How Are Farang Transexuals Regarded In Thailand

[kerryk]

I would bet the house that resident transgendered westerners are VERY RARE in Thailand. I still don't get the impulse to MOVE here for the change. I reckon if she tells the hospital people this plan, they will think it's very odd.

I know one girl in rural Wales who had the op in Thailand and was very happy with the outcome, but subsequently returned to Wales.

Think she was in Thailand less than three weeks before flying home....I would need to ask really.

I think Bambina was before my time, though I have heard her referred to before. It would be good to hear from someone who has went through the experience.......and picking up from what JT is saying, it looks like the year long stay idea is a non-starter.

Bambina was a friend of mine, you can check my profile. She wasn't gay at all. Nor is Thailand a hub of transsexuals. Brit1984 talks like an expert maybe he could share his experiences with us. I really don't see what transsexuals have to do with being gay.

[kerryk]

I would bet the house that resident transgendered westerners are VERY RARE in Thailand. I still don't get the impulse to MOVE here for the change. I reckon if she tells the hospital people this plan, they will think it's very odd.

Interesting........

As I mentioned earlier I have no knowledge at all, I'm appreciating the input.

You know the more you try to reiterate this line...well you know...

I have yet to see a western TS here that Stevie Wonder could not pick.

If I was a transsexual...and I might add a dam_n sexy one...I would not live here..just come and get the job done and go home to my strong friends and social group.

Here, a farang TS would stand out in the group of Thai friends like tits on a bull. I do not have big hands and big feet, so my transition and slender figure would possibly fit in....but any other TS with the bigger endowments would be exaggerated by the petite Thais around them.....like Jack in the beanstalk...

Sam you gotta go to the lady boy shoe store in Pattaya. They sold shoes until the flood and they switched to dingies for small animals with no problems at all. They got some big Thai lady boys in Pattaya. They also got a couple of Farang lady boys in Pattaya. You can check them out, one owns a bar I believe. She's a big girl. The majority though you wouldn't notice unless they told you. Once upon a time I ran a night club in Chicago. One of my star CW's was a transgender person. I didn't know for a year. And I been around a bit. She had the shaved adam's apple and new hips; high voice, everything. She married a guy who didn't know. I always wondered what eventually happened. I don't know if they change ID's in the States or she forged it. I have seen one changed in Thailand but all the rest were original. I don't know how the one new lady manged to get her ID here altered but altered it was.

[brit1984]

I would bet the house that resident transgendered westerners are VERY RARE in Thailand. I still don't get the impulse to MOVE here for the change. I reckon if she tells the hospital people this plan, they will think it's very odd.

I know one girl in rural Wales who had the op in Thailand and was very happy with the outcome, but subsequently returned to Wales.

Think she was in Thailand less than three weeks before flying home....I would need to ask really.

I think Bambina was before my time, though I have heard her referred to before. It would be good to hear from someone who has went through the experience.......and picking up from what JT is saying, it looks like the year long stay idea is a non-starter.

Bambina was a friend of mine, you can check my profile. She wasn't gay at all. Nor is Thailand a hub of transsexuals. Brit1984 talks like an expert maybe he could share his experiences with us. I really don't see what transsexuals have to do with being gay.

That is a very good idea Kerry. Thank you for your suggestion. I will explain my thoughts below, although it is possible (probable even) that you have more experience with transsexuals than me (you may even be one yourself I don't know).

My experience having lived in both the UK and Thailand is that transsexuals are more visible (and hence more accepted as part of society) in Thailand.

The only transsexuals we ever knew in the UK were actually Thai tourists. There are of course many transsexuals in the UK but they are less visible, which one would assume is due to them being less accepted.

However, as I am not a transsexual myself it is difficult for me to speak with authority. It would be helpful for the thread to have some views from a real transsexual (ideally a farang transsexual living in Thailand).

