BANGKOK — A Thai creator who works under the pseudonym “Beerkuya” has revived the boys’ love (BL) animation Greatest Memory, releasing its first episode on Tuesday and drawing praise from fans who have waited more than a decade for its return.
The six- to seven-episode animated series follows Boyd, an ordinary office worker whose life changes after he meets Ohm, a man who comes to his aid on Bangkok’s Skytrain. Their encounter blossoms into a sweet romance set against familiar Thai backdrops, including local food, scenery and everyday locations that have delighted viewers.
Beerkuya, who said the project is a personal endeavour produced entirely alone, described the remake as being inspired by real-life events. The story is about someone who made Boyd’s heart swell and the whole world seem to stop turning.
The new version has been completely redrawn while retaining the original storyline from 11 years ago. It also introduces new characters and additional plot elements, while some characters from the earlier version have been removed. The remake promises modernised settings, replacing outdated references such as MSN with the messaging app LINE, and will include some romantic and mildly risqué scenes.
The remake had been in development for about five to six years since it was first announced. The animator acknowledged having considered abandoning the project because of the amount of time, energy and money involved in producing it.
For the remake, Beerkuya commissioned original music, hired voice actors and took part in promotional events, all while questioning whether the project would attract an audience.
Despite those doubts, the animator said completing Greatest Memory remained a long-held dream and a way to finally bring closure to a story that had remained unfinished for years. Beerkuya ultimately decided that the project would be worthwhile even if it were watched by only one person.
He also acknowledged the lengthy production process, particularly the time required to draw detailed backgrounds.
“If every scene had to be perfectly beautiful and packed with details, everyone might have to wait another 10 years,” he joked.
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the revival. One supporter said the animation had been a significant part of growing up.
“I feel like I grew up with it. I first watched it when I was only 17 and it inspired me to express myself. It may not be the best work for everyone, but for me it is special and feels like proof of my own growth,” the fan wrote in a reply.
He also thanked fans for continuing to support the project despite its long absence, saying that every comment and like, however few, had provided the encouragement needed to keep working until the animation was completed.
The project’s long gestation and largely one-person production effort also underscore the challenges facing independent animators in Thailand, where creators often rely on personal resources to develop original works.
Updates on Greatest Memory are shared through the project’s official Facebook page, Greatest Memory Official, as well as Beerkuya’s YouTube channel and the project’s X account, @GreatestMemory_.
