them apart.

Damn, I just love the way they stage shots in this show.

Ha, I knew it! They never show someone that much in the background unless it's for setup.

Also I love that when Tharn said his name, Phaya popped his head around to look at him all "wtf?".

Ok, I know he's a killer, but also - hot damn.

Gotta say, as much as I don't love cops as protagonists these days, I like that the show is calling out that cops can easily be criminals, and the justice system is fucked.

Whoa...possession?

Ok, so now I'm wondering if he was killing because something out there fed his anger to the extreme...kinda like what happened to Phaya, but over a longer time.

Omg! The look of horror! This is sooooo Chalothon y'all!!!

The feeeeeels.

I am weak.

Ugh. This guy is annoying me.

Keep questioning the system boys!

So the cop/hero stuff is blech, but I do find the parallel they're setting up here interesting.

Tharn, baby? Did you forget about all the people saying you've done wrong in your past life?

Lol, not Phaya prepping to make a move!

Either a whole lot of lights appeared out of nowhere or this is another fantasy sequence.

GODDAMMIT.

Look, I do appreciate we're getting some nice spicy moments to tide us over until they hook up in real life, but also - we need some real life smooches!!!

Ha, Tharn is a realist. I always think the same thing with wound-blowing scenes!

Gonna have to bring your fantasies to life some other way Phaya!

Oh damn!

Love what Heng is doing with his jaw, it's so suggestive of a snake about to unhinge.

Check the bingo card, obligatory sponge bath!

Lol, Phaya's "is this really happening or is this another horny daydream?" face.

Sibling relationships are so relatable, no matter what culture you're from.

OH DAMN!!

I still have no idea what's happening here, but I love it all the same.

[mlmshipbracket]

ROUND 3: POLL #9

Ruthari art by h. serath on Instagram

ROUND 3 POLLS [HERE]

PROPAGANDA BELOW

Phaya/Tharn:

They're destined lovers!!!! They're meant to be together!!! Phaya has dreams about them and Tharn has visions about Phaya. Their relationship is all kinds of messy and complicated that spans across their lifetimes. Phaya was a garuda and Tharn was a naga and now they're both detectives and will always find each other. 

"look here are some more cute videos of them

[SPOILERS up to ep 7]

and another one (SPOILERS up to ep 5)

ANYWAYS they're literally destined soulmates but like Romeo and Juliet too at the same time because they're a Garuda and a Naga who are like classic enemies in mythology and even though they've been reincarnated as normal humans, (tho Phaya has strange dreams and Tharn has prophetic visions so they're not that normal lol) they're still like cosmically being torn apart because of their past karma. And like in one of the first episodes Phaya is literally described as someone who will bring Tharn into more danger BUT is also the only person who can free him from this repeated cycle of bad karma that haunts him. 

Like imagine you and your lover are soulmates and are these mythical creatures who have a long standing enmity between them so it's very tragic BUT you eventually are reincarnated as normal humans and are still destined for each other so everything should be fine except your both still haunted by your past lives and everyone you love dies because of you and you have visions and then you meet this guy and suddenly you keep getting visions about him dying and he's been seeing you in his dreams his whole life and the Abbott at the temple you grew up in says that you two are tied together and that he is the only person who can save you from your past karma but to do that he's going to put you in more danger and you're still convinced that everyone you love dies because of you and also there's an evil snake deity from your past life who is doing everything in his power to keep you two part. They're insane.

anyways watch this little clip of Phaya's dream from episode 5 to get a feel

and also this confession scene (and well.... there's some scenes after that too ;) ) from episode 7

oh! and here's a couple more gif sets of them!

Runaan/Ethari:

Propaganda by @svperluminous [HERE]

Propaganda by @no-cinnamon-for-synonym [HERE]

[mikuni14]

The Sign - Ep 5

As usual, I'll start with the police part of the story, the least important. All the time I was thinking about only one thing: if only you were so motivated, if only you devoted as much time, resources and effort to catching a fucking r*pist as you put into catching a grief-stricken, sick man. If only the inspector team leader shook the victim's hand and promised them everything like he promises a fucking criminal. Copaganda just doesn't work anymore, sorry guys, but acab 🤷‍♀️

I was kind of puzzled by Phaya's behavior at the beginning of the episode, I think he should have believed Tharn, his behavior is a bit ooc. I.. think? I assume that the still angry Phaya is just done so that the plot can later give a scene of him coming to his senses after almost losing Tharn (*and insert romantic scene here*). What I liked was how in character Tharn was, and he acted exactly as he should. And the look on Phaya's face when he unintentionally hit Tharn.

Phaya and Dr. Douchelaton scene was simply awesome, starting with the two of them momentarily slipping into the world of supernatural 🤩. Everything was cool here, Phaya's claw-like fingers, the way Doc could barely control his rage (that clenching jaw), their fight for dominance, for Tharn. Omg! Personally I like jealousy done well and Phaya fighting for Tharn and winning was a *chef's kiss*. And wow, Heng perfectly shows what a psycho Dr. Chophisdickoff is, his behavior, his expressions 👌

I love that when it comes to sexual fantasies, Tharn is slightly brothel-ish and Phaya has soft fantasies decorated with dancing luminous lights ✨

The shock on the face of the naga-possessed vigilante when the knife pierced Tharn, instead of that pesky bird, was so cool. Also telling. Tharn shielding Phaya and fighting the enemy with his superpowers was my fav 👌👌

Phaya and Tharn's reconciliation scene… oh gosh, what can I say except that when Phaya is angry, he is angry, but when he is not angry, he literally makes the most romatic, raw marriage vows. Or something. The way they touch each other tenderly, how they get lost in each other's eyes 🥺

The bed scene had me chewing on the walls, crawling on the ceiling and understanding quantum physics for a second. Ok, but this is what I call chemistry between characters (actors). It was Tharn trying to mold his body around Phaya's, wrapping around him, leaving not an inch of space between them. The way Phaya gently lifts Tharn's head to cradle him in his arms, to hug him closer, to make sure that there is absolutely NO space between them, that he finally has the opportunity to have Tharn in his arms. IT'S HOW NATURAL THEY LOOK TOGETHER, HOW PERFECTLY THEY FIT TOGETHER LIKE PUZZLE PIECES. The way Phaya took care of Tharn and looked at him with tenderness, the way he stopped Tharn's hand from going any further. Phaya is such a good guy. The way Phaya looks like he's experiencing nirvana when he finally has Tharn in his arms, cuddled up to him. (as a person of refined manners and uninterested in worldly pleasures, I will NOT write anything about the effect that Tharn's shaved legs certainly do NOT have on me. I will also politely ignore how Phaya's attention immediately shifted to those legs in this 👇 scene)

gif by @mymycorrhizae

I also want to say that I keep thinking about how caring, how forgiving Tharn is. How I think of his sweet, sweet face, especially upturned as he looks at Phaya with devotion and love. Tharn has my whole heart. I love how Tharn "don't come near me, you handsome cow" freaks out every time there's even a hint of the possibility of losing Phaya, like when Sand offers Phaya a date with her friend, or when Phaya gets mad at him and don't want to talk to him 😭 So I'm really looking forward to the next episode and long-haired, sweet Tharn/Wansarat caring for the wounded enemy Phaya/Garuda.