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My imaginary boyfriend
"If you leave it without saying goodbye,
it will come back to deprive the life out of you."
At first, Phai though that Klong was only his imaginary friend who stepped up to be an imaginary boyfriend. But seems like Klong doesn't want to be only imagination, he wants to be more even he has to do something terrible...
This is a paranormal thriller romantic novel about Phai who falls in with his imaginary friend whom he left behind without saying goodbye since he was young. After the reunion with Klong, even Phai feels really happy but there is a feeling that touches at the back of his neck. It's fear.
Because it's like in the bedtime rhyme said about the imaginary friend "If you leave it without saying goodbye, it will come back to deprive the life out of you."
At first, Phai though that Klong was only his imaginary friend who stepped up to be an imaginary boyfriend. But seems like Klong doesn't want to be only imagination, he wants to be more even he has to do something terrible...
This is a paranormal thriller romantic novel about Phai who falls in with his imaginary friend whom he left behind without saying goodbye since he was young. After the reunion with Klong, even Phai feels really happy but there is a feeling that touches at the back of his neck. It's fear.
Because it's like in the bedtime rhyme said about the imaginary friend "If you leave it without saying goodbye, it will come back to deprive the life out of you."
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
28 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Rangsimant
12 books20 followersAssociated Names:
* รังสิมันต์
* Patrick Rangsimant
* หมอตุ๊ด
* อุเทน บุญอรณะ
* รังสิมันต์
* Patrick Rangsimant
* หมอตุ๊ด
* อุเทน บุญอรณะ
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 27, 2021
หลังประสบอุบัติเหตุทางรถยนต์จนสูญเสียผู้เป็นพ่อในวัย 5 ขวบ พระพายกับแม่ย้ายมาอยู่ที่บ้านหลังใหม่และได้พบกับ กลองยาว 'เพื่อนในจินตนาการ' ผู้มีเขาเพียงคนเดียวที่มองเห็น กลองยาวหายตัวไปในคืนวันวิสาขบูชา พระพายกับแม่ก็ย้ายไปอยู่เชียงใหม่ กลองยาวไม่ได้ปรากฎตัวขึ้นอีกเลยจนกระทั่งพระพายเรียนจบและกลับมาทำงานที่กรุงเทพฯ การพบกันครั้งนี้ทำให้พระพายเริ่มสงสัยใน 'ตัวตน' ที่แท้จริงของกลองยาวว่าเพื่อนในจินตนาการของเขาคนนี้เป็นอะไรกันแน่
ขึ้นหน้าปกว่าเป็น Young Adult แต่ส่วนตัวไม่ได้มองเล่มนี้เป็นวรรณกรรมเยาวชนเท่าไหร่ เพราะเรื่องราวในวัยเด็กของตัวละครมีเพียง 5 บทแรกจาก 20 บทเท่านั้น แถมเมื่อทั้งคู่กลับมาเจอกันก็อยู่ในวัยใกล้สามสิบแล้ว แต่ทั้งนี้ทั้งนั้น ด้วยคำโปรยและโทนเรื่องลึกลับในแบบเหงา ๆ ก็ทำให้เกิดความน่าอ่านมาก ผู้เขียนหลอกล่อให้เราสงสัยกับการมีตัวตนของกลองยาวในบรรยากาศชวนหลอน ก่อนพาคนอ่านไปพบกับเฉลยในตอนท้าย ซึ่งจุดนี้ต้องชมว่าวางพล็อตได้ดีครับ
ถึงแม้จะยังมีคำถามอยู่ในบางจุด และไม่ค่อยโอเคกับการถูกหลอกด้วยคำโปรยเท่าไหร่ (555+) คำผิดมีให้เห็นอยู่หลายจุด และมีการย่อหน้าที่ดูแปลก ๆ แต่ก็นับว่าเป็นเรื่องรักที่ผสมผสานกับวิทยาศาสตร์ การแพทย์ จิตวิทยาระทึกขวัญ ได้อย่างน่าติดตาม ใครที่เบื่องานวายลูกกวาดที่มีอยู่เกลื่อนตลาด ลองเปลี่ยนรสชาติมาอ่านเล่มนี้ดูครับ
ขึ้นหน้าปกว่าเป็น Young Adult แต่ส่วนตัวไม่ได้มองเล่มนี้เป็นวรรณกรรมเยาวชนเท่าไหร่ เพราะเรื่องราวในวัยเด็กของตัวละครมีเพียง 5 บทแรกจาก 20 บทเท่านั้น แถมเมื่อทั้งคู่กลับมาเจอกันก็อยู่ในวัยใกล้สามสิบแล้ว แต่ทั้งนี้ทั้งนั้น ด้วยคำโปรยและโทนเรื่องลึกลับในแบบเหงา ๆ ก็ทำให้เกิดความน่าอ่านมาก ผู้เขียนหลอกล่อให้เราสงสัยกับการมีตัวตนของกลองยาวในบรรยากาศชวนหลอน ก่อนพาคนอ่านไปพบกับเฉลยในตอนท้าย ซึ่งจุดนี้ต้องชมว่าวางพล็อตได้ดีครับ
