Young, educated Thais seem to still have conservative views towards transgenders.

A study, which was carried out in Thailand, showed about half (51 per cent) of the 216 university students polled believed that transgenders are “men with something wrong with their minds” or are “unnatural” (50 per cent) said Associate Professor Sam Winter of the University of Hong Kong.

It also showed 49 per cent of them would not accept their sons becoming “ladyboys”.

Prof Winter had presented his findings at the 10th International Conference of Thai Studies in Bangkok in 2008.

His research showed transgenders are disadvantaged at work, in freedom of expression, marriage and family.

Prof Winter had said in his presentation: “Gays and lesbians in Thailand often choose, and are able, to keep their sexuality a relatively private affair. And Thai society respects that sort of discretion.

“Transpeople, on the other hand, cannot be discreet.

It is not about who you go to bed with, it is about who you are and how you present yourself.”

–Zaihan Mohamed Yusof