Despite high visibility, kathoey can face "glass ceilings" in traditional corporate careers, leading many toward the entertainment, beauty, or service industries. Performance Review: Cabaret and Pageantry
While "ladyboy" is widely used and often accepted in Thailand, it can be seen as offensive or fetishistic in Western contexts. Many individuals prefer the terms trans woman or the local term kathoey . Reviewing the Social Experience extreem ladyboy
In Thailand, kathoey are often regarded as a "third gender". Their visibility is high compared to many other cultures, partly due to the influence of Theravada Buddhism, which often views gender variance through the lens of karma and rebirth. Despite high visibility, kathoey can face "glass ceilings"