Thailand is known not only as the Land of Smiles but also the land of beautiful transgenders that are often mistaken as real women. Transgenders are often featured in spectacular cabaret shows in Pattaya and Bangkok and of course, there is Miss Tiffany and Miss International Queen, the most coveted local and international pageants for transvestites and transgenders.
Many people ask why Thailand's transgenders are so pretty and so many. First, Thai men have softer features and slender bodies so it makes it easy for them to shift from a man to woman. Second, the country has embraced cosmetic surgery. It is relatively so easy and cheap to get a botox (as cheap as $50 a shot), a nose job or a boob job. Getting a sex change is within reach and not complicated, although the government has introduced basic laws to make sure that those who are getting it are of sound mind and properly informed of the implications. Third, the society is tolerant and accepting of the transgenders, gays and lesbians. The Buddhist religion doesn't see it as a sin unlike in Catholic or Christian faiths. Transgenders can find jobs traditionally reserved for women. You find them as beauty consultants in malls, as receptionists in restaurants and hotels, as PR consultants and in many other mainstream jobs outside beauty salons. One successful transgender, Treechayada 'Poy' Malayaporn, has also found a niche in the entertainment industry. She is the spokesperson of a local mobile company, GNet (click link for the commercial), and has played roles in TV series and movies as a woman and not as gay or transgender.
Lately, The Nation newspaper of Thailand, reported that a 30-year-old transgender will run in a provincial political post. Yonlada 'Kirkkong' Suanyos, also a PhD candidate, plans to enter the local politics of Nan province in the North.
She has been campaigning for the rights of trans-females and was named last year as one of the most influential women in Thai society by a media organisation.
Thailand has long tolerated transgenders but not in politics. There are rumours that a number of politicians are gay but none of them has ever come out in the closet.
In the Philippines, a transgender won as president of the student supreme council of the University of the Philippines and gays have been voted into office but the highest position they occupied were in the local level of vice-mayor.
In many other Asian countries, a transgender will still be crucified and will run afoul with extremists and conservatives if he enters politics.
Thailand is proving a point and paving the way for transgenders to enter the mainstream politics and there is nothing wrong with that.
Thai transgender model/actress Treechayada 'Poy' Malayaporn (Photo by J. Tesorio)
Thai transgender politician Yonlada 'Kirkkong' Suanyos. (Photo courtesy from The Nation)
Lately, The Nation newspaper of Thailand, reported that a 30-year-old transgender will run in a provincial political post. Yonlada 'Kirkkong' Suanyos, also a PhD candidate, plans to enter the local politics of Nan province in the North.
She has been campaigning for the rights of trans-females and was named last year as one of the most influential women in Thai society by a media organisation.
Thailand has long tolerated transgenders but not in politics. There are rumours that a number of politicians are gay but none of them has ever come out in the closet.
In the Philippines, a transgender won as president of the student supreme council of the University of the Philippines and gays have been voted into office but the highest position they occupied were in the local level of vice-mayor.
In many other Asian countries, a transgender will still be crucified and will run afoul with extremists and conservatives if he enters politics.
Thailand is proving a point and paving the way for transgenders to enter the mainstream politics and there is nothing wrong with that.
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