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GMMTV Wins Thailand Public Diplomacy Award 2025 for Thai BL Series Soft Power

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23 Dec 2025
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Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award spotlights people and groups that promote “Thainess” worldwide. It blends cultural exports with national pride. For example, it covers entertainment, sports, arts, and innovation.

This honor stands out because it focuses on real global impact. Thai stories become viral hits abroad. As a result, they boost tourism, inspire Thai language classes, strengthen diplomatic ties, and spark adaptations like Japanese manga or Korean manhwa from Thai novels.

Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thailand Foundation, the 2025 edition crowned GMMTV Co., Ltd. for bridging Thailand to 520 million followers via multilingual dramas showcasing traditions, equality, and modern values, plus 521 events across 50 countries promoting tourism in all 77 provinces.

Award Launch and 2025 Winner

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Thailand Foundation first launched the award in 2022. The 2025 event crowned GMMTV Co., Ltd. for connecting Thailand to 520 million followers. Specifically, their multilingual dramas highlight traditions, equality, and modern values. Additionally, GMMTV held 521 events in 50 countries. These series are also excellent tool in promoting tourism across all 77 Thai provinces.

Source: GMMTV

Iconic GMMTV series like SOTUS (2016), 2gether: The Series (2020), Bad Buddy, Not Me, and The Gifted have exploded Thai “BL,” or Boy Love, popularity worldwide on YouTube, Netflix, and LINE TV, inspiring manga/manhwa adaptations and tourism boosts.

These hits exemplify Thailand soft power through pop culture, with 2026 lineup including Scarlet Heart Thailand and Ditto set for further international reach.

Thailand Public Diplomacy Award History

Past winners include Dr. Soontorn Antarasena (2022, otolaryngologist), golf stars Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn (2023), and 2024’s Venerable Phra Phrompacharayanmuni, Siam Society, and composer Somtow Sucharitkul.

Laureates receive the perpetual “Goodwill” trophy with inscribed names, a Wall of Honour plaque at the Ministry, a commemorative replica, and monetary prize to fuel ongoing contributions.


Benjamin Rujopakarn

Ben has worn several hats in broadcast television and radio news programs, culminating in his role as Head of Content at Bangkok-based digital marketing agency PAPER & PAGE (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Editor-in-Chief of Thailand NOW. Though he has extensive experience in media communications, Ben holds degrees in marine science and molecular biology from UNSW and UT Dallas, respectively.

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