Only Friends
{{Short description|2023 Thai television series}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Only Friends Series Official Poster.jpg
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| caption = Official series poster
| native_name = เพื่อนต้องห้าม
| genre = {{ubl|Drama|Boys' Love}}
| director = Tichakorn Phukhaotong
Pinya Chookamsri
| starring = Kanaphan Puitrakul
Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan
Jiratchapong Srisang
Kasidet Plookphol
Trai Nimtawat
Pakin Kunaanuwit
| open_theme = "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" (Instrumental)
| end_theme = "รัก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?)" by Ford Arun
| country = Thailand
| language = Thai
| num_episodes = 12
| executive_producer = Sataporn Panichraksapong
Darapa Choeysanguan
| runtime = 50–80 minutes
| company = GMMTV
| network = GMM 25
| first_aired = {{Start date|2023|08|12}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2023|10|28}}
}}
Only Friends (Thai: เพื่อนต้องห้าม {{Lit|Forbidden Friends}}) is a 2023 Thai television series starring an ensemble cast: Kanaphan Puitrakul (First), Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung), Jiratchapong Srisang (Force), Kasidet Plookphol (Book), Trai Nimtawat (Neo) and Pakin Kunaanuwit (Mark), exploring the theme of friends-with-benefits relationships among youth{{Cite web |date=2023-08-19 |title=เรื่องย่อ Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม ซีรีส์ช่อง GMM25 |url=https://www.sanook.com/movie/151475/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.sanook.com/movie |language=th}}{{Cite web |last=Radio |first=BECTero |title=แฟนๆ เป็นปลื้ม Trailer 'Only friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม' ทะลุ 1ล้านวิว ดัน #OnlyfriendsTrailer1M พุ่งติดเทรนด์ทวิตเตอร์ {{!}} STAR FM THAILAND |url=https://starfm.teroradio.com/news/62195 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=starfm.teroradio.com |language=en}}
Directed by Tichakorn Phukhaotong and Pinya Chookamsri and produced by GMMTV.{{Cite web |title=Contents |url=https://www.gmm-tv.com/contents/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=GMMTV}} The series was announced at the GMMTV 2023: Diversely Yours press event on November 22, 2022.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=เปิดโผโปรเจกต์ใหม่สุดปัง! ซีรีส์ 19 เรื่อง 1 หนังฟอร์มยักษ์ GMMTV 2023 : DIVERSELY YOURS |url=https://www.sanook.com/movie/132609/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.sanook.com/movie |language=th}}{{Cite web |title="GMMTV" เปิดโผโปรเจกต์ใหม่สุดปัง!! ในงาน "GMMTV 2023 : DIVERSELY YOURS" ส่งคอนเทนต์บันเทิงหลากหลายครบรส กับซีรีส์ 19 เรื่อง และภาพยนตร์ฟอร์มยักษ์ 1 เรื่อง พร้อมตอกย้ำความสำเร็จในระดับสากล |url=https://www.gmmgrammy.com/newsroom/news-single.php?id=9775 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.gmmgrammy.com}}{{Cite web |title=GMMTV 2023 ยกทัพดารา 100 ชีวิตเปิดตัวซีรีส์ใหม่ 19 เรื่องและ 1 ภาพยนตร์สุดปัง |url=https://entertainment.trueid.net/detail/1zRobJGval05 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=trueID |language=th}} The series premiered on GMM 25 on August 12, 2023,{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=เรื่องย่อ "Only Friends - เพื่อนต้องห้าม" (มีคลิป) |url=https://mgronline.com/drama/detail/9660000069267 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=mgronline.com |language=th}} and concluded on October 28, 2023, after 12 episodes.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=เฟิร์ส-ข้าวตัง, ฟอส-บุ๊ค, นีโอ-มาร์ค, ลูกจัน ยกทีมปิดโรงลุ้นตอนจบ Only Friends Final EP |url=https://www.sanook.com/movie/158295/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=www.sanook.com/movie |language=th}}{{Cite web |title=เรื่องย่อ Only Friends เพื่อนต้องห้าม ช่อง GMM25 (ตอนจบ) |url=https://entertainment.trueid.net/synopsis/K5xmQvEXz43R |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=trueID |language=th}}
Synopsis
Alcohol, 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 and characters
=Main=
- Kanaphan Puitrakul (First) as Sand
- Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung) as Ray Pakon
- Jiratchapong Srisang (Force) as Top Tanin
- Kasidet Plookphol (Book) as Mew Witsarut
- Trai Nimtawat (Neo) as Boston
- Pakin Kunaanuwit (Mark) as Nick
=Supporting=
- 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=
- Sattabut Laedeke (Drake) as Gap
- Phromphiriya Thongputtaruk (Papang) as Dan
- Tanutchai Wijitvongtong (Mond) as Boeing
- Kankanueng Netsrithong Damrongsakul (Meen) as Sand's mom
- Gandhi Wasuwitchayagit as Boston's dad
- Saifah Tanthana as Ray's dad
Episodes
{{Episode table|background=#115F80|country=Thailand|released=y|episodes={{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = What's Your Role in a Bar?
