Thai Transsexual Fights Army Discharge Statement

3 November 2006

"I'm a normal guy who feels like a woman"...

Samart Meecharoen underwent the Thai military conscription process two years ago. He was exempted from service for having a mental disorder when in fact, no mental disorder was diagnosed. The reality is that he was exempted because he is a transsexual and calls himself 'Nong Namwan'. He has long hair, wears women's clothing and has had a breast operation.

The story didn't end there though, as the ruling by the military that he had a mental disorder is causing him ongoing problems with his employment opportunities. He has already had an application for employment turned down based on the comments in his military papers. Now studying at university, he claims he will have serious employment problems when he graduates, unless the military documents can be changed.

Now supported by the National Human Rights Commission, amongst other organisations, he is petitioning the courts to have the documents corrected, stating that unless they do so, he will be unable to earn money to support his ageing parents.

The Army have acknowledged the problem and agreed to change the wording of the documents. However, there has yet to be any move to change old documents.

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