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[Jingthing]

Again, nobody is saying gay and transgender is the same thing, or that transgender people are often gay. The reason minority sexualities are grouped together is practical and political. It's an international phenom and it is reflected in topics fitting in the gay forum. As far as the decision of to put this topic in the gay forum, to me it makes good sense based on the history of topics on the gay forum. On the other hand, I don't think it's a big deal either way!

http://www.whitehous...ender-pride-mon

Edited June 22, 2012 by Jingthing

[smokie36]

Again, nobody is saying gay and transgender is the same thing, or that transgender people are often gay. The reason minority sexualities are grouped together is practical and political. It's an international phenom and it is reflected in topics fitting in the gay forum. As far as the decision of to put this topic in the gay forum, to me it makes good sense based on the history of topics on the gay forum. On the other hand, I don't think it's a big deal either way!

http://www.whitehous...ender-pride-mon

Well, in the interests of it receiving more sensible replies its probably a sensible move. It will get less views here and a thinner cross section of replies as well however.

Ups and downs....that's life!

[Jingthing]

Again, nobody is saying gay and transgender is the same thing, or that transgender people are often gay. The reason minority sexualities are grouped together is practical and political. It's an international phenom and it is reflected in topics fitting in the gay forum. As far as the decision of to put this topic in the gay forum, to me it makes good sense based on the history of topics on the gay forum. On the other hand, I don't think it's a big deal either way!

http://www.whitehous...ender-pride-mon

Well, in the interests of it receiving more sensible replies its probably a sensible move. It will get less views here and a thinner cross section of replies as well however.

Ups and downs....that's life!

Everyone is welcome on this forum.

[Jingthing]

BTW, isn't sex change surgery covered by the health care system of the person we are talking about? If so, why travel and pay for it then? Of course the genital change is but one part of it so I wouldn't be surprised if lots of cosmetic "extras" are not covered.

[brit1984]

BTW, isn't sex change surgery covered by the health care system of the person we are talking about? If so, why travel and pay for it then? Of course the genital change is but one part of it so I wouldn't be surprised if lots of cosmetic "extras" are not covered.

Waiting times for major surgery in the UK through the NHS can be very long. As Edwin alluded to, this affects gender realignment operations, and may well be the reason for this person's desire to be treated in Thailand.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Edited June 22, 2012 by brit1984

[Jingthing]

Yeah, but as you can see in the Yanhee hospital link I included, this won't be cheap, even in Thailand, and of course you have to add the travel, hotels, etc. to the bill.

[edwinclapham]

Blether, enclosing a link for http://www.nhs.uk/co...troduction.aspx. There is some interesting feed back!

http://www.pinknews....nder-treatment/

http://www.wlmht.nhs.uk/gi/gender-identity-clinic/frequently-asked-questions/

Budgets are posting a real problem these days! LAHA have really cut back unfortunately.

Edited June 22, 2012 by edwinclapham

[brit1984]

Yeah, but as you can see in the Yanhee hospital link I included, this won't be cheap, even in Thailand, and of course you have to add the travel, hotels, etc. to the bill.

I assume that, as she is renting one of theblether's luxury penthouses at the (allegedly) exorbitant rental rates he charges, that money is not her primary concern.

If theblether is kind enough to forego any contracted rental payments during the period she is away, or she times her move to coincide with the end of her tenancy agreement, she might actually save money.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[smokie36]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

[Jingthing]

Yes of course it would be cheaper in Thailand if you have to pay for it in the west. And of course in Thailand they serve you fast.

Edited June 22, 2012 by Jingthing

[edwinclapham]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

[endure]

I'm curious to know why this thread has been moved to the Gay Forum.

Probably because it will receive a more sympathetic reception. Out in the General forum you'd get the 'all trannies are just men in frocks' mob joining in.

[Jingthing]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

Maybe but Thailand has the most experienced surgeons in the world for sex change related procedures.

