What Do Thai Ladyboys Look for in a Boyfriend? A Bangkok Interview

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 relationship was not right for her, particularly because of personality and how openly he was comfortable with LGBTQ relationships.

When asked what type of man she finds attractive, she initially considers Thai and Asian men but ultimately says “foreigner is good.”

Her explanation is based on her personal experience. She says she feels some Thai men may be less open about being involved with a transgender woman or may prefer to keep the relationship private.

She believes foreigners can be more open, although the interview only establishes this as her personal opinion and experience, not a general rule about Thai or foreign men.

What does she do for work in Bangkok?

She works in customer service and sales support.

She says she likes her current job, but if she could choose another type of work, she would prefer something that gives her more personal time. At the moment, she says she mainly has free time on weekends.

What does she like to do in her free time?

She enjoys walking around Bangkok and visiting places such as night markets and parks near her home.

Her favorite park is a smaller park she identifies as Sunfluke in the interview. She says she prefers it partly because it is close to where she lives.

She also mentions Benjakitti Park, although she says she tends to visit smaller parks.

Does she want to get married?

Yes. Unlike some of the other women interviewed in this series, she says she would like to get married if she finds a man she considers right for her.

She says she currently lives with friends but expects that she may eventually live alone, particularly if she gets married.

The interview does not establish when she wants to marry or what specific type of wedding she would want.

Why doesn’t she travel more often?

She says she has not traveled extensively because travel is expensive.

Her travel within Thailand has included Bangkok, Pattaya and her hometown. She says she would like to see more of Thailand, including destinations around Chiang Mai and Pai.

When discussing a future beach trip, she says she would prefer a relaxed vacation rather than an extremely active one.

What kind of vacation does she prefer?

She says she would like to chill on the beach and have a beer.

She can swim, but describes her swimming ability as basic. She also says she enjoys nightlife occasionally and likes going to hip-hop clubs with friends.

When asked about her favorite beer, she names Singha.

Does she like Bangkok nightlife?

Yes, but her nightlife interests appear to be fairly specific.

She says she sometimes goes out partying with friends and prefers hip-hop clubs. She identifies Sugar Club as one place she knows about.

The interview does not establish how frequently she goes clubbing.

How many cats does she have?

She has four cats, all living with her in Bangkok.

She names several of them, including Miso, Charcoal and Moo, although the transcript is somewhat unclear on the exact names.

She says the cats sometimes fight with each other but also show affection. Despite having a favorite she describes as being like a little baby, she says she loves all four of them.

What business does she want to start in the future?

She says she would like to have a small business rather than work in an office every day.

When asked what type of business she has in mind, she says a café. She also says she knows how to make coffee.

Her longer-term goal is therefore centered around having more control over her time and potentially operating her own small business.

Does she take hormones?

She says she takes hormones sometimes.

She also explains that they can affect her mood. When she becomes angry or moody, she says she prefers to stay by herself and avoid talking to other people until the feeling passes.

This is her personal description of her experience; the interview does not establish what specific hormones or doses she uses.

What other personal details did she share?

She says she is 174 cm tall and has worn glasses for approximately one or two years. She also says she has had braces for about a year and expects them to be finished around October.

She identifies herself as a ladyboy and says she has four cats in Bangkok.

Her answers throughout the interview portray someone focused on work, personal independence, relationships, travel and eventually establishing a small business of her own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Thai transgender woman in the interview?

She says she is 25 years old.

Where is she from?

She is from Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, and has lived in Bangkok for approximately three or four years.

Why does she prefer foreign men?

She says her previous Thai boyfriend was not her type and that she felt some Thai men were less open about LGBTQ relationships. She believes foreigners may be more open based on her own experience.

Does she want to get married?

Yes. She says she would like to marry if she finds the right man.

What does she do for work?

She works in customer service and sales support.

What does she want to do for a future career?

She would like to have a small business, possibly a café, rather than work in an office every day.

How many cats does she have?

She has four cats living with her in Bangkok.

What does she like to do when she travels?

She says she would enjoy relaxing on the beach, having a beer and taking things relatively easy rather than having an extremely active vacation.