Only Friends (Thai: เพื่อนต้องห้าม lit. 'Forbidden Friends') is a 2023 Thai television series starring an ensemble cast: Kanaphan Puitrakul, Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan, Jiratchapong Srisang, Kasidet Plookphol, Trai Nimtawat and Pakin Kuna-anuvit, exploring the theme of friends-with-benefits relationships among youth[1][2]
| Only Friends | |
|---|---|
 | |
| เพื่อนต้องห้าม | |
| Genre | |
| Directed by | Tichakorn Phukhaotong Pinya Chookamsri |
| Starring | Kanaphan Puitrakul Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan Jiratchapong Srisang Kasidet Plookphol Trai Nimtawat Pakin Kuna-anuvit |
| Opening theme | "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" (Instrumental) |
| Ending theme | "รัก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?)" by Ford Arun |
| Country of origin | Thailand |
| Original language | Thai |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Sataporn Panichraksapong Darapa Choeysanguan |
| Running time | 50–80 minutes |
| Production company | GMMTV |
| Original release | |
| Network | GMM 25 |
| Release | August 12 – October 28, 2023 |
Directed by Tichakorn Phukhaotong and Pinya Chookamsri and produced by GMMTV.[3] The series was announced at the GMMTV 2023: Diversely Yours press event on November 22, 2022.[4][5][6] The series premiered on GMM 25 on August 12, 2023,[1][7] and concluded on October 28, 2023, after 12 episodes.[8][9]
Synopsis
editAlcohol, drugs, pheromones, partying and music lead a group of university students to become entangled in love, passion and secrets. Lines will be crossed and friendships will be broken. Will they become something more, or will they remain only friends?
Mew has spent the last four years of university only focusing on his studies, leaving no time for sex or relationships. His friend Boston wants Mew to finally lose his virginity and introduces him to Top, intending for them to have a one-night stand. However, he is not happy when Top wants a relationship with Mew instead. Meanwhile, bar singer Sand begins to fall for Ray after spending time together, but Ray is in love with his best friend, Mew. Elsewhere, Boston becomes friends with benefits with IT guy Nick, but Nick wants to make their relationship exclusive.
Cast
editMain
edit- Kanaphan Puitrakul (First) as Sand
- Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung) as Ray
- Jiratchapong Srisang (Force) as Top
- Kasidet Plookphol (Book) as Mew
- Trai Nimtawat (Neo) as Boston
- Pakin Kuna-anuvit (Mark) as Nick
Supporting
edit- Bhasidi Petchsutee (Lookjun) as Namcheum
- Pitchaporn Kirdpan (Nonnie) as April
- Jennie Panhan as Yo
- Teeradej Vitheepanich (Tee) as Plug
- Kirati Puangmalee (Title) as Atom
Guest
edit- Sattabut Laedeke (Drake) as Gap
- Phromphiriya Thongputtaruk (Papang) as Dan
- Tanutchai Wijitwongthong (Mond) as Boeing
- Kankanueng Netsrithong Damrongsakul (Meen) as Sand's mom
- Gandhi Wasuwitchayagit as Boston's dad
- Saifah Tanthana as Ray's dad
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "What's Your Role in a Bar?" | 12 August 2023 | |
|
Ray, Mew, Boston and Namcheum begin working on their university project to develop a hostel. Boston introduces Top to the friend group to help with the design work; Top and Mew instantly make a connection beyond their project. Meanwhile, Boston meets IT boy Nick and bar singer Sand looks after a drunk Ray. | |||
| 2 | "My Favorite Man" | 19 August 2023 | |
|
Mew asks Top for a restart after Top's public proposal to be boyfriends at Yo's bar. Ray finds himself in need of company as all his friends are busy without him. Nick and Boston begin to hook up regularly, but Boston makes it clear that he is not interested in anything serious. | |||
| 3 | "What am I to you?" | 19 August 2023 | |
|
Ray, Mew, Boston and Namcheum prepare for a pool party at the "Only Friends Hostel". Nick stresses over the status of his relationship with Boston. Boston approaches Top with some information about Mew and Ray's relationship. | |||
| 4 | "Emergency Contact" | 2 September 2023 | |
|
