A Case Study Of Thai Tv Series “2Gether The Series” And “I Told Sunset About You.docx

Independent Study (The influence of LGBTQ+ Thai series on perception and intention to travel to Thailand among young Vietnamese tourists A case study of Thai TV series “2gether The Series” and “I Told[.]

Independent Study (The influence of LGBTQ+ Thai series on perception and intention to travel to Thailand among young Vietnamese tourists A case study of Thai TV series “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You”) Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale of the research 1.2 Problem statement 1.3 Objectives of Study 1.4 Research Questions 1.5 Significance of the study 1.6 Scope of the study 1.7 Definitions of terms CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .9 2.1 Tourism Overview a) Overview of Thailand’s tourism at the moment b) The role of LGBTQ+ series in the development of the tourism industry 11 c) How does LGBTQ+ affect young Vietnamese tourist’s perception of their intention to travel to Thailand? .12 2.2 To analyse LGBTQ+ acceptance towards Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand 13 a) Information about LGBTQ+ series in Thailand in recent times 14 b) How the LGBTQ+ series in Thailand develop? 15 c) Why can the LGBTQ+ series in Thailand develop like that? 15 2.3 To examine the level of satisfaction towards LGBTQ+ actors to increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand 15 2.4 To outline the impact of LGBTQ+ artist’s popularity on increasing the intention of Vietnamese people to travel to Thailand 17 a) Introducing information and outstanding statistics from the two series 17 b) How the Thai LGBTQ+ series “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” attract tourists to Thailand, especially young Vietnamese tourists? 19 2.4 Conceptual Framework 22 References 23 The topic: The influence of LGBTQ+ Thai series on perception and intention to travel to Thailand among young Vietnamese tourists A case study of Thai TV series “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION At a global level, people have shown a preference for watching Thai series due to several reasons One of these reasons is the exceptional talent of the series’cast Thai series are renowned and influential for portraying stories about life, love, and tragedies According to various reports, Thailand is considered a haven for same-sex couples in terms of tourism (Chuaikun & Wijitsopon, 2021) In 2017, Bangkok became the second most LGBTQ+ friendly city in Asia Embracing diversity on a daily basis is essential to influence and resonate with people Beyond its famous attractions, cuisine, and cultural practices, Thailand has also gained recognition as a prolific producer of boy’s love or LGBTQ+ Thai series For example, series like “Dew” (2019) and “The Last Heroes” (2019) have contributed to drawing crowds, and the country has undertaken various campaigns to attract international tourists The COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on the success of these series, as people had more time to watch them during lockdowns Additionally, social media has emerged as a powerful platform for spreading and discovering popular LGBTQ+ series Furthermore, it can be observed that after watching Thai TV series, Vietnamese viewers often choose to visit Thailand to experience its food, culture, people, and picturesque locations A significant reason for this choice is the desire to see their favorite stars and renowned cast members from these TV series Tourists often seek destinations where they can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and savor local cuisine, thereby relaxing their mood and mind The BL or boy love genre of entertainment has achieved remarkable success across much of Asia, and many LGBTQ+ Thai series have gained immense popularity For instance, “2gether The Series” achieved widespread acclaim during the early months of the global pandemic Similarly, “I Told Sunset About You” has also influenced numerous young Vietnamese individuals to consider visiting Thailand Thailand's commitment to maintaining the beauty of its locations creates a sense of comfort for Vietnamese tourists, making it an appealing choice Additionally, the global younger generation is a dedicated fan base for series available on international platforms, demonstrating a keen interest in such shows The actors’ healthy lifestyles and appealing appearances contribute to their popularity (Galang, 2022) Furthermore, the chemistry between the actors resonates with the audience, enhancing their overall image and prompting viewers to support the series This strong connection motivates fans to travel to Thailand to visit filming locations of well-known scenes and to attend fan events featuring their favorite celebrities Thailand's numerous beaches and diving spots also contribute to its allure for tourists (Hair et al., 2019) 1.1 Rationale of the research The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on Vietnam's second-tier towns and provinces to increase the number of first-time visitors to the country In the previous year, approximately