# Only Friends

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
Directed by Tichakorn Phukhaotong and Pinya Chookamsri and produced by GMMTV. The series was announced at the GMMTV 2023: Diversely Yours press event on November 22, 2022. The series premiered on GMM 25 on August 12, 2023, and concluded on October 28, 2023, after 12 episodes.

## 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

| No. | Title | Original release date |
| 1 | "What's Your Role in a Bar?" | 12 August 2023 (2023-08-12) |
| 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 (2023-08-19) |
| 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 (2023-08-19) |
| 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 (2023-09-02) |
| 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 (2023-09-09) |
| 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 (2023-09-16) |
| 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 (2023-09-23) |
| 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 (2023-09-30) |
| 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 (2023-10-07) |
| 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 (2023-10-14) |
| 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 (2023-10-21) |
| 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 (2023-10-28) |
| 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

| Title | Artist | Ref. |
| "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan (Khaotung) | |
| "รัก…แล้วได้อะไร (So What?)" | Arun Asawasuebsakul (Ford) | |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Series | Only Friends | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor | Trai Nimtawat | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor | Pakin Kuna-anuvit | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Director | Pinya Chookamsri | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Director | Tichakorn Phukhaotong | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Writing | Only Friends | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Theme Song | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated |
| 2023 | Y Universe Awards | Outstanding Socially Reflective Television Media | Only Friends | Nominated |
| 2024 | Kazz Awards | Series of the Year | Only Friends | Pending |
| 2024 | HiBL! Awards | Best Series | Only Friends | Won |
| 2024 | HiBL! Awards | Best Actor | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Won |
| 2024 | HiBL! Awards | Best Couple | First & Khaotung | Won |
| 2024 | HiBL! Awards | Best OST | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Won |
| 2024 | Thailand Social Awards | Best Content Performance on Social Media | Only Friends | Pending |
| 2024 | 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Thanawat Rattanakitpaisan | Nominated |
| 2024 | 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Original Screenplay | Panuwat Intawat, Tichakorn Phukhaotong & Kittisak Kongka | Nominated |
| 2024 | 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Theme Song | "เอาเลยมั้ย (Let’s Try)" | Nominated |
| 2024 | 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Direction (Drama, ASEAN) | Pinya Chookamsri & Tichakorn Phukhaotong | Nominated |
| 2024 | 29th Asian Television Awards | Best Cinematography | Rath Roongrueangtantisook | Nominated |

## Tours

| Year | Title | Date | Venue |
| 2023 | Only Friends Final EP. Fan Meeting | October 28, 2023 | Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theater, Siam Paragon |
| 2023 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Japan | December 9, 2023 | Saitama Hall |
| 2024 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Taipei | April 7, 2024 | NTU Sports Center |
| 2024 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Hong Kong | June 15, 2024 | AXA Dreamland |
| 2024 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Vietnam | July 6, 2024 | Hoa Binh Theater |
| 2024 | Only Friends Fan Meeting in Manila | August 24, 2024 | New Frontier Theater |