ถึงแม้จะยังมีคำถามอยู่ในบางจุด และไม่ค่อยโอเคกับการถูกหลอกด้วยคำโปรยเท่าไหร่ (555+) คำผิดมีให้เห็นอยู่หลายจุด และมีการย่อหน้าที่ดูแปลก ๆ แต่ก็นับว่าเป็นเรื่องรักที่ผสมผสานกับวิทยาศาสตร์ การแพทย์ จิตวิทยาระทึกขวัญ ได้อย่างน่าติดตาม ใครที่เบื่องานวายลูกกวาดที่มีอยู่เกลื่อนตลาด ลองเปลี่ยนรสชาติมาอ่านเล่มนี้ดูครับ
May 21, 2020
I was thinking that That Thing is just imagination. My imagination. But how does something existing in my imagination can actually knock at the door and call me by my name? How could it possess flesh, skin and even senses?
🌾🌾🌾
First, I need to tell you that I’m SOLD to the story right after I read the prologue. My instant thought at that time was, “What the hell I just read?!”
Curiosity then made me open the next chapter eagerly, and after that….I can’t stop myself from reading it. This book had caught me, consumed me and succeed engulfed me deeper to the story. And like Phai, I was trap in my own imagination until the word 'The End' come in my sight…
I keep wondering what or who Klong is?
A kind of supranatural things?
A ghost?
I thought I know what will happen next. But the more I read, the more it confused and curious me….
I almost sure what Klong is, but then one question that came from Klong’s mouth ‘ruined’ ALL my confident and ‘theories’. I must admit that the twist and explanations at nearly end of the book is reaaaaaally something!! And I didn’t see it coming…
You really got me here, Doc! *hands down*
The story between Phai and his Imaginary Boyfriend, Klong are unique, the character development was really extraordinary and the story-line was totally engaging! The mystery and uncertainty succeed make me glued to the book and make it completely hard to put down. The relatable between the characters and the story make me feel the emotions each character feels ~ the happiness, the sadness, the anger, the doubt and the fear....
Well, it even gave me goosebumps at some part because the creepy sensations I felt, especially if you read this book at middle of the night! (Yeah, I can see that smirk, Doc!)
I like how the author trying to confused me and constantly tickling my curiosity and forced me to make a lot of assumptions about what or who Klong is, and slowly pushed my wild imagination to questioning almost everything that happen here until the very last page, then suddenly ~ BHAM! ~ the author dropped the answer of all my questions in one hit. And it stunned me to the "Oh, I'm speechless" level.
I even googled about ‘That Thing' just to understand more about it.
Yes, I’m that ‘kind’ of reader, Doc. I’m not an easy reader to please. So, if I said that ‘you got me and I’m sold', that’s mean the book had leave deep impression in me.
Well, I will not give any spoilers about what happen in the book, I just want you, yes YOU ~ my books fellas to experience what I felt during the reading. You have to meet Klong and Phai and following their journey to find the truth about the mystery that happened between them and bound them together. Trust me, It WORTH the penny!