million Vietnamese tourists ventured abroad out of a total population of 97 million During this period, Thailand welcomed 1.07 million of these visitors, generating 33 billion baht in tourism revenue For instance, in the first eleven months of 2019, nearly 900,000 Vietnamese tourists journeyed to Thailand, contributing around 30 billion Thai Baht to the local economy (VietnamPlus, 2019) Over the past years, perceptions about homosexuality have been evolving Nowadays, a growing number of people globally are supporting LGBTQ+ rights, making it essential to portray these themes positively across various platforms Media content is changing to reflect these shifts, with issues such as samesex weddings and LGBTQ+ relationships being depicted in programs LGBTQ+ series have effectively addressed and illustrated subjects like sexual exploration and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals, resonating with audiences (Horton and Rydstrom, 2022) This research topic holds significance as it will explore the extent to which young Vietnamese people are influenced to travel to Thailand by Thai LGTBQ+ series such as “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” Furthermore, it will analyze how these series can impact the decisions of young Vietnamese visitors when considering a trip to Thailand 1.2 Problem statement Famous artists wield substantial economic influence, primarily through their capacity to engage Vietnamese audiences by incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into their work The consumption of LGBTQ+ series holds significance beyond mere entertainment, serving as a crucial avenue for nurturing a positive societal perspective Yet, a significant challenge arises when the tourism industry neglects LGBTQ+ representation, resulting in an unfortunate lack of diversity Concurrently, miscommunication compounds these concerns within the tourism sector This study is designed to delve into the influence of celebrated artists prominently featured in Thai LGBTQ+ series, analyzing their impact on the appeal of Thailand as a travel destination for Vietnamese individuals As a result, it becomes imperative for the tourism sector to actively promote LGBTQ+ series across social media platforms and diverse channels, thereby enriching Thailand's allure as an enchanting locale (Lai, Wong, and Hitchcock, 2022) The strategic integration of LGBTQ+ themes within tourism initiatives can significantly heighten public awareness Through this investigation, invaluable insights will be gathered concerning the extent of acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals among Vietnamese tourists visiting Thailand Moreover, this research will elucidate the profound influence exerted by popular LGBTQ+ artists on the inclination of Vietnamese individuals to choose Thailand as their travel destination 1.3 Objectives of Study  To analyse LGBTQ+ acceptance towards Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand  To examine the level of satisfaction towards LGBTQ+ actors to increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand  To outline the impact of LGBTQ+ artist’s popularity on increasing the intention of Vietnamese people to travel to Thailand 1.4 Research Questions  To what extent the level of LGBTQ+ acceptance does increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand?  To what extent the level of satisfaction towards LGBTQ+ actors does increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand?  To what extent the level of LGBTQ+ artist’s popularity does increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand? 1.5 Significance of the study The present study holds significant importance as it aims to provide comprehensive insights and knowledge regarding the influence of renowned artists in Thai LGBTQ+ series in attracting Vietnamese travelers to Thailand By delving into the role of Thai LGBTQ+ series, this research will offer a deeper understanding of how these narratives resonate with young Vietnamese individuals, thereby motivating them to explore Thailand, as depicted through Thai TV series (Lizada, 2022) Furthermore, the study will uncover the specific impact of Thai BL series on piquing the interest of Vietnamese tourists towards visiting Thailand Employing the AIDA model, the study will facilitate an exploration of how Vietnamese tourists perceive LGBTQ+ Thai series and subsequently make decisions to embark on a journey to Thailand The insights derived from this model can be translated into practical applications for the tourism industry For instance, it can aid tourism establishments in Thailand to design targeted holiday packages tailored to those intrigued by Thai culture as portrayed in LGBTQ+ series The outcomes of this investigation will shed light on the intricate decision-making process that Vietnamese tourists undergo when considering a visit to Thailand Various factors, including safety, social considerations, and other variables, contribute to shaping travel inclinations Consequently, the study will provide a foundational understanding, enabling readers to gain clarity on how the success of