GMMTV’s adaptation of Kieta Hatsukoi—a Japanese Yaoi manga by Hinekure Wataru—is a curious endeavor. The original series, which was also adapted into a Japanese BL drama in 2021, brought a fresh and charming story to life. So, when I heard GMMTV was creating a Thai version, I’ll admit I had my reservations. The Japanese series had its quirks, and I wondered how this would translate into the world of Thai BL. As a fan of both the manga and the original show, I went in with cautious optimism.

The premise of My Love Mix-Up! Thailand remains true to its source material. We have Atom, played by Fourth Nattawat, who is a timid and somewhat clumsy high schooler with a crush on his classmate Mudmee (Pahn Pathitta). His world is turned upside down when a simple mix-up leads Kongthap (Gemini Norawit) to believe Atom has a crush on him, setting off a series of misunderstandings and comedic moments.

Right from the start, the series felt like it was missing something. There’s a certain magic in storytelling that pulls you in, makes you root for the characters, and keeps you invested. Unfortunately, My Love Mix-Up! Thailand struggled to find its footing. For a series with such a light-hearted and fun premise, it often felt like it was dragging its feet.

Fourth Nattawat’s portrayal of Atom was lackluster at best. He’s a talented actor, and I’ve seen him shine in other roles, but here it felt like he was holding back. Perhaps it was the character itself or maybe the direction, but whatever it was, it didn’t quite hit the mark. Gemini Norawit as Kongthap had moments of brilliance, particularly in scenes where his stoicism came into play, but overall, it felt like both actors were coasting rather than fully embodying their roles.

One of the biggest downfalls of the series is the excessive product placement. Now, I understand that sponsorship is a necessary evil in today’s media landscape, but there’s a fine line between subtle integration and blatant advertising. Unfortunately, My Love Mix-Up! Thailand crossed that line repeatedly. The product placements were so jarring that they often pulled me out of the story entirely. It’s a real shame because it distracted from the chemistry that could have developed between the characters.

Speaking of chemistry, Gemini and Fourth have it in spades. We’ve seen it before in Moonlight Chicken and My School President, where their interactions felt natural and heartfelt. However, in My Love Mix-Up! Thailand, that chemistry was left to languish in the background. There were a few standout moments—Kongthap and Atom bonding over their parents’ relationships, Atom sharing his dream of opening a café—but these were few and far between. The series never fully allowed their relationship to flourish, instead opting for contrived conflicts and rushed resolutions.

The romance arc, which should have been the heart of the show, felt forced and unconvincing. Atom’s crush on Mudmee is brushed aside almost immediately, leaving little room for emotional depth. The transition from friendship to romance between Atom and Kongthap lacked the gradual build-up that makes these stories compelling. By the time they became a couple, it felt more like a box had been ticked than a natural progression of their relationship.

Another issue was the pacing. The show tried to cram too much into too little time, resulting in rushed story arcs and unsatisfying conclusions. This is especially evident in Atom’s struggle with his sexuality and his eventual decision to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. Both of these storylines could have been explored in greater depth, but instead, they were wrapped up in a matter of minutes.

Now, it’s not all bad. There were some genuine moments of charm, particularly in the way the series handled the friendship between Atom and Mudmee. Their dynamic was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise uneven show. Additionally, the soundtrack was a highlight—catchy and well-suited to the tone of the series, even if it was a bit overused.

In the end, My Love Mix-Up! Thailand feels like a missed opportunity. With the talent of Gemini and Fourth at their disposal, GMMTV could have created something truly special. Instead, we’re left with a series that, while not without its merits, falls short of the standard set by other Thai BL dramas. For fans of the original manga or the Japanese series, this adaptation might be a bit of a letdown.

As much as it pains me to say it, I can’t rate this any higher than a 5 out of 10. It’s a middling effort that doesn’t quite capture the heart or humor of its source material. Here’s hoping GMMTV takes this as a learning experience and gives these talented actors the scripts they deserve in future projects.