Spot a Ladyboy in Thailand

The term ladyboy, or kathoey, is a male-to-female transgender person or an effeminate gay male in Thailand.[1] Kathoeys are rather common, and widely accepted, within Thailand, both within the entertainment industry and more traditional female jobs.

While recognizing kathoeys may be impossible, there are sometimes signs that you can read.

Steps

  1. Look for traditionally male biological signs. These include:
    • Male genitalia
    • Adam's apple
    • Modified facial features - male faces tend to be more angular
    • Large feet in comparison to height
    • Wide shoulders compared to hips. Men often have triangular shapes while women have hourglass shapes.
  2. Listen to the voice. Ladyboys often speak softly to mask a deeper voice.
  3. Look at the walk. Swishy, flirtatious walking is often a ladyboy "tell".
  4. Check the shape of the wrist. Mens' wrists are usually straight while women's slant inwards toward the hand.

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Sources and Citations

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