Description:

On Valentine’s Day 2025, we rode the “Korean Wave” and explored the world of K-dramas. In 2026, we’ll be flying on the “Thai Wind” as Thailand’s own hugely successful “BL” “Boys’ Love” or “Y” dramas have been called. We’ll be finding out what they are (and what they’re not) and asking how the BL industry has come to be “Thailand’s newest soft power”. Focusing on the dramas made or set in Chiang Mai and the North, we’ll be examining how our region is represented in them and encountering some of the writers, producers, directors and actors who create them. We’ll also be keeping a look-out for those that might appeal to audiences beyond the many BL fans.Why have some of the most memorable dramas come from the North? Join us for what promises to be an informative and fun workshop event!

Presenter: Graham Jefcoate

Graham Jefcoate was born in England and studied English and Library Science in Cambridge and London, though he spent much of his working life abroad, particularly in the Netherlands.Today he lives in Chiang Mai, where he has pursued his interest in the life of foreign communities in early 20th-century Siam/Thailand. His collection Enchanted Land: Foreign Writings about Chiang Mai in the Early 20th Century was published by River Books in 2023. Graham has given many presentations and led many excursions relating to the life of foreign communities in Chiang Mai for Lifelong Learning Payap. In addition, he is a great fan of both K-dramas and BL dramas and loves sharing his knowledge of and enthusiasm for these new genres of film with LLL participants. Last year’s presentation on K-dramas was enthusiastically received.

COST : 350 THB