When Aou Thanaboon and Boom Tharatorn first appeared together in Vice Versa, it was a brief supporting role for Aou, and Boom was still finding his footing in the BL world. Yet fans immediately noticed something special on-screen: a chemistry that felt effortless. Looking back, Aou reflects on that early moment with warmth. “Honestly, that project was a great starting point for me. When I first entered the industry, I didn’t really understand much about the BL series world. But once I got the chance to actually work and act, I began to understand more about what I was doing. I was really happy that fans could see the chemistry between P’Boom and me. And that many of them felt connected to or fulfilled by what we portrayed. It was such a great feeling, and even more so knowing that the work we did back then has carried forward to where we are today. P’Boom and I have been working together for about 4–5 years, and now having the opportunity to take on lead roles together again makes me feel really proud and excited. If I could go back in time, I would make the same choices, and I would definitely still choose to act alongside P’Boom.”

Boom remembers those beginnings with fondness as well, admitting that even then, he could sense a special connection. “To be honest, I feel that this was our first real opportunity to work together seriously, and it made me realise that… I want to keep working with him. In the first project, we weren’t clearly paired yet, but toward the end, P’X gave us the chance to wrap it up as a pair, and that made me feel that we actually have many things that fit well together. We share the same sense of humour, laugh at the same jokes, and enjoy similar things, so working with him feels very comfortable. I can give him feedback, and he listens, and he also helps me a lot, both in acting and in other aspects of life. That’s why I feel that we get along extremely well, and if we have the chance to work together as a pair again, I think that would be really great.”

As their partnership grew, so did the depth of their performances. In Hidden Agenda, Aou had one of his most challenging scenes yet – the breakup between Pok and Jeng – a moment that required him to display vulnerable emotion. “I think the most memorable scene for me was the breakup scene between Pok and Jeng. It was a moment where my character had to beg, hold him, and express really deep emotions. At that time, I honestly wasn’t sure how to deliver those feelings correctly. But as we gradually worked through the scene, I received a lot of emotional support from P’Boom, who stayed completely connected with me, and from the director, who guided and helped shape my performance. Even though the scene was very challenging, it pushed me to grow a lot as an actor, and that’s why it stands out so much for me.”

Boom, meanwhile, saw the overwhelming fan response as one of the most rewarding parts of the project. “After the series aired, everyone said the same thing: ‘P’Jeng is really not a nice guy!’ and they all wanted to protect Pok so much. I really want to thank all the fans for being so invested and emotionally connected to our performances. Hidden Agenda is actually one of the projects where I had quite a large role compared to my previous works, so it gave me more opportunities to show my abilities. Even though it may not have been perfect, everyone continued to support and encourage me. I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”

Joining the “Only Friends: Dream On” project has truly been a major challenge for both of us. We feel that this is a role we are ready to take on wholeheartedly. It’s both a great opportunity and perfect timing for us to be part of this project. – Aou

The pair’s evolution continued with We Are, a series that allowed them to fully explore their on-screen chemistry and carry more responsibility within the storyline. Aou prepared diligently, drawing inspiration from the gentle, loyal nature of golden retrievers. “So, I watched videos and looked up information about their personality, how they show affection to their owners, and used those behaviours as the foundation to build my character. As for the increased responsibility, I feel that whether it’s a supporting role, a main role, or a lead role, my job is still to do my very best. Every project I take on, I give it my full effort because I want the final result to turn out as good as possible.”

Boom recalls the brotherhood on set, describing a work environment that felt like family. “Filming this series took a very long time, and we were together almost every day with our friends… Every day felt like meeting family or close friends, so for every scene we shot, we really gave it our all. I hope the fans can feel that dedication. The response to We Are has been incredibly positive, and it made both of us so, so happy.”

Now, with Only Friends: Dream On, Aou and Boom are stepping into their first leading roles together. The excitement is real, but so is the sense of responsibility. “I feel very excited because what makes me happiest is that fans will get to see us in new roles, and since this project specifies that we’re the main roles, it makes me even more thrilled to bring this work to everyone. Actually, it’s not only the fans, but both P’Boom and I have also been waiting for this project for a long time as well. I think this is the right time for everyone to finally see what we’ve been working hard on. I’m really happy and very excited. Thank you,” Aou says.

Boom agrees with Aou, emphasising the challenges they’re ready to face. “Joining the Only Friends: Dream On project has truly been a major challenge for both of us. We feel that this is a role we are ready to take on wholeheartedly. It’s both a great opportunity and perfect timing for us to be part of this project. We know the challenges ahead are new and intense, but they’re not beyond what we can handle. We’ve been preparing ourselves for a while, and we are determined to give it our very best.”

Working together over several projects has sharpened not only their acting skills but their mutual understanding. “We’ve been working together since Boom’s very first project, Enchante… Today, our relationship is really good. We consistently support and encourage each other’s projects, maintaining a positive, healthy relationship that we hope will last,” Aou explains. Boom adds insight into the practical ways they support each other on set: “Most of the adjustments are actually on Aou’s side for me, because Aou can handle difficult scenes well on his own. But if it’s me who needs to go into an emotional scene next, he knows to give me space to focus and gather myself. And he also knows that if I need help or if I want him to help feed me the emotions, I’ll come ask him directly.”

We honestly don’t know when we’ll have another chance to visit Rome… We want to experience the climate, the local lifestyle, and of course, the food. Even though we can be a bit picky with food, once we’re there, we’ll definitely give everything a try. – Boom

Off-screen, their playful dynamic makes the long hours on set fly by. “Oh, there are so many behind-the-scenes stories, really a lot. Because the two of us are always joking around together, both in and out of scenes… For example, when we ride to set together, if we play songs we both love, we end up screaming and singing like we’re holding a mini concert in the car every single time. It’s a way for us to release energy before and after filming, and it makes us feel so much more at ease,” they say in unison.

Their chemistry isn’t just limited to Thailand. This December, the duo is taking it international with the JIB Dream Fanmeet in Rome – a first outside Asia for both of them, and a chance to connect with their fans face-to-face. “We’re really, really excited to have the opportunity to travel and meet our fans in Rome this time. It’s one of the longest trips we’ve taken… We want to say that we’re truly happy and excited to meet everyone, because opportunities like this don’t come easily,” Aou shares. Boom chimes in, “We honestly don’t know when we’ll have another chance to visit Rome… We want to experience the climate, the local lifestyle, and of course, the food. Even though we can be a bit picky with food, once we’re there, we’ll definitely give everything a try.”

It’s that combination of professionalism and goofiness that makes Aou and Boom a pair fans can’t get enough of. From humble beginnings to leading roles, from intense emotional scenes to screaming mini-concerts in a car, they have grown together, creating a partnership that is as much about mutual support as it is about common interest. And now, with Only Friends: Dream On and their first international fanmeet, the world is finally catching up to what fans have known for years: Aou and Boom are a pairing meant to be.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of GMMTV & JIB Dream Fanmeet

_{We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the JIB team for their incredible support in coordinating this interview and helping us connect with Aou and Boom.}

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}