I really can’t wait this story made into a series!
Will looking for the author other works. Glad there’s an English version of this book. For an international reader like me, it’s like heaven. Thank you!
December 28, 2022
This was an interesting story. The translation was definitely not as well done as some other books I've read so it made it a bit hard to read, but not enough to affect the story too much. I did wish they explored or completed the story line of the boogeyman better. I thought that part was quite interesting, especially with the little boy's intuition and the vanilla smell. The ending was great and still had that weird-ness that was prevalent through the whole series. Will probably read more by this author in the future.
June 4, 2020
It's a good read. It's thrilling and went the plot twist happened I didn't think it would be like that. As a biological science student I just love hope well mental disease was carried here. You gotta read if you wanna know what I'm talking about !
March 28, 2026
I picked up this book after seeing it recommended on Goodreads. The description called it a paranormal thriller romance, but honestly, it should also include psychological, medical, and suspense elements - because this story jumps across all of them.
The novel follows Phai, who, as a child, sees an imaginary boy named Klong. At first, this felt believable - a five‑year‑old dealing with trauma after his father’s sudden death, forming an imaginary companion. When the family moves, and the visions stop, it makes sense. Those early chapters were cute, emotional, and well‑written.
But then we jump 22 years. Phai is now a doctor, yet he still clings to the memory of his imaginary friend. This is where the story started losing me. He was five when he saw Klong - by twenty‑seven, studying medicine, and meeting countless people, you'd expect him to have moved on (if he could move on after losing his father). Instead, he starts seeing Klong again and immediately accepts him as real. As a doctor, he should have questioned his hallucinations or sought professional help, but instead, he leans into the relationship.
The child patient subplot had potential. The child has a neurological condition (possibly schizophrenia) and hallucinates too - but not Klong. Instead, he sees a "boogeyman" and warns Phai that Klong is dangerous; it might be a boogeyman, too. Then, later, he says his "boogeyman" is good. Then bad again. The inconsistency made the paranormal angle feel messy rather than mysterious.
There's also a scene where Klong beats up Sun simply because Sun flirted with Phai. That jealousy came out of nowhere and made Klong feel more like a violent red flag than a love interest.
Another issue: the book introduces many side characters who have little or no significance. They appear, disappear, and add nothing to the plot. It made the story feel cluttered and unfocused.
The author is a doctor, and while the medical details add realism, sometimes it felt like too much. Neurology, orthopedics, psychology - all thrown in, even when unnecessary. It slowed the pacing and distracted from the emotional core.
And then the ending. Instead of Phai receiving treatment for hallucinations, the twist is that Klong is actually real. My reaction was basically: “What the f***?” It was shocking, yes, but it also felt like the author abandoned the psychological setup for a paranormal twist that didn't fully match the buildup.
The premise is fascinating - childhood trauma, imaginary friends, psychological tension - but the execution felt inconsistent. The story zig‑zags between paranormal and psychological explanations, introduces too many unnecessary characters, and ends with a twist that feels more like shock value than resolution.
A bold idea, but the flow and logic didn’t hold together for me.
The novel follows Phai, who, as a child, sees an imaginary boy named Klong. At first, this felt believable - a five‑year‑old dealing with trauma after his father’s sudden death, forming an imaginary companion. When the family moves, and the visions stop, it makes sense. Those early chapters were cute, emotional, and well‑written.
But then we jump 22 years. Phai is now a doctor, yet he still clings to the memory of his imaginary friend. This is where the story started losing me. He was five when he saw Klong - by twenty‑seven, studying medicine, and meeting countless people, you'd expect him to have moved on (if he could move on after losing his father). Instead, he starts seeing Klong again and immediately accepts him as real. As a doctor, he should have questioned his hallucinations or sought professional help, but instead, he leans into the relationship.
