Same – Same – But Different
Thailand is a land of beauty, a land of smiles, culture, contrast, dichotomy and contradiction. People who come here to either holiday or live quickly realize that it those very aspects of Thailand that we are attracted to. Some say that to live here successfully, one needs to see the world differently, needing to surrender pre-conceived ideas and perceptions and allowing to "feel" the world in new and un-explored ways. No one aspect of Thailand could be more misunderstood than that of the phenomena of the Katoey. Other terms used range from Lady Boy to Transexuals, to Women of The Third Kind.
The Editors and Managers of The Pattaya, Accommodation Food, Shopping and Entertainment Guide decided to dedicate May's issue of The Guide to this unique aspect of Thai culture. The whole idea of doing a story in this regard was in my opinion a tricky one. Were there any people or customers that would be offended? After all, we are respected as a "family" magazine. Once you've been here awhile you realize that generally speaking "mainstream publications" rarely touch on the subject let alone feature a story and dedicate a cover for that purpose. When it's all said and done, neither Go-Go working girls or Katoeys should be of any surprise to anyone coming to Thailand. Most people in my opinion know what is going on here long before they ever get here. So, we decided to go ahead with the idea. Our intent is to inform not offend and to try to take a bit of the mystery out of the subject.
Thai society has always been known as being incredibly tolerant regarding those things considered sexual and even believe to some extent that a Katoey in the family can bring good luck. Indeed if economics have anything to do with it, it is not so difficult to understand, as women usually earn more income and have more opportunities available to them then men. That coupled with the fact that cosmetic surgery available in Thailand is rated as some of the best in the world and comparably speaking inexpensive and you can almost start to comprehend the reasoning behind the Katoey phenomena. Most of the Katoeys, especially those who are performing in shows especially have had breast implant surgery at a cost of about 50,000 Baht.
Most will go through great lengths to conceal the signs of a previous life as a man and will opt for hormone therapy treatment to enhance the volume and texture of their hair and skin as well as surgery for reducing the size of the Adam's Apple or genital reassignment. The latter will usually run at a cost of anywhere from 100 to 150,000 Baht and most Cabaret Lady Boy Shows are against the basic policy as they wouldn't really be classified as Lady Boys. Some venues however do make exceptions to this basic rule depending on the popularity of the Worker. If they do not work in a Cabaret Show, because of their complete integration into the society they work everywhere a woman would work, in Restaurants, as Secretaries, Nurses, Beauticians and even Movie Stars. Unfortunatley, legal acceptance is non-existent in Thailand and they, even though accepted, are still considered a lower class deemed as part of a Karma payback from a previous life.
I decided to get up close and personal with an interview and caught up with Joy, a stunning 18 year old who is presently working at the E & T Barely Legal Bar on Soi 6 in Central Pattaya. E & T has both Lady Boys and Woman working as staff there and can be found to be open when other bars in the city are not.
Joy was known as Satit until he realized she had more feelings as a woman than a man. Interestingly enough at the age of 10 years she made it clear to both her mother and father that she had these feelings and her mother and father supported her decision. Joy is the oldest child of 4 other siblings in her family. She told me that it wasn't easy growing up as the boys in the town of Nakhom Sawan would at times tease her for playing with girls instead of them. She started taking hormones at about 11 years and when she was 16 came down to Pattaya to work in Soi Diamond on Walking Street. When I asked her about her attitude towards Farangs she told me that she always had an attraction to Western men, more so than Thai men. She believes that Western men are more understanding and that some day it may be her intent to marry and to go abroad.
I must say that talking to Joy was a unique pleasure. I found her to be friendly, warm and very innocent in her demeanor as well as quite enlightening.
Cabaret Shows
Pattaya has several places to enjoy well choreographed shows. Tiffanys in Central Pattaya just before the Dolphin Roundabout on the left side will be sponsoring their Internationally recognized Miss Tiffany Universe on May 11th. For more information, call them at (038) 421-700.
Alcazar is also well respected and popular in Pattaya. Located next to Big C where once the Palladium operated.
The Malibu Bar on Soi Yamota across from Hot and Cold A Go-Go has some excellent shows in a smaller more intimate atmosphere. Normal bars who employ Lady Boy Staff are Jenny Bar on Walking Street and E & T Barely Legal Bar mentioned earlier, located on Soi 6.
Regardless of what your sexual preference might be, remember to show a Katoey the same respect you would show for any woman you might meet. If you really want to quench your curiosity why not buy a drink and find out more about this unique aspect of Thai culture. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised to see just how interesting and unique Lady Boys in Thailand really are.
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