Menu
In 2012, rumors emerged that Yingluck had undergone sex reassignment surgery. The rumors, which were widely reported in the Thai media, sparked a national debate about her identity and leadership. Yingluck never publicly confirmed or denied the rumors, but they did not seem to affect her popularity.
This is an English-language term widely used in Southeast Asia—particularly in Thailand—to refer to transgender women or effeminate gay men. In the local Thai language, the more common and respectful term is kathoey (กะเทย) or phuying praphet song (ผู้หญิงประเภทสอง), which translates to "a second type of woman."
This is the formal Thai word for "woman" or "female." It is used in everyday language, official contexts, and compound words (e.g., phu-ying means woman).
(PDF) Transpeople (Khon kham-phet) in Thailand - ResearchGate ying ladyboy
In Thailand, you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in cities like Pattaya and Bangkok, where kathoey individuals showcase their talents and beauty. Cabarets, dance clubs, and live shows feature kathoey performers, who dazzle audiences with their charisma, fashion sense, and artistic skills.
In Buddhism, being a kathoey is sometimes viewed as a karmic consequence of past actions, leading to a complex relationship with religion .
While international tourists and global media frequently use the slang term "ladyboy," the linguistic landscape within Thailand tells a very different story. In 2012, rumors emerged that Yingluck had undergone
"Ying ladyboy" is a phrase that often appears in searches, typically referring to Thai transgender women (kathoey) named Ying. It is a specific search term used to find personal stories, social media profiles, or videos.
However, responsible visitors should support establishments that treat performers with dignity and fair compensation. Patronizing major productions like in Bangkok (established 1988) or Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya offers a more structured, professional experience with better labor protections.
If you are traveling and looking to understand the scene respectfully, several resources offer practical advice: This is an English-language term widely used in
(Thai: ผู้หญิง, ) literally translates to and is the identity many transgender women in Thailand—often referred to by the cultural term or "ladyboy"—prefer to use for themselves. ResearchGate
In some contexts, using "Ying" alongside "ladyboy" is a redundant or emphasizing linguistic blend, effectively meaning "female transgender woman."
: While "ladyboy" is widely used in tourism, many within the community prefer the Thai term Phu Ying Praphet Song (meaning "second-type woman") or simply Phuying ("woman").
The term "ladyboy" gained international prominence largely through Thailand's famous cabaret shows, such as those in Pattaya and Phuket, and through high-profile beauty pageants like Miss Queen International. While these venues celebrate the beauty and talent of transgender women, they have also contributed to a highly commercialized and sometimes objectified perception of the community by global tourists. Navigating Terminology and Respect