The child patient subplot had potential. The child has a neurological condition (possibly schizophrenia) and hallucinates too - but not Klong. Instead, he sees a "boogeyman" and warns Phai that Klong is dangerous; it might be a boogeyman, too. Then, later, he says his "boogeyman" is good. Then bad again. The inconsistency made the paranormal angle feel messy rather than mysterious.
There's also a scene where Klong beats up Sun simply because Sun flirted with Phai. That jealousy came out of nowhere and made Klong feel more like a violent red flag than a love interest.
Another issue: the book introduces many side characters who have little or no significance. They appear, disappear, and add nothing to the plot. It made the story feel cluttered and unfocused.
The author is a doctor, and while the medical details add realism, sometimes it felt like too much. Neurology, orthopedics, psychology - all thrown in, even when unnecessary. It slowed the pacing and distracted from the emotional core.
And then the ending. Instead of Phai receiving treatment for hallucinations, the twist is that Klong is actually real. My reaction was basically: “What the f***?” It was shocking, yes, but it also felt like the author abandoned the psychological setup for a paranormal twist that didn't fully match the buildup.
The premise is fascinating - childhood trauma, imaginary friends, psychological tension - but the execution felt inconsistent. The story zig‑zags between paranormal and psychological explanations, introduces too many unnecessary characters, and ends with a twist that feels more like shock value than resolution.
A bold idea, but the flow and logic didn’t hold together for me.
February 23, 2024
phai and klong took me through such a unique journey, and as a doctor myself, I found myself quite familiar with the medical terminology and the hospital setting. I even looked at phai in complete awe and envy, seeing myself in him, wishing to be a neurologist like him, and wishing desperately to have my own imaginary boyfriend (it was so funny that phai was a friend in a dream to klong and klong was an imaginary friend to phai when they both actually existed).
I found myself laughing at antics of the orthopedic guy and falling in love with the psychiatrist mom.
the notion of complete acceptance that both phai and klong had encapsulates what I believe true love to be and the question asked throughout the whole book: what if the beast never got his curse lifted? would belle still love him? phai and klong loved each other unconditionally, and I so much hope to have what they have (when is my turn to be loved).
the plot twist was so unique and unpredictable that not even my hardworking mind could predict, which kept me reading this story despite the sadly very mediocre to bad translation.
I eagerly anticipate a more polished translation in the future, as I long to own a physical copy of this precious book.
I found myself laughing at antics of the orthopedic guy and falling in love with the psychiatrist mom.
the notion of complete acceptance that both phai and klong had encapsulates what I believe true love to be and the question asked throughout the whole book: what if the beast never got his curse lifted? would belle still love him? phai and klong loved each other unconditionally, and I so much hope to have what they have (when is my turn to be loved).
the plot twist was so unique and unpredictable that not even my hardworking mind could predict, which kept me reading this story despite the sadly very mediocre to bad translation.
I eagerly anticipate a more polished translation in the future, as I long to own a physical copy of this precious book.
May 24, 2020
This story absolutely wild and had me second guessing myself throughout the entire story! Is it supernatural, thriller, fairy tale, romance? Of course it’s a little bit of all of these things but really felt like reading a mystery and suspense novel. What is Klong and of course bracing for the impact we are all waiting for that was foreshadowed in the prologue.
There are moments in this book that had me in full panic mode, but also a beautiful moment of relief comes with the entrance of Klong’s mother who arrives suddenly but leaves a huge impact. I honestly cried a little bit when she admitted her house isn’t blue, and connects that there is something special and unique at play here.
I think others will experience alongside me wanting to reread this as soon as finished with their new lens and understanding of the story.
I am still rooting for Sun to find his special person, and still wondering what really happened to the little boy in the pediatric ward. Oh geez.
Great book, and so thankful for the English translation. Looking forward to more from Dr Pat.
There are moments in this book that had me in full panic mode, but also a beautiful moment of relief comes with the entrance of Klong’s mother who arrives suddenly but leaves a huge impact. I honestly cried a little bit when she admitted her house isn’t blue, and connects that there is something special and unique at play here.
I think others will experience alongside me wanting to reread this as soon as finished with their new lens and understanding of the story.