Sand is upset after being ditched at the party. Ray reflects on his past, while Mew sets boundaries for their friendship. Nick confronts Top about his night in the car with Boston. | |||
| 5 | "The Extra Hour" | 9 September 2023 | |
|
Ray spends the day with Sand to get to know him better. Mew begins to feel ready to take his relationship with Top a step further. Nick makes some changes in his life by buying a new wardrobe and going to the gym. | |||
| 6 | "Happy (F*cking) Birthday" | 16 September 2023 | |
|
The group gathers at Yo's bar to celebrate Mew's birthday. However, relationships are impacted after a quarrel between Top and Sand sets off a chain of events. | |||
| 7 | "After Effect" | 23 September 2023 | |
|
Mew sets his sights on revenge after learning about Boston and Top's relationship at his birthday party. Meanwhile, Sand takes care of Ray following his car accident. | |||
| 8 | "Save Me" | 30 September 2023 | |
|
Ray and Mew decide to throw a Halloween party at the hostel, inviting everyone to join, but things take a turn for the worse when the police show up. | |||
| 9 | "The Return" | 7 October 2023 | |
|
Sand and Nick go on a trip together, while Ray struggles with his competing feelings for Mew and Sand. Elsewhere, Top tries to get back on Mew's good side. | |||
| 10 | "Redemption" | 14 October 2023 | |
|
Mew is introduced to Top's ex, Boeing. Sand convinces Ray to go to rehab, while Boston tries to make amends with Nick | |||
| 11 | "Move On, Move In" | 21 October 2023 | |
|
Mew's efforts to punish Top by spending time with Boeing puts a strain on their attempt to move forward. Sand meets his ex while at the bar with Ray. Boston and Nick discuss their future together as Boston grows closer to leaving for America. | |||
| 12 | "Begin Again" | 28 October 2023 | |
|
The group celebrates New Year's Eve together and the "Only Friends Hostel" finally opens its doors. Which couples will stay together, and who will remain only friends? | |||
Soundtrack
edit| Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung) | [10] |
| "รัก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?)" | Arun Asawasuebsakul (Ford) | [11] |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Series | Only Friends | Nominated | [12][13][14] |
| Outstanding Lead Actor | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Supporting Actor | Trai Nimtawat | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Supporting Actor | Pakin Kuna-anuvit | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Director | Pinya Chookamsri | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Director | Tichakorn Phukhaotong | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Writing | Only Friends | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Theme Song | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Socially Reflective Television Media | Only Friends | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | Kazz Awards | Series of the Year | Only Friends | Pending | [15] |
| HiBL! Awards | Best Series | Only Friends | Won | [16] | |
| Best Actor | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Won | |||
| Best Couple | First & Khaotung | Won | |||
| Best OST | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Won | |||
| Thailand Social Awards | Best Content Performance on Social Media | Only Friends | Pending | [17] | |
| 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated | [18] | |
| Best Original Screenplay | Panuwat Intawat, Tichakorn Phukhaotong & Kittisak Kongka | Nominated | |||
| Best Theme Song | "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" | Nominated | |||
| Best Direction (Drama, ASEAN) | Pinya Chookamsri & Tichakorn Phukhaotong | Nominated | |||
| Best Cinematography | Rath Roongrueangtantisook | Nominated |
Tours
edit| Year | Title | Date | Venue | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Only Friends Final EP. Fan Meeting | October 28, 2023 | Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theater, Siam Paragon | [8] |
| Only Friends Fan Meeting in Japan | December 9, 2023 | Saitama Hall | [19] | |
| 2024 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Taipei | April 7, 2024 | NTU Sports Center | [20][21] |
