Ladyboys in Thailand
Yes, I kissed one of the ladyboys in Thailand. And I hope my friends don’t mind it.
Well, it’s more like a ladyboy kissed me. And as for the liking it part — read on oh curious one…
As I write this I’m at Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, Thailand. While strolling down the main drag (see what I did there?) we noticed a gaggle (flock? coven? a murder?) of ladyboys congregating outside a 7/11, as ladyboys tend to do in this part of the world. Further ahead we heard music filtering down from above, and looked up to see the appropriately star-spangled sign for Starz Cabaret.
Ladyboys in Thailand, or “kathoey” are far more visible and accepted here than transgendered people are in the West. You see them working in shops and restaurants, on trains and buses, and of course, in the odd cabaret.
Known as the third gender, or (my personal favorite) “woman of the second kind”, ladyboys in Thailand are as much a part of daily Thai life as chopsticks in China, or fatty foods in America.
Ladyboys in Thailand are everywhere, they are accepted as part of the culture, and for most, it’s no big deal.
Starz own website put it best:
“Many communities accept a third sex, from Thai
and Samoan to Native American and Filipino. Only in
the West has repression occurred.”
So the following night, we decided to take the plunge and investigate further. The voyeur in me wanted to see how they put the tuk in tuk-tuk.
We arrived late to the show, so were seated in the only two remaining seats – right at the very front. I actually had to lay my camera bag on the stage.
We were that close.
The mostly straight audience was a varied mix of vacationers – couples, backpackers, and gobsmacked families with kids. I was surprised by the lack of audience participation. The ladyboy performers did their best to engage the crowd, but some obviously had never seen anything like this before.
There were more stone faces than Rapa Nui.
After a couple of standards by Diana Ross and Celine Dion, the show got a little bit more risqué when the ladyboys started to pull audience members up to the stage.
I wasn’t the only one who got kissed that night.
A highly camp (or maybe just high and camp) Whitney Houston from her “crack is whack” days began to stumble through her version of “I Will Always Love You”.
Then she saw me.
The next few minutes were a haze. Cameras clicked. Flashes popped. Crowds clapped. Some ooh’ed. Some ahh’ed. Some ooh’ed AND ahh’ed.
And then it happened.
BAM! Right in the kisser. Somewhere after the line “We both know I’m not what you need” (the irony is not lost on me) she sat on my lap and, for a brief moment, made me her Bobby Brown.
Yes officer. This is her.
So how did it feel? Did I taste her cherry Chapstick?
Well, I can’t say it was horrible. Kind of like kissing anyone really. Though certainly she could’ve used a mint.
But when people ask me, I will tell them I kissed one of those ladyboys in Thailand, and I will tell them I liked it. Not because it was some sort of magical, earth-shattering, rock me to my core kinda kiss. But because I walked away with a great memory, a good laugh, and an awesome story. And every time I tell the story, I’ll think of her every step of the way…
Check that one off the bucket list. Oh wait. It was never on there to begin with.
If You Go:
- Shows are at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm nightly (no show 8:00 pm on Sundays).
- Admission is free, but you are expected to buy a drink. If you don’t want to buy a drink, their sign says you pay a cover of 200 Baht. So just buy a drink.
- Drinks are more expensive than neighbouring bars, but you are getting a free show. So drink up.
- If you want to take photos with the ladyboys at the end of the show, you are free to, but ladyboys in Thailand expect a tip, so don’t cheap out.
- If you’re a dude and don’t want to be picked on, go in drag — none of the women were asked to take the stage the night I was there.
What has been your experience with Ladyboys in Thailand?
America 
Canada 
Oman 
HILARIOUS! What a hilariously awesome experience! I’d totally see a show like this.
Sheryll recently posted..Being Selfish Doesn’t Always Mean You’re an Asshole
It was fun, but I wish I had had a few more drinks before the main event…
You never forget your first girl, I mean girl/guy
. Great post and hilarious pics.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Five warning signs you are an obsessive travel blogger
Thanks Ted! I shall never forget him/her…
So funny. And I believe a group of ladyboys is called a ‘moose knuckle of queens.’ (I may have made that up.)
Torre – Fearful Adventurer recently posted..An open letter to a stranger in a helmet
Hee hee — I like that! I may have to use it…
Oh my Raymond ROLF on this story. What are you getting yourself into out there? ;p
Grace recently posted..Corregidor Island: A Legacy of War
Trouble! Capital “T” — out of fear…
I love it!
You were obviously the most kissable dude in the audience. Good on you for bragging about it.
