Why Many Thai Ladyboys Dream of Opening Their Own Salon

Why Many Thai Ladyboys Dream of Opening Their Own Salon

For many visitors, Thailand’s nightlife is where they first meet transgender women.

What they often don’t see are the long-term dreams that exist beyond the bars.

During our interview with Sugas, a 30-year-old transgender woman working in Bangkok, the conversation wasn’t only about nightlife. It quickly became a story about family, independence, and building a future.

Her biggest dream isn’t to stay in nightlife forever.

It’s to own her own business.

“Maybe I’m going to open a nail salon… and one thing I really want is a café.”

Like many people, she’s using today’s work to invest in tomorrow’s opportunities.

Growing Up Between Bangkok and Northern Thailand

Sugas was born in northern Thailand near Chiang Mai but spent much of her childhood in Bangkok with her family.

She explained that even as a young child she naturally identified more with girls than boys.

Her mother recognized this early and gradually became her biggest supporter.

When she decided to begin hormone therapy as a teenager, her mother even helped her financially.

Her father needed more time to adjust, but over the years the family relationship improved.

Today she describes herself as fortunate to have supportive parents.

Beginning Her Transition

Sugas started hormone therapy at around 13 years old.

Looking back, she also offered an important word of caution.

She explained that hormones should not be taken casually without proper medical guidance.

Young people, she believes, should fully understand the health implications before making decisions.

She continues hormone treatment today and has also undergone cosmetic procedures while choosing the transition path that feels right for her.

Finding Work in Thailand’s Nightlife

Before arriving in Bangkok, Sugas spent time working in Phuket after friends introduced her to the nightlife industry.

Eventually she returned to Bangkok, where she now works in a venue that caters to international visitors.

Her customers come from all over the world, including:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• Australia

• Various Asian countries

Some visitors are simply curious.

Others return repeatedly and become regular customers.

She views each interaction as an opportunity to meet new people rather than simply another transaction.

Why She Doesn’t See the Work Negatively

One of the interview’s more surprising moments came when she was asked whether the job affects her emotionally.

Her answer was straightforward.

She enjoys meeting new people and doesn’t feel ashamed of the work she does.

If someone behaves disrespectfully or creates problems, she simply walks away.

Rather than allowing difficult customers to ruin her day, she chooses to focus on positive interactions.

For her, maintaining personal boundaries is essential.

Planning for Life After Nightlife

Although Sugas enjoys her current work, she has no intention of staying forever.

Her long-term goals are clear.

She wants to open:

• A nail salon

• A beauty salon

• Eventually, a café

She believes owning her own business will give her greater independence while allowing her to continue working with people in a creative environment.

Like many entrepreneurs, she sees today’s income as an investment in tomorrow’s business.

Family Comes Before Everything

At the end of the interview, Sugas was asked the most important lesson she has learned in life.

Her answer came immediately.

“My family.”

While career goals continue to motivate her, family remains her highest priority.

Their support helped her become the person she is today, and she hopes her future success will allow her to give something back.

More Than a Nightlife Story

It’s easy for visitors to assume nightlife defines someone’s entire life.

Sugas reminds us that it rarely does.

Behind every job is a person with plans, ambitions, responsibilities, and dreams.

For her, nightlife is only one chapter.

The goal is entrepreneurship, financial independence, and creating a business she can proudly call her own.

FAQ

Where is Sugas from?

Sugas was born in northern Thailand near Chiang Mai and later spent much of her childhood growing up in Bangkok.

What business does Sugas want to open?

She hopes to open a nail salon or beauty salon and eventually own a café.

When did Sugas begin hormone therapy?

She shared that she began hormone therapy at around 13 years old and emphasized the importance of proper medical guidance before starting treatment.