LGBTQ+ series and artists has influenced the desire of Vietnamese individuals to explore Thailand In essence, this study’s findings will not only enrich scholarly discourse but also offer practical insights for the tourism industry to strategically capitalize on the popularity of LGBTQ+ series in fostering increased interest among Vietnamese tourists towards experiencing Thailand 1.6 Scope of the study This study centers around two core variables: LGBTQ+ Thai series and young Vietnamese tourists, carefully chosen to illuminate the dynamics at play To achieve this, the Thai TV series “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” will be employed as comprehensive case studies The primary aim of this research is to offer an encompassing exploration of the selected topic It seeks to unravel the intricate interplay between Thailand’s celebrated LGBTQ+ artists and their capacity to enthrall young Vietnamese individuals Recent years have witnessed a notable shift in preferences, particularly among the younger generation, who exhibit a growing inclination toward engaging with online characters intricately woven into well-constructed narratives, accessible through the Internet (Worthen, 2020) The episodic nature of these series, presented across multiple installments, contributes to their heightened appeal by crafting an intriguing storyline Furthermore, these series have catalyzed an increased level of anticipation on a global scale, affording individuals rapid access to both their cherished favorites and fresh content Significantly, these series assume a pivotal role in shaping new cultural norms and preferences within the societal fabric (Tillmann, Norsworthy, and Schoen, 2022) The research endeavor will involve a total of 300 young Vietnamese participants, and quantitative research will be conducted to derive conclusive research outcomes The selection of "2gether The Series" and "I Told Sunset About You" as focal points is strategic, driven by their widespread popularity and evident influence on individuals' perceptions and behaviors These series have been deliberately chosen to offer insights into their compelling effects on the targeted audience The scope of this study is thoughtfully delineated, centered around the intricate interplay between LGBTQ+ Thai series and young Vietnamese tourists, with a specific emphasis on the influential Thai TV series "2gether The Series" and "I Told Sunset About You." Through this focused exploration in Vietnam and the application of quantitative research, this study seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics through which these series captivatingly resonate with the youth 1.7 Definitions of terms LGBTQ+ It is defined as a group encompassing lesbians, gay individuals, bisexuals, transgender individuals, and queer individuals who are united by social movements and shared cultures These groups are integral parts of various societal contexts, including gay villages, LGBTQ+ rights organizations, religious groups, and LGBTQ+ student groups within universities The term serves as an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (Belmonte, 2020) Tourism The term "tourism" is defined as the act of traveling, primarily aimed at spending time away from one's home to seek pleasure and relaxation (MacKenzie and Gannon, 2019) LGBTQ+ Series LGBTQ+ Series are defined as those series which encompass stories revolving around bisexuality This is why they are favored by various groups of people, and such series prove to be quite interesting (Rodriguez, 2023) As a result, they contribute to educating society about the significance of diverse sexual orientations Vietnamese young people Vietnamese young people comprise a group of individuals who fall under the age of 35 years Consumer satisfaction It refers to the degree of contentment experienced by a consumer when utilizing a specific product or service and its ability to exceed consumer expectations in delivering value (Chen, Lu, and Zheng, 2020) Consumer Addiction It can be defined as the compulsive dependence on a product, service, or behavior, which can also result in negative consequences and harm to the well-being of an individual (Farah and Shahzad, 2020) Consumer acceptance It is referred to as the willingness and inclination of a consumer to adopt a specific product or service that is new to the market or has been recently introduced and popularized (Driediger and Bhatiasevi, 2019) CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW In this study, the theory of tourism can be applied, specifically Enzensberger’s “A Theory of Tourism” Hans Magnus Enzensberger, a German novelist and publicist, wrote in his essay titled “A Theory of Tourism” in 1958 that tourism is an attempt to realize the dream that Romanticism projected onto distant and faraway places Additionally, he endeavoredendeavoured to approach the theory with a proper and proactive methodology The second part of the 20th century, starting in the late 1950s, witnessed the emergence of tourism as a significant social and economic force It has been observed that early visitors evolved over time to