[smokie36]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

That's much more a lottery than Thailand. For lots of types of surgery. Plenty needs to be fixed after such holidays...better avoided unless proper homework has been done.

[endure]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

Eastern Europe is not really the place to go if you're not straight.

[smokie36]

I'm curious to know why this thread has been moved to the Gay Forum.

Probably because it will receive a more sympathetic reception. Out in the General forum you'd get the 'all trannies are just men in frocks' mob joining in.

Sadly true.

[edwinclapham]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

That's much more a lottery than Thailand. For lots of types of surgery. Plenty needs to be fixed after such holidays...better avoided unless proper homework has been done.

Charing X is world renowned with a fantastic reputation, unfortunately it is the waiting list which is so off putting for many!

[smokie36]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

That's much more a lottery than Thailand. For lots of types of surgery. Plenty needs to be fixed after such holidays...better avoided unless proper homework has been done.

Charing X is world renowned with a fantastic reputation, unfortunately it is the waiting list which is so off putting for many!

Yes...I've worked there and never seen this operation performed. Bariatric stuff happens regularly though. Would be interesting to see just how many they do compared with Thai surgeons.

[edwinclapham]

I believe in certain cases the surgery can be funded by the NHS in the UK however as pointed out the waiting times are very long indeed at its not seen as a priority. Its become very political nowadays...bariatric surgery is having money thrown at it but only as its viewed that the longer term issues will be even more costly.

Privately the surgery would be half the price in Thailand or even less.

I do believe that the old eastern blockers eg Poland are now very competitive price wise within this field as is most other cosmetic surgeries.

Eastern Europe is not really the place to go if you're not straight.

My cousin worked in hospitality in Poland for quite a long time and apparently there was no problem.

They have a huge medical tourism which incoporates trans gender surgeries.

My cousin had all her ops done in BKK primarily because my father was living there, so she wasnt stuck in hotels etc ... Would she do it again? apparently so.

[Jingthing]

In case any ladies are interested, I've heard Yanhee is the place to go to change from woman to man. I actually think that procedure is more interesting. (I would.) Apparently, the penis starts out on your ... arm.

[theblether]

Yeah, but as you can see in the Yanhee hospital link I included, this won't be cheap, even in Thailand, and of course you have to add the travel, hotels, etc. to the bill.

I assume that, as she is renting one of theblether's luxury penthouses at the (allegedly) exorbitant rental rates he charges, that money is not her primary concern.

If theblether is kind enough to forego any contracted rental payments during the period she is away, or she times her move to coincide with the end of her tenancy agreement, she might actually save money.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

Eh........no.

[arthurwait]

I see lots of TS farangs in Chonburi due to this place

http://www.supornclinic.com/

Whether any live here or not I have no idea. When googling Chonburi blogs, blogs of patients here have come up if you want to google yourself it maybe a better source of info.

As for Thailand being a utopia for TS it could well be socially, but many companies/ people won't employ them I'm told. I can't imagine it would be easy to find work for a farang TS here.

[Jingthing]

The new growth penises are not transplants from others. The male to female people need their penile tissue for their new female organ.

[smokie36]

The new growth penises are not transplants from others. The male to female people need their penile tissue for their new female organ.

Very true. Its all about sensitive tissue being used so that is perfectly understandable for male to female.

How do they do that with female to male though? Do they have the sensation at all?

[LeCharivari]

For once I agree with all that JT and endure have both said - a unique experience.

Why would she want to stay in Thailand for a year after the op? Unless her job (in Glasgow) makes her particularly employable here her GRS is far less relevant than her job skills (unknown) and Thai language ability (non-existent). What's the point in staying on?

Why not come to Thailand first for a holiday, to see the surgeons, check documentation, etc? Costs compared to the op and a year's stay would be minimal and it would seem a reasonable precaution before such a life-changing operation..