Thanks Barbara — I don’t know about my kissability quotient — I think I was an easy target as I was the closest one to the stage…
“And I hope my friends don’t mind it.”
Oh dear friend, just wait till you get back home. The old battle axe and I have a hatchet to bury deep, deep inside your soul. Brilliant story!
Thanks Greg! How is our bitter young hobbit?
You tell it so well. This is gonna go viral!
Haha! Thanks Jim! I wish!!
Love this post–it’s hilarious! The line re: the ‘mint’ is great. And the ooh and the ahhing. I really did LMAO because of this. Thanks for the laughs!!!
PS: Was the kiss sort of chapsticky??
Lisa @chickybus recently posted..‘Would You Rather’ Game–for Travelers
It was very lip-glossy with a hint of Pad Thai…
Glad I gave you a chuckle!
that doesnt sound like a cool bar.
Zablon Mukuba recently posted..Volunteer Abroad Packing Tips
Well I had fun, and it is all about me…
I will retweet and stumble this, just because you have the guts to write that title and put your name on it.
Well done.
Hee hee! Thanks Matt — much obliged!
YESSSSSSSS!!! i love this post on so many levels raymond!!! just the voyeur in me, then the anthropologist who appreciates you using this experience to educate others about cultural acceptance elsewhere for a third sex (we have plenty of inter-sexed folks born in the states every year that no one wants to talk about), the fact that you’re so open minded, and that you dare you write about it. this is a fave now. yippee for awesome travel adventures!
Lorna – the roamantics recently posted..The Roamantics Turns 1- My 7 Links of the Year
Thanks Lorna! I’m more of an armchair anthopologist, but I like to get in the trenches every now and then. It’s an eye-opener to see how accepting folks are of ladyboys over here, but the West is slowly changing as well. One of my friends is transgendered, and his work was completing accepting during and after his transition. I’m sure it’s the exception, but it’s a start…
‘she certainly could’ve used a mint’ – hilarious!
I love how brazen you are about this – I reckon you enjoyed it ;o)
Liv recently posted..The most amazing dive I’ve (n)ever done
The whole time I was thinking, “She is not coming towards me, she is not coming towards me…” and them BAM! I did have a good laugh though, as did most of the audience…
So, there were no Hangover 2-ish shenanigans after the fateful kiss? :-p
Sounds like an entertaining outing. Are you going to also brave a ping pong show at some point?
Genius title btw. Suckered me right in, haha. What does that say about me?
Chris recently posted..Everland: The Happiest Place in Korea
Regrettably, I have not seen Hangover 2…yet! I’m sure I can drum up a decent pirated copy in these parts.
Not too sure about the ping pong show — my friend wanted to go, but I declined. When I think of ping pong, I think of Forrest Gump. Not quite ready to tarnish that wholesome image just yet…
Sounds like this show would sell out every night in NYC, hope they go on tour!
They would probably be more successful in a bigger venue. But not quite sure even New York is ready for a ladyboy show yet…
Laughing so hard at this post. I’m SO glad you got a picture of her!
I will be taking it to the local police detachment post haste!
Hahaha – I’ve only seen one of these shows in New Orleans but it was great. Sounds like fun and how cool that you got to be a volunteer. Very forward of them, though, isn’t it?
There are many things they are not, but shy is not one of them…
A great story indeed, told with a touch of poetry.
inka recently posted..Amber in the Caribbean
Thanks Inka! I tried to do the experience justice…
This is hilarious! Seriously good stuff and you actually have me intrigued enough to consider visiting one of these places when I move back to Thailand later this year!
Thanks Shannon! You should definitely go! They wouldn’t dream of picking on a girl — it’s that sisterhood kinda thing…
Glad to see that you liked the Ladyboy’s kiss.
Sailor recently posted..Communication Choices on a Cruise Ship
Thanks!
I WENT TO THAT DRAG SHOW! And it was great. Though sadly, I wasn’t kissed.
Kelly recently posted..Stick It to Me: A Guide to Travel Vaccinations
Never give up Kelly! It just means the universe has something better in store for you…
Raymond, you had me very curious from the title and all the way through the post. But somehow I knew that you would find the willpower to leave your Ladyboy and walk away. Is there a photo available of you, by the way? Great, funny story!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Sam Spade Was Here
Alas, there is no photo of me — I thought I had video, but it didn’t turn out. Rats!
This is a great story! We went to Finnochio’s in San Francisco many years ago but didn’t get pulled up on the stage.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Bridging Europe
I didn’t get pulled up on the stage either — she just plunked herself down in my lap!