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|12|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = My Favorite Man
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|19|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = What am I to you?
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|19|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = Emergency Contact
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|09|02|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = The Extra Hour
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|09|09|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Happy (F*cking) Birthday
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|09|16|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|Title = After Effect
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|09|23|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|Title = Save Me
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|09|30|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|Title = The Return
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|10|07|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|Title = Redemption
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|10|14|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Mew is introduced to Top's ex, Boeing. Sand convinces Ray to go to rehab, while Boston tries to make amends with Nick
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 11
|Title = Move On, Move In
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|10|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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.
|LineColor = 115F80
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 12
|Title = Begin Again
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|10|28|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 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?
|LineColor = 115F80
}}|airdate=y|overall=y|title=y}}
Soundtrack
class="wikitable"
|+ !Title !Artist !{{Ref.}} |
"เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)"
|Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung) |
"รัก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?)"
|Arun Asawasuebsakul (Ford) |
Awards and nominations
class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Award !Category !Recipient !Result !{{Ref.}} |
rowspan="9" |2023
| rowspan="9" |Y Universe Awards |Outstanding Series |Only Friends |{{nom}} | rowspan="9" |{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title="Y UNIVERSE AWARDS" ส่งมอบรางวัลให้คนเบื้องหน้า - เบื้องหลัง เป็นปีที่ 3 |url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/499530 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=สยามรัฐ |language=th}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-25 |title=ขอแสดงความยินดีกับศิลปิน และผลงานของ GMMTV ที่ได้เข้าชิงรางวัลประเภทยอดเยี่ยมจากเวที 'YUNIVERSE AWARDS 2023' โดยปีนี้เข้าชิงทั้งหมด 9 สาขา รวม 24 รายชื่อ |url=https://twitter.com/GMMTV/status/1728281305761354181 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=X}}Wikipedia:SPS{{Cite web |date=2023-12-13 |title=คนบันเทิงกว่าร้อยชีวิต ร่วมงาน!!! Y Universe Awards2023 สุดยอดงานประกาศรางวัลสายวายที่ยิ่งใหญ่ที่สุดในประเทศไทย!!! |url=https://mgronline.com/entertainment/detail/9660000111786 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=mgronline.com |language=th}} |
Outstanding Lead Actor
|{{nom}} |
Outstanding Supporting Actor
|{{nom}} |
Outstanding Supporting Actor
|{{nom}} |
Outstanding Director
|Pinya Chookamsri |{{nom}} |
Outstanding Director
|Tichakorn Phukhaotong |{{nom}} |
Outstanding Writing
|Only Friends |{{nom}} |
Outstanding Theme Song
|{{nom}} |
Outstanding Socially Reflective Television Media
|Only Friends |{{nom}} |
rowspan="11" |2024
|Kazz Awards |Series of the Year |Only Friends |{{pending}} |
rowspan="4" |HiBL! Awards
|Best Series |Only Friends |{{win}} |
Best Actor
|{{win}} |
Best Couple
|{{win}} |
Best OST
|{{win}} |
Thailand Social Awards
|Best Content Performance on Social Media |Only Friends |{{pending}} |
rowspan="5" |29th Asian Television Awards
|Best Actor in a Leading Role |Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan |{{nom}} |
Best Original Screenplay
|Panuwat Intawat, Tichakorn Phukhaotong & Kittisak Kongka |{{nom}} |
Best Theme Song
|"เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" |{{nom}} |
Best Direction (Drama, ASEAN)
|Pinya Chookamsri & Tichakorn Phukhaotong |{{nom}} |
Best Cinematography
|Rath Roongrueangtantisook |{{nom}} |