| Only Friends Fan Meeting in Hong Kong | June 15, 2024 | AXA Dreamland | [22] | |
| Only Friends Fan Meeting in Vietnam | July 6, 2024 | Hoa Binh Theater | [23] | |
| Only Friends Fan Meeting in Manila | August 24, 2024 | New Frontier Theater | [24] |
References
edit- ^ a b "เรื่องย่อ Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม ซีรีส์ช่อง GMM25". www.sanook.com/movie (in Thai). 2023-08-19. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ Radio, BECTero. "แฟนๆ เป็นปลื้ม Trailer 'Only friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม' ทะลุ 1ล้านวิว ดัน #OnlyfriendsTrailer1M พุ่งติดเทรนด์ทวิตเตอร์ | STAR FM THAILAND". starfm.teroradio.com. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "Contents". GMMTV. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "เปิดโผโปรเจกต์ใหม่สุดปัง! ซีรีส์ 19 เรื่อง 1 หนังฟอร์มยักษ์ GMMTV 2023 : DIVERSELY YOURS". www.sanook.com/movie (in Thai). 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ ""GMMTV" เปิดโผโปรเจกต์ใหม่สุดปัง!! ในงาน "GMMTV 2023 : DIVERSELY YOURS" ส่งคอนเทนต์บันเทิงหลากหลายครบรส กับซีรีส์ 19 เรื่อง และภาพยนตร์ฟอร์มยักษ์ 1 เรื่อง พร้อมตอกย้ำความสำเร็จในระดับสากล". www.gmmgrammy.com. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "GMMTV 2023 ยกทัพดารา 100 ชีวิตเปิดตัวซีรีส์ใหม่ 19 เรื่องและ 1 ภาพยนตร์สุดปัง". trueID (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "เรื่องย่อ "Only Friends - เพื่อนต้องห้าม" (มีคลิป)". mgronline.com (in Thai). 2023-08-02. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ a b "เฟิร์ส-ข้าวตัง, ฟอส-บุ๊ค, นีโอ-มาร์ค, ลูกจัน ยกทีมปิดโรงลุ้นตอนจบ Only Friends Final EP". www.sanook.com/movie (in Thai). 2023-10-30. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "เรื่องย่อ Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม ช่อง GMM25 (ตอนจบ)". trueID (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let's Try) Ost.Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม - Khaotung Thanawat". GMMTV. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "ก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?) Ost.Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม - Ford Arun". GMMTV. Retrieved 2014-01-14.
- ^ ""Y UNIVERSE AWARDS" ส่งมอบรางวัลให้คนเบื้องหน้า - เบื้องหลัง เป็นปีที่ 3". สยามรัฐ (in Thai). 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "ขอแสดงความยินดีกับศิลปิน และผลงานของ GMMTV ที่ได้เข้าชิงรางวัลประเภทยอดเยี่ยมจากเวที 'YUNIVERSE AWARDS 2023' โดยปีนี้เข้าชิงทั้งหมด 9 สาขา รวม 24 รายชื่อ". X. 2023-11-25. Retrieved 2024-01-14.[self-published]
- ^ "คนบันเทิงกว่าร้อยชีวิต ร่วมงาน!!! Y Universe Awards2023 สุดยอดงานประกาศรางวัลสายวายที่ยิ่งใหญ่ที่สุดในประเทศไทย!!!". mgronline.com (in Thai). 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
- ^ "VOTE KK Series of the year 2024". KAZZ Market Worldwide. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "We are pleased to announce that #FirstKhaotung, #ForceBook and #NeoMark have received the #HiBLAwards2023 trophies for their nominations with "Only Friends Series"!". X. 2024-02-13. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
- ^ "12th Thailand Social Awards". thailandsocialawards.com. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ @GMMTV (October 16, 2024). "ขอแสดงความยินดีกับศิลปินและผลงานของ GMMTV ที่ได้รับเสนอชื่อเข้าชิงรางวัล Asian Television Awards ครั้งที่ 29 ใน 14 สาขารางวัล รวม 21 รายชื่อ" (Tweet). Retrieved 2024-10-16 – via Twitter.
- ^ "「Force-Book」「First-Khaotung」「Neo-Mark」豪華6名による初めての公演！". X. 2023-10-21. Retrieved 2024-01-14.[self-published]
- ^ "Do Concert". www.doconcert-ticket.com. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "Only Friends Fan Meeting in Taipei". kklivetw.kktix.cc. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "Only Friends Fan Meeting In Hong Kong". Tix Get Go. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
- ^ "Tình bạn diệu kỳ – Only Friends Fanmeeting in Vietnam – JS Media" (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 2024-06-01.
- ^ "Stars of Thai drama 'Only Friends' coming to Manila". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-05-25.