The sex column inspiration behind Netflix’s bold series Doctor Climax-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Doctor Climax is coming (ahem) to Netflix tomorrow, and your possible new TV obsession was partially inspired by real correspondence.

The comedy-drama set in 1970s Thailand follows Dr Nat, who once dreamt of being a novelist, and so begins anonymously writing a sex column, The Climax Question.

Readers can ask him anything about the world of sex and relationships, and he offers his detailed advice. The column was considered revolutionary as the subject matter was still seen as taboo, and so wasn’t openly discussed.

The feature becomes so popular as he tackles topics such as STDs, foreplay, and masturbation, that newspaper sales dramatically increase. As a result, people become determined to uncover who is behind the words – something Dr Nat,who wishes to keep his identity a secret, and continue just being known as a skin doctor, does not welcome.

That’s not the only thing going on for Dr Nat. While working his side hustle, he forms a close bond with the newspaper’s art department head Linda, which has the power to ruin his relationship with his wife Tukta and bring shame on his family.

What was the inspiration behind Doctor Climax?

Doctor Climax has real-world inspiration (Picture: Netflix)

People become determined to uncover who writes the column (Picture: Netflix)

The directors and production crew behind the series worked hard to recreate a realistic 1970s Thailand. They were able to do this by drawing on personal memories, as well as using old photos, interviews, and movies sourced from the Thai Film Archive. 

‘During that time, the country had just undergone political turmoil, was still in the throes of the Cold War, and other significant events were continually in the air,’ said Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, the series’ screenwriter and director. ‘People felt constrained by societal norms, yet simultaneously were striving to break free and assert their own freedoms.’

‘Sexuality impacts individuals on a personal level, within households, and extends to society as a whole, so I think sex is a good tool for discussing the broader picture of society,’ Kongdej added.

Sep Som Bo Mi Som by Doctor Nopporn was a well-known sex column in Thailand (Picture: Netflix)

The series is set in the 1970s (Picture: Netflix)

The original idea for the show came from a real sex Q+A column, which was presented to Kongdej by producer Ekachai Uekrongtham.

‘Ekachai shared with me his idea of turning a sex Q&A column into a series, so I started reading some samples of the published letters from that era,’ he explained to Netflix.

‘They made for a really great read and also reflected many social issues from that time. That was when I came up with the concept of a doctor who answers questions about sexual issues, as well as the other characters, the column, and the publisher. Through this story, we can examine humanity and society, with nods to real-world events from that period.’

There are comical moments in the series (Picture: aom/ Netlfix)

Doctor Climax tackles topics such as STDs, foreplay, and masturbation (Picture: Netflix)

The Bangkok Post reports that the best-known sex column in Thailand during the period that Doctor Climax was set is Sep Som Bo Mi Som by Doctor Nopporn, which ran on Daily News. 

Fellow director Pairach Khumwan said: ‘Today’s viewers might wonder why a Q&A column about sex was such a big deal back then, but I feel this could be a refreshing and novel story. Doctor Climax not only entertains but also raises thought-provoking questions.’

Who is in the cast for Doctor Climax?

Goy Arachaporn plays Linda (Picture: Netflix)

Viewers can expect some steamy moments (Picture: Netflix)

The leading character Dr Nat will be played by Ter-Chantavit Dhanasevi, who has starred in Thai rom-coms Hello Stranger, ATM: Er Rak Error, and One Day.

Speaking about his role Ter, 40, said: ‘He lives a robotic existence devoid of pleasure, fun, or vibrancy. However, everything changes when he becomes a columnist.’

Goy-Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, 30, takes on the role of Linda, and describes her character as ‘possessing a rebellious spirit that defies the social mores of the 1970s, a time when women’s liberties were still limited.’

They are joined by Praew-Chermawee Suwanpanuchoke as Tukta, Tonhon Tantivejakul as Permpol, and Tob-Chaiwat Thongsang as Thong Tien.

What is the release date for Doctor Climax?

Doctor Climax is available to watch on Netflix from June 13. Viewers can watch all eight episodes of the series.

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