Why are ladyboys always joked about?

[felixhenry]

They have a rep in the media and for some reason they seem to automatically be funny? And this isn't even amongst foreigners. It's also with local Thai people I talk to. I'm with this bargirl and we're making small talk. Then she asks if I like ladyboys and when say maybe, she points and giggles. Like it's funny.

I thought "oh well damn that's interesting, but whatever maybe it's just this particular ladyboy". Next night I go to a different bar and talk to a girl and she does the same thing. Shows me a pic of her ladyboy friend and kinda laughs at her and is somewhat (?) expecting me to chuckle as well?

Anyone else get this feeling same way or is it just me? I thought ladyboys were more accepted in Thailand. I also notice these ladyboys are super aggressive, like literally using wresting holds.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing, and honestly, it kind of surprised me too. On one hand, it seems like ladyboys are more visible and even somewhat integrated in Thai society compared to many other places. But at the same time, there’s definitely this weird contrast where they’re also the butt of jokes or treated like comic relief, even by locals.

I think part of it comes from how they’ve been portrayed in Thai media over the years—often exaggerated, flamboyant, or in over-the-top comedic roles. That image sticks. So when someone brings them up, there’s already this built-in expectation that it's supposed to be funny. But it’s a stereotype like any other—it doesn’t reflect the whole picture.

Also, the bar scene can amplify that kind of attitude. People there often joke around, play up things for laughs, and it becomes part of the entertainment vibe, especially when alcohol’s involved. Still, it’s a bit jarring if you’re not used to it, or if you expect a more respectful or accepting tone.

As for the aggressive behavior—yeah, I’ve seen some of that too. But again, I think it comes down to the environment. Some are probably just hustling or putting on a bold front, especially if they feel like they have to work extra hard to stand out.

So no, it’s not just you. It’s a mix of cultural stereotypes, media influence, and nightlife dynamics all rolled together.

[WinniePooh]

They have a rep in the media and for some reason they seem to automatically be funny? And this isn't even amongst foreigners. It's also with local Thai people I talk to. I'm with this bargirl and we're making small talk. Then she asks if I like ladyboys and when say maybe, she points and giggles. Like it's funny.

I thought "oh well damn that's interesting, but whatever maybe it's just this particular ladyboy". Next night I go to a different bar and talk to a girl and she does the same thing. Shows me a pic of her ladyboy friend and kinda laughs at her and is somewhat (?) expecting me to chuckle as well?

Anyone else get this feeling same way or is it just me? I thought ladyboys were more accepted in Thailand. I also notice these ladyboys are super aggressive, like literally using wresting holds.

Thais love ladyboys, and they are getting more accepted as time goes on. Once they could only get jobs in beauty makeup etc now those boundaries are disappearing fast. I have worked with ladyboys in Professional Careers quite a lot over the years. Common to see them as Ajarns in schools and universities as well these days. One of the most respected if not underpaid careers in Thailand

TV producers know if you want to get a good audience appeal in a comedy a quick and popular option is to have ladyboys in it. In media circles these programmes are common. Plenty of Thai guys dip their wicks in Ladyboys, some of them use them mercilessly as a money source but I am sure many relationships of a genuine nature also exist

[Rockheart]

I think alot of Thai girls giggle about many things especially if it is sex related. I think Thais find it amusing that foreigners tend to like ladyboys more than the average Thai guy. Also ladyboys are the entertainers in Thai society and often ladyboys are very funny. Some times it might be that they find it amusing how attractive a ladyboy might be. They could even be laughing nervously as they don't want to lose a customer to a ladyboy.

[Buccina]

They have a rep in the media and for some reason they seem to automatically be funny? And this isn't even amongst foreigners. It's also with local Thai people I talk to. I'm with this bargirl and we're making small talk. Then she asks if I like ladyboys and when say maybe, she points and giggles. Like it's funny.

I thought "oh well damn that's interesting, but whatever maybe it's just this particular ladyboy". Next night I go to a different bar and talk to a girl and she does the same thing. Shows me a pic of her ladyboy friend and kinda laughs at her and is somewhat (?) expecting me to chuckle as well?

Anyone else get this feeling same way or is it just me? I thought ladyboys were more accepted in Thailand. I also notice these ladyboys are super aggressive, like literally using wresting holds.