Ladyboys and Cabarets
There's no denying that ladyboys are a huge phenomenon in Thailand. Known in the Thai Language as 'Katoeys', Thailand's transvestites are some of the most beautiful in the World, often so convincing, it is almost impossible to tell them from the real thing. They are embraced and tolerated in Thai society and indeed, some families believe Katoeys bring them good luck.
This phenomenon is also helped along by the fact that Thailand is a centre of excellence for Gender Reassignment Surgery, as it is cost effective and standards are high. Invariably, ladyboys will live out their daily lives as Women. Some do a better job of it than others though and it's sometimes a slow transition for them (from male to female) and beginners will look rather silly, with masculine features and hopeless efforts with make-up.
As they progress however, slowly learning to be more feminine, they start to take on the female gender and eventually, some will have the final 'cut' on their masculine life. Hormone replacement therapy is usually administered too, along with surgery to reduce their Adam's apple. Some even have their jaws and hips reshaped. Top it off with vocal chord tuning and you get a pretty convincing Katoey.
They are fully integrated into every part of Thai society. You're just as likely to encounter them working as nurses, bank clerks, tour guides, even television presenters. On the seedier side, many become prostitutes and for many tourists, their first encounter with a ladyboy is when walking down Sukhumvit Road, or similar and a Katoey stumbles into them asking if they want some 'company' for the night. Katoeys are often from the working classes and although society accepts them, they have no legal status as women, even after the snip. There is a particularly high suicide rate in the Katoey community.
Spotting a Ladyboy
Spotting a ladyboy can be difficult, especially if you are new to Thailand. Many a visitor and expat has gone home with a pretty girl only to find that it was actually a man. There is no guaranteed way of telling the difference, as some ladyboys are so pretty, petite and feminie. Tell tale signs may be broad shoulders, large hands, feet, rough voices, and they often never get the walk quite right. Katoeys often have exaggerated gestures and hand movements.
Ladyboy Shows
For the purpose of this article, we will concentrate on the two most well known Cabarets in Bangkok.
Ladyboy shows and cabarets are to be found in many places. The performers have often had breast enhancement surgery. The shows are flamboyant, colourful affairs and the female impersonators give a show that will have the whole family captivated. Glitzy, glamorous and packing in the tourists, you will also have the chance to take pictures of the performers after the show and mingle with them. This is also an opportunity for them to make some extra money from tips and you will be encouraged to do so.
Some of the well known cabarets in Bangkok include Calypso Cabaret in the Asia Hotel, which is very conveniently located and even has it's own connection to the BTS Skytrain system (Ratchathewi station). Two performances every night.
Sukhumvit side, there's the old Washington Square Theatre between Sois 22 and 24, called Mambo Cabaret, again with 2 shows every night. Polished and professional, the shows are glamorous with stunning ladyboys. Once again, plenty of photo opportunities after the show and tips are expected for this.
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