Thailand Interviews

A 37-year-old Thai transgender woman named Pan grew up in Bueng Kan in northeastern Thailand and was raised primarily by her grandmother after her young parents separated. Her story covers growing up poor, recognizing her identity as a child, moving to Bangkok for university, working to support herself, a seven-year relationship with a European man, and her belief that patience, acceptance and self-respect are essential to getting through a difficult life. What was Pan’s chil

A 29-year-old Bangkok-born transgender woman named Chuta says one of her biggest challenges today is financial pressure. She works as a facility coordinator earning about 20,000 baht per month and is considering part-time freelance sex work as a way to earn additional money, while also hoping to find love, eventually marry and build a better life. Why is it difficult for Chuta to earn enough money in Bangkok? Chuta says her current salary is approximately 20,000 baht per mont

A 25-year-old Thai transgender woman living in Bangkok says she currently prefers foreign men, based partly on her previous relationship with a Thai boyfriend. She says she feels foreigners may be more open about LGBTQ relationships, while her own goals include having a small business, possibly a café, and eventually finding a partner she can marry. Why does this Thai transgender woman prefer foreign men? She says she previously had a Thai boyfriend but felt that the relation

A 21-year-old woman from Bangkok says she prefers Thai or other Asian men and wants a boyfriend who is handsome and taller than her. She is also studying, pursuing modeling and fashion, enjoys vintage clothing and hopes to model in New York someday. What kind of boyfriend does a 21-year-old Bangkok model want? She says her ideal boyfriend is handsome and that she prefers an Asian man, particularly someone from Thailand. She also says she likes a man who is taller than her. At

What Is It Like Dating a Thai Transgender Woman in Bangkok? According to Sadikha, dating a transgender woman can be straightforward when a man treats her naturally and respects her as a woman. She says she is currently in a long-distance relationship with a foreign boyfriend who is 18 years older than her, and what she values most about him is that he is kind and loyal. Sadikha is 22, originally from Kalasin Province in Isan, and has lived in Bangkok for about two years. She

What Is Lydia’s Life Like in Pattaya? Lydia lives in Pattaya and currently earns her living primarily through online modeling and OnlyFans. She describes herself as an introvert who prefers a quiet lifestyle, wants to travel around Thailand, and is considering opening a small beauty business in the future. Her path to independence began when she left home at just 14 years old to work at a local radio station. Years later, her experiences in radio, online work, and a Pattaya m

What is it like dating a Thai ladyboy? According to Roman, dating a ladyboy is not dramatically different from dating anyone else; he says the biggest factor is the personality of the person you’re with. Roman and Chini describe their relationship as genuine, while acknowledging that people frequently question whether they are together for money or social media. The couple lives in Bangkok and met through TikTok and Instagram before eventually meeting in person. Their relatio

How often does Icy travel from Ayutthaya to Bangkok for work? Icy travels to Bangkok about once a week for her job at a beauty clinic. She works as a marketing officer and helps with influencer reviews, marketing, and content creation. She says Bangkok is not her hometown; she is originally from Ayutthaya and comes into the capital when her work requires it. What does Icy do for work in Bangkok? Icy works as a marketing officer at a beauty clinic. Part of her work involves wo