10 techniques to spot Thai ladyboys
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand to meet beautiful Thai girls, be prepared for the obligatory “beware of transsexuals” comments. While comments can get old after a while, they do have some merit. As an experienced traveler to Thailand, I have to say that sometimes it can be very difficult to tell the difference between real Thai women and katoeys (Thai word for transsexuals, who are also often called ladyboys). In the United States and Europe, they are easy to spot because men’s and women’s bodies are built very differently. However, in Thailand, the body structure of men and women is very similar. That’s why I’ve tested 10 techniques for spotting ladyboys and explain which techniques are helpful and which ones just aren’t. Think of it like Myth Busters to spot crossdressers. Let’s start!
Technique #1 If the middle finger is significantly larger than the index finger: The idea is that men have significantly longer middle fingers compared to the other fingers. This is completely false and you cannot determine anything from this technique.
Technique #2 The Adam’s apple is visible only in men and never in women. This is a valid method. Men have visible Adam’s apples, while women do not. Both men and women have Adam’s apples, but a man’s larynx is larger, causing it to protrude from the neck and is therefore visible.
Technique #3 Thai women have tiny little feet while Thai women have big feet. Yes, most Thai men have bigger feet than women. But they are not much bigger. Also, I know some beautiful Thai girls who are very petite except they have big hands and feet. So if you suspect a Thai woman is actually a katoey, make sure you have more evidence than a large shoe size.
Technique #4 Katoey cannot “walk the walk” – Thai women walk with such grace and beauty. Thai girls are probably the most feminine creatures on the planet. It is extremely difficult for a man to try to imitate her graceful walk and hip sway. So if you see a woman walking around in high heels like she’s more comfortable in basketball shoes, you’re probably looking at a transsexual.
Technique #5 Lots of body hair: Thai women have very little body hair. Unfortunately, neither do Thai men. But if you spend enough time with beautiful Thai girls, you know that there is an absolute limit to the amount of body hair they have and, in fact, it is less than a man. Another tip is that because Thai women have so little hair on their legs, most don’t shave their legs. Alternatively, a ladyboy has to shave his legs to create the illusion of being a woman.
Technique #6 Too much facial hair or too much foundation? – In fact, I have seen ladyboys after a long night with stubble. But if you catch them early in the evening after a close shave, it can be more difficult. Also, Thai men have much less facial hair than Western men, so it can be difficult for the untrained eye to spot. One thing to keep in mind is that Thai ladies don’t use a lot of foundation. The skin of a Thai woman is so smooth and soft that very little makeup is needed to cover the skin. Thai ladyboys, on the other hand, must wear foundation to help cover their facial hair. It is a dead gift.
Technique #7 You look TOO sexy to be a Thai woman! – Yes, Thai women dress sexy. And yes, Thai ladyboys dress sexy. The secret is that even though Thai women dress sexy, it’s still “conservative” sexy. If it looks like she’s wearing a very short sexy skirt, chances are that skirt is actually a pair of shorts that looks like a skirt. Either that or Thai girls wear shorts under their short skirts. But katoeys are not so conservative and they are ultra sexy. If you see a very sexy lady in an incredibly revealing and sexy dress, “she” is probably “he”.
Technique #8 You are tall for a Thai woman. You are a model? – If the answer is no, you have a ladyboy! – All Thais are short by Western standards. But very few Thai women are taller than 5 feet 4 inches. If they are beautiful and taller than this, they are professional models or they are guys.
Technique #9 Your beasts are too small – Another difficult one. Thai women are so petite that they can have small breasts. But not having breasts at all should send up some warning signs!
Technique #10 Why do you whisper? – I find this technique to be actually one of the best. Although Thai girls are very beautiful, elegant and kind, they speak very loudly! This is especially true when talking to their girlfriends. Thai ladies always seem to use their “outer voice” almost everywhere. If a ladyboy is trying to trick you into thinking “he” is “she”, then she will speak very softly and quietly to help mask her husky voice.
Fortunately, Thai women have a great sense of humor. They understand a man’s problem and usually don’t take offense if you ask them directly if they’re katoey and they’re not. Just make sure you ask in a playful yet honest way and you’ll almost always get an honest answer.
