This report explores the lifestyle, social dynamics, and entertainment industry of Thailand’s transgender women, commonly known by the term (or sometimes the colloquial Western term ladyboy ). 1. Cultural Context and Identity

: While "ladyboy" is common in tourist contexts, polite Thai terms include sao praphet song ("second category woman") or phuying kham phet ("transsexual woman").

: Theravada Buddhism, practiced by over 95% of the population, often frames transgender identity through karma . Some believe it is a result of wrongdoings in past lives, leading to a mix of tolerance and social stigma.