I am still rooting for Sun to find his special person, and still wondering what really happened to the little boy in the pediatric ward. Oh geez.
Great book, and so thankful for the English translation. Looking forward to more from Dr Pat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2021
Literally SPEECHLESS
First of all I honestly wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, but let me tell you I am IN LOVE! I couldn’t put this down and I finished it in two hours! When Phai first met Klong it really had me thinking “Is he dead?” “Did he drown?” So many thoughts running through my head plus the unexpected disappearance of Klong and Phai’s first heartbreak and all the doubt polluting his mind. I also wasn’t expecting some chapters to put me on edge like they did, for example Klong chasing down Phai and handling him so roughly. Also the threats against Sun and him being so possessive, but then Klong realizing Phai is actually real and UGH! 😩 This is the best book I’ve ever read! I’m sorry for the long review but I am genuinely in love with this story and the book is forever going to be on my shelf. ♥️
First of all I honestly wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, but let me tell you I am IN LOVE! I couldn’t put this down and I finished it in two hours! When Phai first met Klong it really had me thinking “Is he dead?” “Did he drown?” So many thoughts running through my head plus the unexpected disappearance of Klong and Phai’s first heartbreak and all the doubt polluting his mind. I also wasn’t expecting some chapters to put me on edge like they did, for example Klong chasing down Phai and handling him so roughly. Also the threats against Sun and him being so possessive, but then Klong realizing Phai is actually real and UGH! 😩 This is the best book I’ve ever read! I’m sorry for the long review but I am genuinely in love with this story and the book is forever going to be on my shelf. ♥️
December 23, 2020
Read the ENG version released by publisher/author. So happy to purchase this. Although this one took me a longer time to finish it but that was because I only have time to read at night before I sleep and the content could be quite ‘spooky/disturbing’ for me to consume at that time (I’m super imaginative 555) so I had to keep delaying reading it lol! In a way the plot was also a slower built for me. I have enjoyed the medical take of the story plot and I guess learned a few things or two? ;)
May 28, 2020
Definitely one of my favorite reads.
I was very sceptical to start reading as scary reads are not my thing but wow. Just wow. So glad i listened and read. I have to say this book had me feeling nervous, happy, scared, confused, etc. I definitely recommend. Such a beautiful story. Definitely not your typical BL. Loved it!
I was very sceptical to start reading as scary reads are not my thing but wow. Just wow. So glad i listened and read. I have to say this book had me feeling nervous, happy, scared, confused, etc. I definitely recommend. Such a beautiful story. Definitely not your typical BL. Loved it!
February 9, 2021
A great read.
This book was a quick read but a fascinating one. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I would definitely recommend whether you are a bl reader , a romantic at heart ,a suspense enthusiast or a non fiction genre preferred. You get it all in my opinion. I think teenagers to adults (I'm in my 40s. ) will enjoy. I'm looking forward to more works !
This book was a quick read but a fascinating one. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I would definitely recommend whether you are a bl reader , a romantic at heart ,a suspense enthusiast or a non fiction genre preferred. You get it all in my opinion. I think teenagers to adults (I'm in my 40s. ) will enjoy. I'm looking forward to more works !
July 5, 2021
This book was a quick read but a fascinating one. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Wow talk about a twist when Phai first met Klong it really had me thinking “Is he dead?” “Did he drown?” So many thoughts running through my head plus the unexpected disappearance of Klong and Phai’s first heartbreak and all the doubt polluting his mind.
July 17, 2022
Omg I wasn’t expecting this. I picked this book because the story intrigued me. I had so many different emotions while reading it. Sometimes fear, sometimes confusion and in the end pure love for the characters.
The plot twist is also amazing.
I totally recommend it.
Trust me, just give it a chance
The plot twist is also amazing.
I totally recommend it.