become modern travelerstravellers This association also aims to clarify what tourists must in order to contribute to sustainable development Furthermore, it portrays a visitor as a true collaborator rather than merely a client In this sense, both the tourist’s reflective attitude and their relationship with the destination are established 2.1 Tourism Overview a) Overview of Thailand’s tourism at the moment The actions of information, such as travel companions, activities, journeys, places visited, dates, and many others, are taken into consideration and attended to by travelerstravellers Both the economic and behavioral components of travel behavior are included Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been more leisure time, leading to increased awareness among people Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and is acknowledged for its developing economy over the past couple of decades It is evident that the nation has undergone a fundamental economic transformation Additionally, the tourism industry has been impacted by a variety of factors, some of which have immediate effects (Reeves et al., 2023) Others also have long-term consequences; for instance, when a location offers an optimum climate, travelers prefer it, leading to high tourism activity Conversely, unfavorable environmental changes such as strong winds, flash floods, droughts, and extreme weather have a negative impact on tourism Moreover, when a country’s economy is struggling and its citizens are facing severe unemployment, tourism tends to suffer According to the World Data, Thailand received approximately 40 million visitors in the year 2019, ranking fifth in the world Welcoming everyone with a smile, Thailand is often referred to as the 'Land of Smiles.' Thai people are known for their warmth, politeness, and high level of respect for guests, providing top-notch hospitality that leaves visitors with a wonderful experience In terms of tourist density, Thailand was ranked 62nd in the world, with 0.56 tourists per inhabitant In 2020, Thailand's tourism industry alone generated approximately 15.36 billion US dollars in income (Tourism in Thailand) This accounts for nearly 52% of Southeast Asia’s total international tourism receipts and contributes 3% to the region’s GDP Figure 1:Development of the tourism sector in Thailand from 1995 to 2019 At the moment, Thailand’s tourism is renowned for its captivating chaotic charm that attracts travelers from all over the world With its stunning tropical environment, ancient temples, amazing food scene, and thrilling nightlife, Thailand offers a unique allure In relation to Vietnamese tourists, Thailand is preferred largely due to its food offerings Thailand’s streets are lined with outdoor stalls selling affordable and delicious food Visitors have the opportunity to explore various local markets to learn about the culture and sample mouth-watering dishes on offer These series are reshaping the ways people approach travel and romance, dominating the market as most countries have embraced them with great enthusiasm Due to the success of the series, the actors have gained global fame and have the potential to impact various other factors as well Table 1:Illustrating the timeline of LGBTQ+ series launch in Thailand a) Information about LGBTQ+ series in Thailand in recent times Thailand’s history of homosexuality and transgender behavior has given rise to a complex and paradoxical situation (Thoreson, 2020) This complexity is largely a result of Thailand's endorsement of diverse gender expressions Recently, LGBTQ+ serial love fiction has gained popularity and acceptance, portraying LGBTQ+ and love as intertwined elements within two parallel universes These narratives focus on same-sex relationships and highlight the diversity within the LGBTQ+ series genre Unlike the challenges faced by earlier generations, young same-sex couples today experience fewer obstacles due to societal progress Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the release of new series in the coming years (Laurindo and Martins, 2021) b) How the LGBTQ+ series in Thailand develop? In the past, LGBTQ+ individuals were often portrayed negatively, relegated to stock characters, or used for comic relief in television shows Consequently, it becomes challenging to accurately convey Thailand's positive stance towards LGBTQ+ people The lack of comprehensive social media coverage of acts of harassment, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals further compounds this challenge However, the implementation of anti-discrimination laws has provided essential support in protecting the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people These laws empower them to formalize their relationships, ensuring legal recognition Additionally, they are granted the right to update their gender identity on official documents This inclusion allows LGBTQ+ individuals to access the same social benefits provided to married couples, facilitating the safeguarding and promotion of equal rights within a broader societal context Turning to LGBTQ+ series, the popularity of these shows