K-Pop fans often explore dramas beyond Korea, and Thai series are definitely on the radar! The highly anticipated Thai series ‘To Love & Cherish’ officially kicked off its run in early August, immediately drawing attention. Starring the charismatic duo “Bua” Nalinthip Sakulongumpai and “Film” Thanapat Kawila as a former couple navigating a complex relationship, the drama has been a talking point among viewers.
Controversy Sparks in ‘To Love & Cherish’
However, recent episodes have put the series under a different kind of spotlight.
To help support her family, Daran [Bua] gave up her dreams of higher education to start working immediately after high school. Unfortunately, she struggles to find work, eventually taking a job as a security guard at a broadcasting company. But unexpectedly, she runs into her ex-boyfriend Rangsiman [Film], now a powerful television executive. Daran and Rangsiman were deeply in love in their teens but separated over painful misunderstandings and secrets kept from each other. Rangsiman himself is now engaged to another woman, but he finds himself drawn back to Daran, wanting to understand why she broke up with him and what led her to her current life circumstances.
— via MyDramaList
The series includes flashbacks to Daran and Rangsiman’s teenage years, with two younger actors playing each. In the latest episodes, however, a scene involving “Neeya” Harriet Ariya Makela, the actress playing young Dara, has sparked controversy. Fans and netizens alike have expressed their shock and concern over a particular sequence.
The Scene and Age Concerns
In the scene, the teenage versions of Daran and Rangsiman have a passionate moment while kissing in bed, implying a sexual act occurred. This intense portrayal immediately ignited a heated debate across social media platforms, with many questioning the appropriateness of such content.
เลยเหรอว่ะ!! ลืมไปรึป่าวว่าน้องนีญ่ายังเรียนอยู่มัธยมเองนะ อายุ17-18 เอง น้องยังเรียนไม่จบเลย เลิฟซีนแรงมาก แรงกว่าทั่วๆไปอีกอ่ะ ทำไมไม่เซฟน้องเลย พยายามจะเข้าใจนะ แต่อันนี้ไม่ได้จริงๆ #รักษ์ pic.twitter.com/FZLJDcxbjr
— 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 ★彡 (@SSMooMoo) August 20, 2026
The core of the controversy stems from the age of the actors involved: Neeya is 17 years old, while the actor playing Rangsiman, “Aston” Ratiphat Luengvoraphan, is twenty, resulting in backlash over the teenage actor having such an intense love scene. The age gap, combined with the explicit nature of the scene, has led to significant criticism regarding the production’s judgment and the potential implications for the young actress.
Production Company Issues Apology
Tf!!!!???? Neeya was born in 2009. She’s only 17! How old was she when she filmed this scene?! Wtffffffff https://t.co/syATH5xR43
— lingdenn. — busy (@lingdenling) August 20, 2026
I am sick to my stomach kissing a 17 year old when she might have been 16 during filming meanwhile ur 20yrs old is disgusting. LOCK EVERYONE UP INVOLVED IN THIS (expect the minor) Even a peck would have been weird but a love scene is wrong on so many levels🤢 https://t.co/GeKaD6CJ8s
— chel (@bluetiopia) August 21, 2026
If they wanted to include NC scenes like this, they should’ve hired an older actress. Since Aston is 20, they should have cast someone his own age. https://t.co/zwZVGYAMtv
— Ega (@dkibukanjakarta) August 21, 2026
As a result, the company behind the series released a statement, addressing the concerns and apologizing to anyone who may have been affected. Their statement acknowledged the viewer feedback and aimed to mitigate the negative reactions, though discussions continue online regarding the standards and responsibilities of drama productions.
Series Nears Its Finale
Despite the recent uproar, the series is nearing its conclusion.
According to reports circulating on social media regarding the inappropriate nature of a love scene involving Aston Ratiphat Lueangworaphan and Neeya Makila in the series Rak, which airs on the TrueVisions NOW application:
The production company, Screenshot Co., Ltd., acknowledges the mistake and would like to clarify that the scene was intended by director and producer Chu Chudapha Jantakhet to portray the sexual hormones of teenagers becoming heightened, causing them to lose their self-restraint and make mistakes that would have long-term consequences.
The scene was intended to serve as a lesson about teenage romance and the innocence of first love, which ultimately turns into pain and loss, with these events affecting the story in subsequent episodes.
The company stated that it had no intention of causing harm or damage to the actors and expressed deep regret over what happened.
The production company apologized to the actors, their families, their agencies, and viewers who felt uncomfortable or distressed by the situation.
The producers said they accept everyone’s feedback and criticism and will take them into consideration in order to improve their future productions. They also stated that they will exercise greater caution to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
They concluded by expressing their apologies and gratitude for everyone’s comments.
— Notice, via Google Translate
The series is set to air its final episode on September 3, leaving fans to wonder how the story will wrap up amidst the ongoing controversy and the impact it will have on future Thai dramas.
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