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One of the things Thailand and Pattaya in particular is known for is Ladyboy’s. Also called Kathoey (or katoey) in Thai, Ladyboy’s are the third gender of Thailand. They are males who live their lives as females. Some Pattaya Ladyboy’s are very beautiful and more than a few people have been mistaken in thinking they were talking with a genetic woman.
They consider themselves born the wrong gender and feel and wish to be treated as women. Some take hormones and others go through various plastic surgeries to become more feminine. This can include breast augmentation, facial surgery, and silicone injections. Some even wish to go the full distance and get the ‘chop’, become a full woman.
Ladyboy’s are all over Pattaya. You can find them working in restaurants, hotels, malls, and of course bars and gogo’s. You could pass one in the street and not even know it. Ladyboy’s are not necessarily more accepted in Thailand, but they are tolerated to a greater level than in most other countries.
There are posts all over the internet about how to spot a ladyboy. The Adams apple, large hands and feet, taller than the average Thai women, etc. Though these maybe essential tips if you are looking for a night time companion and ladyboy’s are not your thing, but you don’t have anything to fear.
Ladyboy’s in Pattaya are regular people and most are quite friendly and entertaining. They can be quite fun to have a drink and a chat with. Some are so convincing that chances are you wouldn’t know you were drinking with a ladyboy, others just stand out and there is no mistaking them.
One of the popular tourist attractions are the Ladyboy Cabarets in Pattaya. Here they put on full song and dance shows, usually lip synched. Afterward you can have your picture taken with them in full costume outside the venue for a small fee.
Thai Ladyboy’s can also be found in most bars throughout Pattaya. There are several bars and go go’s that are ladyboy’s only. Often you will find one or two scattered throughout the girl bars. Soi 6, 7, 8, as well as Walking Street will have several ladyboy’s on staff or as free lancers in the bars and clubs. There are also a large number of ladyboy freelancers on Walking Street later in the night. Check out our Pattaya Ladyboy Bar and Gogo Guide for more information.
