The traditional Thai term for transgender women and effeminate men is (pronounced "ka-toey").
In many parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, gender identity is viewed through a lens that includes a culturally recognized "third gender". The terms "ladyboy" and "tranny" are often used to describe this community, though they carry vastly different weights, histories, and levels of acceptance depending on who is using them. The Cultural Root: Kathoey lady boy tranny
The term is primarily an English translation of kathoey that gained prominence during the mid-20th century, largely through the growth of the Thai tourism and entertainment industries. A Guide to LGBTQ Identity Terms in Japanese - Tofugu The traditional Thai term for transgender women and
Kathoey identity has existed for centuries and is rooted in Buddhist teachings that recognize three genders: male, female, and kathoey. The Cultural Root: Kathoey The term is primarily
Today, the term covers a broad spectrum, including those who have undergone gender confirmation surgery, those on hormone therapy, and effeminate men who do not intend to transition.
Many transgender women in Thailand prefer the term phuying (meaning "woman") or sao praphet song ("second-type woman"), while kathoey can sometimes be used pejoratively. "Ladyboy": From Tourism to Reclamation