: Estimates suggest that up to 0.6% of the population assigned male at birth in Thailand identify as kathoey .
: While "ladyboy" is common in tourist areas, the term kathoey (or gataey ) is more commonly used by Thais to describe the broad spectrum of gender non-conformity. Key Observations ladyboy tayana
: Many organizations, such as the Trans Action Refuge , exist to assist transgender individuals globally in relocating to Thailand for its relatively supportive environment. : Estimates suggest that up to 0
: While Thailand is often seen as more tolerant of gender diversity than many other countries, kathoey individuals still face varying levels of discrimination and legal hurdles regarding official gender recognition. : While Thailand is often seen as more
In Thailand, the kathoey community is a visible and deeply rooted part of society, particularly within the tourism and entertainment sectors. However, the community extends far beyond performance, with individuals working across all professional fields, including medicine, education, and government.
: Most identify as transgender women rather than gay men. Some individuals view themselves as a "third gender," distinct from both male and female.