Terrific! I applaud you for your outlook on the whole event and laughed out loud when I read, “…when people ask me, I will tell them I kissed a ladyboy, and I will tell them I liked it… because I walked away with a great memory, a good laugh, and an awesome story.” Also shows what a great entertainer she/the company is.
I was well worth the free admission!
Thanks for stopping by Maria…
I think we were meant to be friends
I think so too. Love http://www.ChickenChunk.com...
fantastic! wanna hold hands and skip under rainbows?
hogga recently posted..A Lifetime of Hate for Alarmclocks
Hold the bows, I like rain.
I can do rain!
Oh man, they are awfully lucky they picked the right person to lay one on. I wonder how many times it goes terribly wrong?
I love drag shows – they are always phenomenal.
Erica recently posted..Beers & Beans: Getting Out of Auto Ebook
Most of the fellas that got pulled up on the stage seemed to have a good sense of humor about it…
I adore drag shows and have been to a number in my day (and even organized a huge one in college to raise awareness of LGBT issues), but I’ve never been kissed. Maybe I should dress in drag as a boy? That might get me some action.
Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Housesitting in London: Check out our Crib
Hee hee — You may just even have to pay for it. Guys do that sort of thing all the time you know. Just sayin’…
Travel suits you, you find the most interesting adventures and activities to experience. I’m glad you had a good time and have a fun story to share.
Lisa recently posted..Stalag 7a Prisoner of War Camp; Stepping Back into My Grandfather’s Time
Thanks Lisa — I believe travel does suits me!
Some of the prettiest women I saw in Thailand were ladyboys.
Ayngelina recently posted..In my backyard – 5 things to do in Toronto
Some of the prettiest men too.
Hilarious story! Good that you enjoyed yourself
It’s funny how many great stories you stumble upon if you are that open minded!
Sebastian recently posted..Cheese market of Alkmaar
Thanks Sebastian — it was a fun night for sure…
Great, fun storytelling. Drinking up.
Margo recently posted..History, Cooking, Walks and More in Charleston, South Carolina
Thanks Margo! And thanks for stopping by!
That was hilarious! Sounds like you had a super good time!
It was both super, and duper.
Ha! I hope you brushed your teeth after the show considering there were no hints of mints on the other end.
Brushed, mouthwashed, and flossed — just in case…
What a hilarious story! I’m surprised there wasn’t more audience interaction. These ladyboys look like a lively bunch!
Oh they were working the crowd!
Just checked out your site — great photography!!
I would like to see the show someday!
And thanks so much! That’s how I make my living so I definitely work work hard at it.
Kyle recently posted..Travel Pictures | The Ritz Carlton, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
You have found your calling!
I’m speechless!!
Roy Marvelous | cruisesurfingz recently posted..The Truth Of What I’m Doing In Riga
Speechless? That’s not like you Roy…
The Celine queen in giving 100% Dion-realness!
I wish america was as accepting of ladyboys as Thailand, you and the NVR guys. It’s not easy out there for a t-girl.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..Awesome Adventures – Northern Lights Edition
The West has a LONG way to go…
Hi, just to let you know we have included this post in our #worldfirst weekly wander which is a weekly whats hot in the world of travel writing and blogging – here is the link http://wfti.co/r4ss5H hope you like it as much as we like your post.
have a look and tell us what you think by leaving a comment on the blog, looking forward to hearing from you
many thanks
tristan
@wftristan recently posted..We’re on the move!
Thanks for including me Tristan! I noticed I am the only dude in your “Girl Power” edition — way to break down boundaries!
I am SO going to find this place when I go there! Are there places for us foreigners to purchase drag / ladyboy outfits, or would that get you a weird look?
Sorry for the late reply! I think you could probably track down a fetching frock somewhere. The ladyboys are usually out front of the cabaret during the day handing out flyers, so I’m sure they would be able to point you in the right direction.
Ladyboys are HOT!!!!!
admin recently posted..Pattaya Kathoeys & Self Righteous Fuckstains
Lovely story Raymond, I must confess I find ladyboys rather enigmatic, would love to know makes them tick. Will get round to seeing Tiffany’s show in Pattaya one day.
I used to go to drag shows here in the US with my gay boyfriends. haven’t been in years though. I can’t imagine it would be that different in Thailand. But hey, good on you for checking it out and having fun! I laughed out loud! ThX
Haha — glad I could make you laugh!
Thanks for stopping by Penny!
Ladyboys are amazing here in Thailand, although most actually look even prettier than me
And yes, you’re right how little discrimination there is here against them. As they tend to get the ladyboy urge at a young age, some Thai schools even have special bathrooms for them. Love that!!
Great photos, btw.
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