Trust me, just give it a chance
March 10, 2023
นิยายที่เล่าถึงเพื่อนในจินตนาการ ความผูกพันธ์ ผู้แต่งพยามปูเรื่องออกแนวสิ่งลี้ลับ แต่ด้วยความที่ผู้แต่งเป็นหมอ จึงต้องมาด้วยเหตุและผล เพราะมันไม่น่าจะใช่เรื่องผี
ช่วงเริ่มแรกดูเนือยๆหน่อย สนุกช่วงกลาง และสับสน คลี่ตลายในตอนท้าย ถ้าอ่านวายแบบใสๆมาเยอะแล้ว ลองเปลี่ยนแนวมากลิ่นอาย อบอุ่น ดุดัน สับสน งง งวยดูบ้าง สนุกดี จบดี
ช่วงเริ่มแรกดูเนือยๆหน่อย สนุกช่วงกลาง และสับสน คลี่ตลายในตอนท้าย ถ้าอ่านวายแบบใสๆมาเยอะแล้ว ลองเปลี่ยนแนวมากลิ่นอาย อบอุ่น ดุดัน สับสน งง งวยดูบ้าง สนุกดี จบดี
March 15, 2022
A bit disappointing. I loved the overall concept, but it wasn't executed well.
December 30, 2025
It was a refreshing read, I like how the author mixed supernatural and scientific phenomena
February 22, 2026
confuso
February 8, 2025
This would have been a lot better with more editing and a different translator. The writing was atrocious.
February 24, 2026
The premise of being reconnected with a childhood imaginary friend as an adult and then having what could have been a whimsical adventure turn slowly sinister was so promising.
I actually feel like My Imaginary Boyfriend has a lot in common with the 2024 Be On Cloud series 4Minutes in this regard where it almost seems like there was a different ending planned, but they got cold feet at the last moment and changed it.
Still, I did enjoy everything up until the climax and was really invested in finding out where this increasingly claustrophobic, creepy story was going, so though there isn't much re-readability, I liked it and would read Rangsimant's other horror-branded novel, but I'll go into that one assuming there will be a last-minute genre shift.
I actually feel like My Imaginary Boyfriend has a lot in common with the 2024 Be On Cloud series 4Minutes in this regard where it almost seems like there was a different ending planned, but they got cold feet at the last moment and changed it.
Still, I did enjoy everything up until the climax and was really invested in finding out where this increasingly claustrophobic, creepy story was going, so though there isn't much re-readability, I liked it and would read Rangsimant's other horror-branded novel, but I'll go into that one assuming there will be a last-minute genre shift.
July 22, 2022
รู้สึกเหมือนกำลังดูละคร การดำเนินเรื่องกระชับ มีการขมวดปมทิ้งไว้ตามจุดต่างๆให้ตื่นเต้น น่าติดตาม อยากอ่านต่อไปเรื่อยๆว่าเฉลยแล้วจะเป็นยังไง พล็อตแนววิทยาศาสตร์ สอบสวนระทึกขวัญแบบนี้ก็ถือว่าแปลกใหม่น่าสนใจมากๆ
แต่ยังรู้สึกว่าความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างตัวละครมันรวดเร็วไป อ่านแล้วยังไม่ค่อยเชื่อว่าทำไมตัวละครถึงได้ผูกพันและรักกันขนาดนี้ บทสนทนาเรื่องการแพทย์ที่มีมาเป็นระยะๆก็ออกจะเยิ่นเย้อและยัดศัพท์วิชาการเข้ามาเยอะ ดูไม่เนียนไปกับเรื่อง (เข้าใจว่าคนเขียนเป็นหมอเลยใส่เข้ามา) เลยขอหักไป 2 ดาว
แต่ยังรู้สึกว่าความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างตัวละครมันรวดเร็วไป อ่านแล้วยังไม่ค่อยเชื่อว่าทำไมตัวละครถึงได้ผูกพันและรักกันขนาดนี้ บทสนทนาเรื่องการแพทย์ที่มีมาเป็นระยะๆก็ออกจะเยิ่นเย้อและยัดศัพท์วิชาการเข้ามาเยอะ ดูไม่เนียนไปกับเรื่อง (เข้าใจว่าคนเขียนเป็นหมอเลยใส่เข้ามา) เลยขอหักไป 2 ดาว
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