Kwanruthai (2024)

A Total Green Flag Male Lead

Not having watched the other related lakorn series like the Suparburoot Juthathep ones or the first Devaphrom one, I decided to jump straight into this one, hoping that I would be able to make sense of the show without knowing the characters' backgrounds. Fortunately, it was easy to understand the connections and relationships based on the references dropped in the show.

Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai, the second part of the Devaphrom series, featured a young FL, Kwanruetai, who was plucky and street smart but sometimes quite rash. Kwan was also a natural beauty but was forced by her mother to hide all her loveliness under boyish clothes and caps. Her mother was the link to the Juthathep family, as she was M.L. Maratee Dhevaprom, the Nang'ek who was crazy about the ML's father and was totally in her own world, with her misconceptions about the Juthathep family betraying her, more specifically the ML's father jilting her.

Despite her rough and tough appearance, Kwanruetai managed to steal Khun Chat, our ML's heart. Khun Chat was an idealistic doctor known to his family as being disinterested in relationships and love. I enjoyed watching Khun Chat slowly fall for Kwanruetai's charms without her even trying. She was different from the other ladies that he had met, and one could tell that he was attracted to her after they butted heads a few times.

I like watching their relationship progress and Khun Chat was really such a green flag. He never wavered once he had his heart set on the FL and was determined to overcome all obstacles to be with her. His consistency and steadfast love for Kwanruetai from the start to the end showed his stability and commitment to her despite the trouble her mother gave him. Even though Kwanruetai wasn’t sure about her feelings at times and found it difficult to deal with the challenges, Khun Chat was still there for her.

It is also great that both leads were capable in their own ways. Despite his sweet baby face, the ML had a fine muscular physique and, being in the military, could fight. So can the FL, and she protected her loved ones quite well.

This lead couple was cute! Yada was cast well - she pulled off the tomboy tough act but is really quite lovely. Mikey is gorgeous and a good fit for Yada. There was chemistry between them, and they were adorable together. Being fairly new, both actors can certainly improve in their facial expressions, and sometimes, when Yada cried, I cringed. As for Mikey, he often had the same frozen look on his face, but when he smiled, he melted hearts, including mine. In general, both did a decent job and did not drag the drama down for me.

The second couple was sweet as well. Additionally, it was nice to see the strong family bonds among the Juthathep family, especially the siblings and their cousins. Many interesting characters showed up in the show, which piqued my interest. Now, I am intrigued by the stories of the older generation, so hopefully, I can find the shows from the 2013 series.

One drawback was that the villains felt one-dimensional. Of course, there was a female character who was always scantily clad and convinced that the ML was hers. Luckily, she did not appear in every episode, so she did not become too annoying. There was no second male lead; instead, there were heartwarming and supportive half-brothers.

What I disliked the most was how the FL always chose to give up everything and sacrifice her happiness for her mother, who clearly was mentally abusive towards her. I know in many Thai dramas, there is a strong emphasis on filial piety toward parents, but in this show, the mother was just too much. At first, I didn't even want to see her get any redemption. I only wanted the gratification of seeing her being punished for her ignorance and vileness.

However, the ending wrapped things up well and I don’t even mind the mother having found her way. There were even a 3rd, 4th, and 5th couple with their own sweet moments.

Overall, this was an enjoyable show, fun to watch, and worth the time. Now, I look forward to catching up with the first drama in the series and following the third one, which is airing right after. I would love to see Kwanruetai and Khun Chat again.

Leia Mais

Watch this & Skip Laorchan

You won't regret the time you spend watching this lakorn.

FIY:
M.R. Taratorn, M.R. Pawornruj, M.R. Puttipat, M.R. Rachanon, and M.R. Ronapee are considered the 3rd generation of the Juthathep family, collectively known as the "5 Lions of Juthathep." In the 4th generation, the first children of the 3rd generation are all males, and they are called the "Second Generation of 5 Lions of Juthathep."

Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai, the second part of the Devaphrom series, features Chat, a doctor in the army. Chat, played by the son of Khun Chai Puttipat (James Ji), resembles his father with glasses and makeup. Just as James Ji debuted in the Khun Chai series, Mikey debuts in the Devaphrom series.

Chat falls in love with an ordinary girl named Kwanruetai, also known as Kwan, who sells food and makes her own living. Her mother, Maratee, was rejected by Kwan's father, who fell in love with another woman. (There’s a hidden lineage you’ll need to watch and discover.)

Kwan dresses as a tomboy because her mother forces her to, fearing Kwan will marry and leave her. At times, Maratee's behavior makes one wonder if she's Kwan’s stepmother due to her harshness.

