Bangkok

Thailand? Isn’t that where you can see those … yes, that’s right, “ladyboys.” Entire companies of them can be experienced in places like the world-famous cabaret shows in Pattaya and Bangkok.

It is astonishing how nature, medical science and make-up can transform an originally handsome gentleman into a knockout woman. Why are there so many of them here, in particular? Chim, looking far younger than his (or is it her?) fifty years, explains, “It’s partly because of their figures, the physical shape of men and women in this part of the world are very similar.” The former dancer and present dance coach of Thailand’s perhaps best show at the Alcazaar in Pattaya goes on to say that it also has something to do with the fact that this transgender lifestyle is quite broadly accepted in Thailand.

“I already knew at the age of two or three that I was actually a woman,” Chim relates confidently. At the age of 19 she underwent surgery in England with money given to her by her mother. She was simply born a ladyboy, “But, I’ve never had any problems with that and so far I’ve had a very good life.”

The former star dancer lived in Hamburg for a few years and speaks surprisingly good German. No, she is not married to the Alcazaar, where 80 to 100 ladyboys can be seen per show, she says with a laugh. She would like to work for a few more years as dance coach. “Then I will retire to my plot of land near Nakhon Ratchasima and dedicate all my time to my orchid farm,” she continues, winks and then disappears to her work backstage.

Meanwhile, two of her protégés, the current superstars Aon and Phad, demonstrate the “before” and “after.” After donning their make-up and glittery costumes, any objective onlooker would swear that they are two stunningly beautiful Thai women – but if you think seeing is believing, you may end up with a big surprise in this land of smiles. “We would be delighted if more Germans would come again to see our show,” says 29-year-old Aon before taking to the front of the stage for the opening number. At present, most of the audience are from Korea, India and Russia.