Aside from being the first to introduce Korean dramas to Filipino viewers, GMA The Heart of Asia is also the first that introduced 'Lakorn,' the Thailand counterpart to Filipino teleseryes, on Philippine TV.
With GMA's continued search for worthy content from all around the world, the network successfully brought this new thing to local television.
After the airing of the first-ever lakorn in the Philippines titled 'You're My Destiny,' drama lovers started to explore Thai drama.
Take a look at the list of the Thai stars who have captured the hearts of many Filipino viewers.
Urassaya Sperbund or Yaya is widely known as a Thai-Norwegian model and actress who starred in the action-romance drama 'The Crown Princess.'
Nadech Kugimiya is a Thai-Austrian actor and model, and Yaya's real-life boyfriend and onscreen partner. He starred with her in 'The Crown Princess' as well as other dramas and is also known for his role in 'The Desire,' 'The Rising Sun,' and 'My Love from the Star' (Thai version).
Mario Maurer is a Thai-German actor and model. He was seen in the Thai drama 'The Blooming Treasure,' where he plays Win, a young, ambitious man who thinks highly of himself because he comes from a wealthy family.
Chalida Vijitvongtong or Mint Chalida is a Thai actress of Thai, Indian, and Chinese descent known for various dramas including 'My Precious Bad Luck,' 'Love Lost Theatre,' 'Sweetheart of My Eyes,' and 'Two Spirits Love,' where she stars with Mario Maurer.
Korapat Kirdapan or Nanon Korapat is a rising young Thai star known for his leading roles in 'Senior Secret Love: My Lil' Boy,' 'My Dear Loser: Edge of 17,' 'The Gifted,' and 'The Gifted: Graduation.'
Kimberley Anne Woltemas is a Thai actress of Thai, German, and Spanish descent known for dramas such as 'Secret Love Online,' 'The Dragon Mafia: Tiger,' 'When A Man Loves a Woman,' and 'The Desire.'
Wachirawit Ruangwiwat or Chimon/Chimonac is a Thai actor known for his roles in 'My Dear Loser: Edge of 17', 'The Gifted,' and 'The Gifted: Graduation.
Atthaphan Phunsawat or Gun is a Thai actor best known for his roles in the television series 'The Gifted,' and 'Theory of Love.'
Ramida Jiranorraphat or Jane is a Thai-Taiwanese actress known for her roles in 'The Gifted,' 'The Gifted: Graduation,' 'Wolf,' 'Love Beyond Frontier,' and 'After Dark.'
Harit Cheewagaroon, nicknamed Sing is a Thai actor known for 'The Gifted,' 'The Gifted: Graduation,' 'Who Are You,' 'Love Sick: The Series,'and 'Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey.'
Apichaya Thongkham or Lilly is a Thai actress studying in New Zealand. She is known for her characters in 'The Gifted,' 'Love Songs Love Series: Ja Rak Rue Ja Rai,' and 'The Gifted: Graduation.'
Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul or Baifern is one of the most popular stars in Thailand. The actress is known for her main roles in many Thai series such as Wicked Angel, which aired on GMA in 2019, and The Sand Princess, which was aired on the same network in 2021.
Chutavuth Pattarakhumphol, nicknamed March is starring in the 2019 drama 'The Sand Princess'
along with Baifern. He also starred in various dramas and movies such as 'The Swimmers,' 'Seven Something,' and 'Home: Love, Happiness, Remembrance.'
Worrawech Danuwong, mainly known as Dan is a Thai singer from the band D2B. He's also part of the Heart of Asia offering, 'The Sand Princess.' Dan is also a director, producer, and screenwriter.
Boat is one of the most-loved actors in Thailand. He recently starred in romantic fantasy drama series 'Mr. Merman' with Thai actress Phulita Supinchompoo.
Namwhan Phulita is well-known for her main roles in many Thai drama series like 'Wifi Society: Little Light,' 'Sunya Ruk Sunya Luang,' and her most recent role in romantic fantasy drama series 'Mr. Merman.'
Kiak Wattikorn Permsubhirun also starred in Thai fantasy drama series 'Mr. Merman' with Boat Tara Tipa and Phulita Supinchompoo. He made his acting debut in 2015.
Vill Wannarot Sonthichai is a Thai film and television actress who starred in romantic Thai fantasy series 'The Frog Prince,' which aired on GTV from December 13, 2021 to February 18, 2022.
Son Yuke Songpaisan recently captured the attention of many Filipino fans because of his lead role in the romantic Thai fantasy series 'The Frog Prince,' starring with Thai actress Vill Wannarot Sonthichai.
Fern Kamonchanok is one of the newest stars in Thailand. She recently played a supporting role in romantic fantasy Thai series 'The Frog Prince.'
Mark Prin Suparat or well-known as Mark Prin is one of the most loved Thai actors of many Filipinos today. He was recently seen on the Thai romantic comedy-drama series My Husband in Law that was aired on GMA Telebabad from January to March 2022.
Mew Nittha Jirayungyurn was also seen on My Husband in Law. The promising Thai actress played the character of Moi (Moira), the loving and kind-hearted wife of Tien (Mark Prin Suparat).
Mark Prin Suparat and Mew Nittha Jirayungyurn 's co-star in My Husband in Law is Thai actor Ohm Kanin Stanley. He played Ron in the hit Thai drama series.
Thai actress Esther Supreeleela played the character of Martina, who is a secretary in a law firm, in the first-ever lakorn in the Philippines 'You're My Destiny,' which was aired on GMA Network in 2018. She was also seen in the Thai drama series 'Pure Intention,' 'U-Prince,' and 'Ugly Duckling.'
Along with Esther Supreeleela is singer and actor Bie Sukrit Wisetkaew who was also seen in Thai dramas 'You're My Destiny' and 'Pure Intention.'
Famous TV actor Tao Sattaphong Phiangphor is well-known for many drama series such as 'Princess Hours' (Thai version) and 'Game of Affection.' He recently played a main role in the Thai fantasy drama 'Mr. Merman' which was aired on GTV from November to December 2021.
In September 2018, Tao had his first-ever event abroad, and that luckily happened in the Philippines. After visiting Manila for a fan convention, the Thai actor also visited GMA Network and met some GMA executives and employees.
Actor, singer, and model James Jirayu Tangsrisuk is one of the most loved Thai actors by many Filipinos today. He recently played as the leading man of Thai actress Taew Natapohn Tameeruks on 'Game of Affection.'
Promising Thai actress Taew Natapohn Tameeruks played the character of Nikki, the leading lady of James Jirayu Tangsrisuk on the hit lakorn 'Game of Affection' that aired on GMA in 2021.