in Thailand reflects a broader trend of global interest in Thai dramas Particularly appealing to young men and women, Thailand stands out for its more accepting attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community compared to many other Asian nations The intricate narratives of Thai BL dramas underscore the significance of providing engaging and entertaining content while conveying important messages c) Why can the LGBTQ+ series in Thailand develop like that? LGBTQ+ individuals around the world continue to confront significant issues and challenges, such as a lack of opportunities and housing, among others Over time, the rising popularity of LGBTQ+ series has played a pivotal role in reshaping societal perceptions of this community Thailand, as the foremost exporter of LGBTQ+ entertainment, has attracted a substantial number of young people from Vietnam and other regions (Jirattikorn, 2021) Moreover, there is a discernible shift in opinions toward homosexuality Presently, young people actively seek out gay portrayals in the television shows and films they consume, driven by their global support for LGBTQ+ rights These shows also shed light on the hardships and obstacles faced by gay individuals, offering insights into a range of topics This includes themes such as sexual exploration, coming out to parents, and a myriad of other related challenges 2.3 To examine the level of satisfaction towards LGBTQ+ actors to increase Vietnamese people intention to travel to Thailand In the view of Kieu and et.al (2023), this section aims to outline the role of Thai LGBTQ+ series in elevating and attracting Vietnamese travelers to Thailand Key concepts will be elucidated in this section, including the post-Covid-19 landscape where the tourism industry is actively seeking innovative methods to draw visitors Notably, the government is proactively leveraging LGBTQ+ series to attract tourists Thai series possess a significant potential to influence the travel behaviors of consumers, with their popularity capable of attracting travelers from around the globe These series have garnered substantial attention across various social media platforms Notably, series such as “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” trended for weeks, amassing millions of views on YouTube (Le and et.al., 2021) During the global pandemic, people dedicated a significant portion of their time to watching Thai series It is evident that these series have perfected the art of delivering precisely what their target audience desires Furthermore, young women from around the world emerge as fervent admirers of Thailand’s LGBTQ+ series These shows thrive on the captivating chemistry exhibited by their star cast, rendering the destinations significantly more marketable Globally, an increasingly positive perception of diverse sexualities has emerged, facilitated by digitalization and the internet, which have propelled the reach of these series to online audiences This direct impact is instrumental in broadening economic and cultural influences on tourists, establishing a direct connection with the audience For example, audiences can resonate with the depicted places, traditions, and local communities showcased in these series (Linh and Viol, 2022) Post-Covid-19, operational dynamics have undergone a transformation, with a notable preference for consuming and enjoying such series These series hold the potential to enhance various facets including gastronomy, landmarks, cuisine, local history, cultural artifacts, language, and the people The success of series like “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” has profoundly shaped travel destinations, leaving a lasting impact According to Ellis (2020), the perceptions of young tourists regarding their intention to travel to Thailand have been significantly influenced by series like “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” These series have effectively captured the attention of travelers by enhancing tourism campaigns targeting young individuals globally The widespread popularity of such series has resulted in an increased influx of visitors to Thailand Notably, fan meet-ups and promotional campaigns have played a pivotal role in reshaping travel intentions towards Thailand (Nguyen-Phuoc and et al., 2022) Furthermore, the distributors of these series have organized diverse events tailored for young individuals from Vietnam These events have the potential to influence travelers’ interest, especially in witnessing the on-screen chemistry of their favorite male leads from the series This factor has notably contributed to a significant rise in the number of travelers visiting Thailand According to Leon Kaye (2022), Boy Love, or Thai LGBTQ+, has taken over as the most popular form of entertainment in Asia, surpassing even Korean dramas The genre of boy meets boy stories without overly dramatic plotlines has been in existence for a while Notably, Thai LGBTQ+ content has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years Similar to Heartstopper, this genre initially emerged in the subtexts of Japanese manga during the 