“A Tale of Ylang Ylang” (Thai: “Sroi Sabunnga”) is a 2022 lakorn that explores ambition, family honor, and redemption in early 20th-century Thailand. Sroisabunnga (Sroi), born into aristocracy, falls from grace when her father is accused of rebellion and dies, tarnishing their name. Proud and determined, she reinvents herself as Ngam, climbing back into high society through cunning, beauty, and unyielding pride to restore her family’s reputation.
Her journey involves navigating prejudice, rivalries, and class divides, especially against the powerful Ravikul family. Along the way, she forms a deep bond with kind-hearted Tian Saelee, evolving from friendship to true love amid challenges. The drama highlights themes of sexism, privilege, and resilience, with strong social commentary on discrimination between Thai and Chinese communities.
- Genre: historical drama, romance, family conflict, melodrama.
- Main cast: Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul as Sroi/Ngam, Nine Naphat Siangsomboon as Tian.
- Strengths: powerful acting, emotional depth, rags-to-riches trope.
- Drawbacks: some repetitive plotting, intense family tensions.
Praised for its first half’s pacing and Baifern’s standout performance, it’s a favorite for lakorn fans who enjoy trope-filled stories with heart and social bite.