In Thailand and parts of Cambodia and Laos, the term Kathoey (pronounced cat-hway) refers to individuals assigned male at birth who present as transfeminine or effeminate. While the West often translates this as "ladyboy," the identity is deeply rooted in Southeast Asian traditions that pre-date modern Western gender binaries.
The following article explores the broader cultural landscape, history, and modern identity of the individuals often associated with this keyword. Understanding the Identity: From Kathoey to Ladyboy
Despite the popularity of the term ladyboy in tourism, most Thai transgender women prefer to refer to themselves as phuying (meaning "woman") or phuying praphet song ("second kind of woman").
Many Thais perceive Kathoeys as belonging to a third gender category, neither fully male nor female in a traditional sense.