I can't see the relevance of Thailand's "scene" (presumably gay scene) at all. While she will presumably keep all her old friends in Glasgow whatever her gender she will have little interest in those in Thailand's "gay scene" (commercial or otherwise, farang or Thai) and be of even less interest to them - the whole point of the op is that she'll be a woman physically as well as mentally, so why would anyone on Thailand's "gay scene" want anything to do with her?

My advice would be to keep things simple: (1) come for a brief holiday to check the hospitals, surgery, etc; (2) go back to the UK, take the hormones as advised, etc, make sure of all the correct documentation for the op and any needed for Thai immigration on departure and UK immigration on arrival; (3) return to Thailand and have the required modifications made; (4) go home and carry on with life amongst friends.

[theblether]

For once I agree with all that JT and endure have both said - a unique experience.

Why would she want to stay in Thailand for a year after the op? Unless her job (in Glasgow) makes her particularly employable here her GRS is far less relevant than her job skills (unknown) and Thai language ability (non-existent). What's the point in staying on?

Why not come to Thailand first for a holiday, to see the surgeons, check documentation, etc? Costs compared to the op and a year's stay would be minimal and it would seem a reasonable precaution before such a life-changing operation..

I can't see the relevance of Thailand's "scene" (presumably gay scene) at all. While she will presumably keep all her old friends in Glasgow whatever her gender she will have little interest in those in Thailand's "gay scene" (commercial or otherwise, farang or Thai) and be of even less interest to them - the whole point of the op is that she'll be a woman physically as well as mentally, so why would anyone on Thailand's "gay scene" want anything to do with her?

My advice would be to keep things simple: (1) come for a brief holiday to check the hospitals, surgery, etc; (2) go back to the UK, take the hormones as advised, etc, make sure of all the correct documentation for the op and any needed for Thai immigration on departure and UK immigration on arrival; (3) return to Thailand and have the required modifications made; (4) go home and carry on with life amongst friends.

All very salient and interesting points, I only reported as found in the OP, and I was hoping that I would get some feedback as to the reality of living as a farang TS in Thailand, it appears to be the case among people with knowledge of such matters that it would be better to arrive, get the treatment, then go home.

The topic was worth posting for that view alone.

On the other subject of potential free treatment on the NHS, I think the emotional turmoil of being forced to wait, forced to justify yourself, forced to be judged is a high price to pay for many people. On the other hand, I have taken advice from one of our members that suggests that to wait a while is a good thing. Maybe the NHS has learned that being obstructive is part of the necessary process.

[LeCharivari]

.... I was hoping that I would get some feedback as to the reality of living as a farang TS in Thailand, it appears to be the case among people with knowledge of such matters that it would be better to arrive, get the treatment, then go home. ...

I don't think that any of those who have replied have first hand "knowledge of such matters" as far as either being a farang transsexual or "living as a farang TS in Thailand" is concerned, as none of us are. Even if you were to get replies from those who were, though, they would probably be so few in number that they would only give a very limited view, and the reality would depend entirely on the individual - just look at the varying views of what its like living as a farang gay in Thailand!

Even if farang transsexuals were totally accepted in Thailand with no prejudice or reservation whatsoever (which I doubt is the case) I still fail to see why she would want to move here for the year following the op, as she would still face all the problems of employability, job skills, language, culture, social contacts, etc, that anyone moving to a foreign country which they had never been to and they knew comparatively little about would face. Why complicate things at a time when they are going to be complicated enough already?

As far as being "forced to justify yourself, (and) forced to be judged" is concerned, I think this is something that many if not most transsexuals have to face all their lives, particularly western transsexuals for whom, to be brutally blunt, the end result is seldom as convincing as it can be for many Asian transsexuals and that if they cannot "pay that price" then they may have made the wrong choice. None of the full GRS transsexuals I have met have had any problem justifying themselves to others as they have spent so much time considering their decision and judging themselves, and their only occasional reticence to justify themselves to others is the tedium of constantly being asked the same questions.

Good luck to your friend.