I'm from the same country as the author, and I can actually see the possibility that my relationship may ended up like this story. I surely hope not, but it doesn't help that my gf's family is extremely conservative and we're both the first generation that speak fluent English. Sigh. My gf and I are working hard to build a new life in another country so we could fulfil our parents' expectations, yet have a space that we can be who we truly are.
In my opinion, I feel like Western viewed their children as individuals. The moving out of home at age 18, the emphasis on being independent at a young age. Whereas in Thailand parents view their children as their obligations (no negative connotation intended). The extents that many Thai parents go above and beyond to provide for their kids imply many unspoken expectations for their children to reciprocate.
It's a little unfortunate that some people simplify these life struggles that many LGBT people face as a "boring, overused plot." Perhaps there is some truths as to why these tropes and plots are still popular today, it is still relevant in certain cultures.
