Another powerful voice is Prem, a 38-year-old researcher and writer living in Bangkok.

Despite Thailand's reputation for tolerance, legal discrimination persists. Kathoeys cannot legally change their gender on official ID cards or passports. They are not exempted from the military draft (which is for males), leading to humiliating situations at draft offices. Even a "Ladyboy Prem" who looks like a supermodel is legally considered male by the state.

In the Thai language, Kathoey originally served as an umbrella term encompassing trans women, effeminate gay men, and individuals displaying androgynous traits.

Unlike many Western nations where the conversation around gender has only recently become mainstream, Thailand has a long, unbroken history of recognizing gender variance. Kathoeys have been documented in Thai history for centuries, occupying roles from entertainers to spiritual healers.

: Despite their visibility, Thailand's legal system does not yet allow for a change of gender on official documents, which can lead to issues in hospitals, banks, and even the prison system.

In Southeast Asia, or feminine-presenting individuals. While the English word is widely known through tourism, local cultures have their own deep roots and words for this identity. For example, people in Thailand use the traditional word kathoey .