Seven princes, a time-travelling protagonist, and a world torn between love and power—Scarlet Heart Ullavee adapts a beloved time-travel romance for Thai television, set in a fictional realm inspired by Southeast Asian history.
When modern-day Na Boon is unexpectedly transported to the distant kingdom of Ullavee, she must navigate rigid traditions, political rivalries, and royal intrigue. Awakening as the noblewoman Fong Nuan, she struggles to adapt as she becomes entangled in the ambitions of seven princes, balancing survival against dangerous court romance.
Starring Tontawan Tantivejakul and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, the 2026 GMMTV series is directed by Kanittha Kwanyu and co-produced with Nar-ra-tor. Based on TongHua’s 2005 novel Startling by Each Step, the show reimagines the premise within a distinct regional aesthetic.
A Life Rewritten by Fate
After a mysterious event transports Na Boon (Tontawan Tantivejakul) through time, she awakens in Ullavee as Fong Nuan. Stripped of her modern life, she must adapt to high-society customs while navigating thekingdom’ss escalating political power struggles.
As Na Boon draws the attention of multiple princes, her personal feelings collide with court loyalties. She soon realizes that surviving the palace—and altering her own destiny—comes at a steep cost.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Tontawan Tantivejakul (“Tu”) stars as Fong Nuan/Na Boon opposite Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (“Win”) as Mueang Fah.
The prince ensemble features Korapat Kirdpan (Nanon) as Saen Thep, Tawan Vihokratana (Tay) as Indraraja, Nattawat Jirochtikul (Fourth) as Jom Harn, Phuwin Tangsakyuen (Phuwin) as Fah Haam, Tanapon Sukumpantanasan (Perth) as Kong Tai, and Jiratchapong Srisang (Force) as Pha Wiang.
The court cast includes Pansa Vosbein (Milk) as Hong Kham, Chanikarn Tangkabodee (Prim) as Bua Sai, Nachcha Chuedang (Parn) as Dao Kaew, Rutricha Phapakithi (Ciize) as Lha/Eva, and Sarunchana Apisamaimongkol (Aye) as Maneethip, alongside veteran actors Songsit Roongnophakunsri, Apasiri Nitibhon, Rasee Wacharapolmek, Pitisak Yaowananon, and Sueangsuda Lawanprasert. Leo Saussay makes a guest appearance as NaBoon’s modern supervisor.
From Chinese Literary Romance to Thai Fantasy
Scarlet Heart Ullavee is the third major television adaptation of Startling by Each Step, following China’s Scarlet Heart (2011) and South Korea’s Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016).
GMMTV announced the project on April 23, 2024, at its “Up & Above Part” showcase. To prepare, the cast underwent training in archery, horseback riding, traditional dance, and sword combat starting in September 2024. Table reads began on May 19, 2025, followed by principal photography on August 26, 2025.
Cultural Representation and Response
Following early promotional releases, Myanmar viewers noted similarities between the production’s aesthetics and Myanmar heritage, highlighting Konbaung- and Yadanabon-style royal attire (such as Htaingmathein blouses) and Rakhine oil-lamp dance elements.
In response to cultural attribution concerns, the DatarrX Foundation launched a petition on October 20, 2026, securing over 34,000 signatures in three days.
On October 23, 2026, GMMTV issued a statement clarifying that Ullavee is a fictional borderland drawing from Lanna, Tai, Chinese, and Myanmar traditions rather than a single source. GMMTV apologized for any distress and officially retitled the show from Scarlet Heart Thailand to Scarlet Heart Ullavee to highlight its fictional setting.
A New Chapter
Premiering November 4, 2026, Scarlet Heart Ullavee airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:30 PST (Philippine Time) on One 31 and streams on OneD at 22:45 PST (Philippine Time), bringing a classic time-travel narrative to a fresh backdrop of romance, intrigue, and high-stakes choices.
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