1970s, particularly in Yaoi As a result, Thai LGBTQ+ stories remained relatively unknown until the turn of the century Instead of being locally created, much of such content was imported from Japan The series “2gether The Series” then experienced a significant surge in popularity in the early months of the epidemic Virtual tours have been used as a means to further promote this genre and revive sustainable tourism, resembling the 'Thai BL' style (Want to Revive Sustainable Tourism? Film and Stream More LGBTQ+ Romance Series, ‘Thai BL’ Style) The young people of Vietnam have embraced the idea that everyone has the right to choose their own sexual orientation, leading to significant societal changes and a boost in the tourism sector Moreover, the global community is increasingly accepting LGBTQ+ series, exemplified by the popularity of series like “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” These series skillfully weave together scenes and storylines, leaving a lasting impact on viewers Memorable dialogues, such as the one in Episode where one character says: “You were never a stranger to me, Tine.” have become etched in people’s minds These series evoke a sense of genuine connection, much like a heartfelt hug, as they skillfully integrate emotions throughout the narrative The interconnectedness of the plot and the vividly described scenes, such as the use of red hibiscus flowers symbolizing ephemeral beauty, contribute to the overall appeal and impact of these series On a different note, there is a particular scene where the main characters express their genuine emotions, and the symbolism of the flower accentuates the intensity of their passion for each other Screen tourism is considered one of the most effective methods to promote a destination, as it showcases various locales to attract international travelers These destinations are strategically implementing policies aimed at fostering economic growth, ultimately leading to an increase in visitor numbers However, this surge in tourism has also brought about certain challenges, including issues like overcrowding, traffic congestion, physical strain on infrastructure, and potential impacts on the overall tourism experience 2.4 To outline the impact of LGBTQ+ artist’s popularity on increasing the intention of Vietnamese people to travel to Thailand a) Introducing information and outstanding statistics from the two series The selection of the two series, “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You”, is primarily based on their remarkable popularity Firstly, “2gether The Series” has achieved significant global acclaim, consistently trending on platforms like Twitter and Facebook every week, thereby dominating news feeds and timelines Additionally, the show has garnered millions of views on YouTube Adapted from a bestselling novel of the same name, the series follows the adventures of Tine, a college freshman law student eager to embrace university life The central conflict of the storyline emerges when the protagonist faces persistent advances from a gay admirer (Mendoza, 2020) Conversely, “I Told Sunset About You” is another highly regarded series that has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional portrayal of LGBTQ relationships The series boasts high production values and has successfully shed light on the genre's hidden facets, captivating audiences with its emphasis on teenage romance It stands as one of Thailand's most acclaimed series, focusing specifically on the LGBTQ community and resonating deeply with viewers Regarding “2gether The Series”, the viewers’ reactions to the show were a mixture of emotions, reflecting the ups and downs of the characters' journey The series features an endearing plot and is characterized by its simplicity (Sun et al., 2019) Its widespread global popularity has significantly contributed to the growth of the LGBTQ+ genre in Asia The series garnered substantial attention on social media platforms due to its well-crafted storyline The narrative emphasizes the boundless nature of love, and its execution through the storyline, acting, dialogues, and plot has resonated deeply with audiences Each scene is intricately interconnected, with memorable lines like the one from Episode 7, “You were never a stranger to me, Tine.” etching themselves into viewers’ memories The series evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, with its coherent and emotionally charged storyline The seamless interplay of all elements ensures that no detail can be overlooked, contributing to the overall impact of the series Regarding “I Told Sunset About You”, this series is notable for its abundant use of metaphors, as exemplified by the recurring motif of red hibiscus flowers, which symbolize fleeting beauty A compelling instance occurs when the protagonists express their genuine emotions, and the flower becomes a visual representation of their profound passion for each other The series features poignant dialogues, including the impactful line: “Even separated by time, my heart still looks for you” This particular series holds the potential to significantly