The love between the main leads, Chat and Kwan, progresses over time. Once Khun Chat sees Khwanruethai, he never looks at any other woman.

I also enjoyed the developing romance between Phak and Ket. They make a lovely couple, and I’d like to see them together in another lakorn. Kwan & Chat's first kiss happens accidentally in episode 1, and there's plenty of chemistry throughout.


Comparing the outfits between the first installment, Dhevaprom: Laorchan, set in the 80s, and this one set in the 90s, the fashion in the second series aligns better with the 90s. In the first series, we saw Laorchan wearing beige Louboutins with the signature red-bottom when climbing the stairs at the office, although these shoes were actually created in the 90s. In this second series, everything looks more appropriate for the 90s, except for the OST, which could be more period-appropriate

If you haven't watched the lakorn yet, please avoid reading the spoilers & review below






Khwan's mother (Maratee) is still obsessed with Phat Phutthiphat Juthathep, the ML's father (James Ji’s character in Khun Chai Puttipat series). Maratee sees Kwan as the reason for her fall from grace. After failing to marry Khun Phat, Maratee became one of the many mistresses of a general, who happens to be Phak's father. Thus, Kwan is Phak's stepsister. Kwan will marry Chat, making her the sister-in-law of Ket, who is Chat’s sister. Therefore, Kwan is both Phak’s stepsister and future sister-in-law. (gosh it is complicated lol)

Fortunately, Phak's brother left a letter for Kongphop, instructing him to keep it hidden from Maratee and to give it to Kwanruethai if she needed help. This is how Kwan discovers her biological father’s identity. Maratee is Kwan’s biological mother and Kongphop’s stepmother. Oom perfectly portrays the middle-aged Maratee.



I loved the tight-knit, supportive relationships between the siblings and cousins. They realized Chat and Kwan were in love before the couple did and even mentioned it to their great-grandmother.

The series includes some deaths related to drug abuse and gangs, like the son of Songphol, Atthawit, and his girlfriend. The portrayal of drug abuse and its consequences is stark.

Phak fell in love with Ket at first sight and started taking photos of her. When caught, he completely denied it. Phak and Ket’s mothers were trying to set them up, which they both initially resisted. When Phak saw that the girl his mother was setting him up with was Ket, he pretended not to be interested. Despite this, he watched over her. Their mothers’ matchmaking didn’t deter Phak, whose love was instant, while Ket’s grew gradually. Phak’s constant support and protection won her over.

In this series, the Juthathep gentlemen fulfill Grandma On’s wishes, unlike their fathers. Personally, I preferred the fathers’ love stories, perhaps due to the actors or the script. Nonetheless, each viewer has their own taste. I was familiar with Pope and Great in the Khun Chai series, while Bomb, James Ji, and James Ma debuted there. In this series, I’m less familiar with the main leads but recognize some supporting actors.

Grandma On, who obstructed the fathers’ romances, is replaced by a supportive grandma in this series. Kaew, Chat’s mother, warmly accepts Kwan, differing from typical lakorns where future mothers-in-law are antagonistic.

Despite social differences between Kwan and Chat, Kwan is the biological daughter of a general and future daughter-in-law of Maratee. Maratee’s realization of her love for her husband came too late.

Episode 13 is crucial as Phutthipat visits Maratee, triggering a flashback to their younger selves. The transitions between young and mature Phutthipat and Maratee are beautifully done, capturing the essence of their characters.

This series teaches that love cannot be controlled, and life should be lived fully without dwelling on uncontrollable matters.

Chat’s declaration to forget their parents and backgrounds, focusing solely on their love, felt genuine and realistic compared to Dhevaprom: Laorchan.

Our romantic army doctor proposes to Kwan while in a hospital bed, a touching moment. When Phutthipat’s visit doesn’t soften Maratee, Chat himself visits her.

Did it work? You need to watch and see.

By episode 14, we bid farewell to our couple and move on to the next installment.

Kwan, preparing to become a nurse in Bangkok, stays with a lady who seems connected to Chat. Am I right? Watch to find out.

Kwan will be the perfect wife for our doctor, continuing the legacy of medical professionals in the family. (her mother & her future father in law)

Grandma finally accepts Phak and Ket’s relationship, and Phak wants to marry Ket soon, though Ket wishes to wait until Chat’s wedding.

Kwan reconciles with her mother Maratee and meets her maternal grandfather. Maratee eventually softens and approves of her future son-in-law.

The next story is about Nuphuk "Jaipisut" and Jak "Ronnajak Juthathep." And you know what else is coming next: the story of Wilairampa Dhevaprom’s daughter Dujapsorn and Asira Juthathep.

Leia Mais

Second Part is a Definite Watch

Watch it, you won't regret it, lol. That's my opening.

The first episode kept my attention the whole time and I know typically it's not wise to have your hopes up only after watching the first episode, but I'm glad I did cause it did live up to it. This is another version of Puttiphat in the sense that now it's their son who is the doctor and falls in love with a down-to-earth/hardworking girl.

I want to go over my few cons/nitpicks first cause the pros do outweigh it. I didn't like how much focus was put on the bad (or 'bad' since some weren't actual villains) guys especially towards the last couple of episodes. I personally didn't care much about some of their endings so, I tended to fast forward those scenes.

Or when the main couple having a sweet scene and it kept cutting back to someone else or their reaction like the waterfall kiss scene. This absolutely does not count with the scenes where Met is the third-wheel though - those scenes are golden, lol.

The other minor ones are I wish the beauty competition lasted a bit longer and just overall, I selfishly wanted more scenes with Chat and Tai, lol. Which leads to my pros.

Chat and Tai - these two had such great chemistry. They were cute, sweet and cheeky with each other. During emotional scenes, you could see how much they love/care for each other. They were definitely one of the main reasons why I kept tuning in.

Supporting characters - Met is my favorite, gonna say off the bat, lol. His humor especially when teasing anyone is the best. My other two favorites were Ket and Kong. Seriously, what amazing siblings and the support they gave to each of their brother and sister. Overall, I think the characters were great and fit into the world well.

Story - it was good. Was it predictable? Yes, especially if you have watched the original series. But it kept me engaged and entertained which I think is important. It was nice to see the Juthathep hate from some of the Dhevaproms finally wrapped up. And the romance storyline was great which again, is important to me since that is the main premise of this series.

Acting - I think the acting was done really well overall by the whole cast. This is Mikey's debut so, you can definitely tell that's the case, lol. But boy does he ooze charm. I am sure he has a great future in acting ahead of him. I think Yada did an amazing job - I have seen her in a couple of other shows and I'm glad to see a role of hers where she finally gets to have some fun and isn't always a tortured soul the whole time. Hope that continues for her as well, lol.

Overall, this was such a great show and definitely rewatchable. I actually did rewatch episodes in between waiting for the new ones, lol.

Leia Mais

THIS DEFINITELY A MUST WATCH!!!

I am a huge fan of the first series and I waited 7 years to finally watch the 2nd installment. I am excited specifically Kwanruetai because Khun Chai Puttipat (prequel) is one of my favorite Thai drama ever! I have a huge expectation for this one and this lakorn didn't disappoint! I honestly love the OSTs so much to the point that I sing it whenever it was played even though I don't speak Thai lol. It gives me the nostalgic feels that I similarly felt in the first series. I was just hoping that like in the 1st installment, they will use the same song but with different genres and interpreted by different artists. I think that's what I missed in this series.

The story revolves more on Marathee and her anger towards the Jutathep family. It was the sole reason why Tai and Chat can't be together. It also tackles about how they fight against illegal drug gangs that destroyed a lot of people's lives. I initially thought that this drama is more on the angst type but I didn't expect that this have lots of thrill, tears and death. I was shocked when Maiseek died. It clearly showcases us how dangerous our life will be if we choose to enter the wrong side. No wonder they didn't categorized this drama as a rom-com because it's not!

Also, they had one of the best casts! The leads look like their parents that they could pass as real children. Tai have a little resemblance of the young Marathee and Chat definitely is Pat's son! But the one acting as a Marathee deserves the best actress award. She perfectly acted how Marathee would act 30 years later. Choosing her to act as Marathee was a genius move. I would love to see more Kaew and Pat's moments which was slightly deprived from us.

I would also like to point out that sometimes, I don't like how the leads act. Chat sometimes look stoic while Tai looks like she's pushing herself to cry but I would still compliment them because as time passes by, they showed us improvements in their acting. I heard this was both of their first time to lead a drama. This was also Mikey's first time acting so I think I can understand. I believe they can reach high grounds as time passes by.

Lastly, this lakorn gave me many realizations. The best episode was in the last episode where Marathee and her father hugged each other while crying. It made me ponder how important it is to forgive. It might be hard at first but once you get over it, it's a relief. Because forgiveness is not for the other person's benefit but for your own freedom. This drama proves to me that time doesn't heal wounds. It will only heal if you start treating them.

I'm excited for the next one. I hope it won't disappoint me.

On to the next story...

Leia Mais