influence the travel decisions of young Vietnamese tourists, motivating them to choose Thailand as their destination The series’s ability to attract and engage viewers could result in an increase in tourist arrivals, showcasing its substantial impact on visitor numbers It is worth noting that TV series have a unique ability to convey stories by utilizing a combination of auditory and visual elements, including sounds, settings, characters, and iconic landmarks, capturing the audience's attention and leaving a lasting impression Table 2: Statistics from the two LGBTQ+ series No Year Series Name Channel Ratings 1) 2021 Bad Buddy GMM25 / WeTV 8.8/10 2) 2021 Not me GMM25 /AIS PLAY 8.8/10 3) 2021 A Tale of Thousand Stars GMM25 / Line TV 8.5/10 4) 2021 Lovely Writer Channel / WeTV 7.8/10 5) 2021 I Promised You the Moon Line TV 7.7/10 6) 2020 I Told Sunset About You Line TV 8.9/10 b) How the Thai LGBTQ+ series “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” attract tourists to Thailand, especially young Vietnamese tourists? The aim of this exploration is to analyze the various factors that influence the decisionmaking process of young Vietnamese travelers to visit Thailand following their exposure to two particular series According to Do, Hoang, and Pham (2022), a multitude of elements play a pivotal role in shaping the decision-making process after viewing LGBTQ+ series Economic conditions significantly impact these choices, as a thriving economy equips individuals with the financial capacity to engage in tourism activities Thailand’s rich historical and cultural heritage, showcased through monuments, castles, forts, sculptures, caverns, and other related artifacts, further contributes to its appeal as a preferred tourist destination (Tran and Filimonau, 2020) In the aftermath of the global pandemic's impact, travelers have been granted the freedom to explore and revel in diverse landscapes, encompassing mountains, fields, and sandy beaches, thereby creating opportunities for cherished life experiences In the context of “2gether The Series”, viewers embarked on a journey replete with ups and downs, as the series expertly melded captivating locations with a compelling plotline The series garnered significant attention across social media platforms, resonating with its audience through its emotionally charged narrative, accomplished acting, and picturesque settings As the world transitions into a new era characterized by heightened internet usage, web series have emerged as the preferred entertainment choice among young people In addition to this, the romantic comedy series “I Told Sunset About You” intricately portrays the romance between two young men This highly anticipated series was filmed on location in Phuket, capturing the viewers’ keen attention to the showcased venues Consequently, this attention served as a catalyst to boost tourist numbers Thus, the surge in popularity of LGBTQ+ series, particularly evident in 2020, contributed to a notable increase in the influx of young Vietnamese tourists to Thailand Vietnamese youth were deeply engrossed in these series, which not only captured their interest but also prompted a shift in their perceptions and attitudes towards society at large Notably, series like “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You” hold persuasive power over Vietnamese youth These series play a pivotal role in shaping the travel behavior of young tourists, encompassing both commercial and developmental aspects of their journeys Following the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, there emerged a heightened inclination towards leisure activities (Tushar and et al., 2022) Over the past few years, Thailand has witnessed rapid growth, a foreseeable outcome of its evolving economy The country has adeptly adapted and refined its strategies within the tourism industry, leading to an immediate and discernible impact Thailand has meticulously observed travelers’ behaviors, encompassing preferences, travel companions, activities, itineraries, destinations, and timelines The climate of a destination plays a pivotal role in influencing young travelers’ choices, with destinations characterized by favorable climates receiving a preference However, the tourism industry is susceptible to adverse environmental shifts, such as strong winds, flash floods, droughts, and extreme weather, which can significantly impede tourism Additionally, when an economy faces challenges and unemployment rates rise due to unforeseen circumstances, the repercussions are felt by the populace, directly impacting the tourism sector The three concepts of consumer acceptance, consumer distraction, and addiction also exert significant influence over the decision-making process of young Vietnamese travelers considering a visit to Thailand after watching the two series The concept of consumer acceptance becomes relevant in this scenario as it shapes consumers' initial openness to embracing new products, services, innovations, or ideas In the context of the two LGBTQ+ series, “2gether The Series” and “I Told Sunset About You”, consumer acceptance of