Trans women in Thailand stand in line for army conscription
Thai transsexuals converged on army recruitment centres yesterday (April 2), showing their sex-change certificates exempting them from national service.
The annual event requires all men over the age of 21 to report to their local barracks to be assessed for a stint of up to two years in the Thai military.
But transsexuals can be excused if they show a doctor's certificate proving they are a ''type 2'' woman, the local medical term for transgenders.
The ritual has become a popular event for trans women to turn up in make-up and proudly affirm their femininity while male counterparts remove their tops for a ''fat check'' so sergeants can decide if they are to be signed up.
One of the most popular transsexuals of the day was beauty pageant winner Issaree Mungman, 21, who posed for selfies with soldiers in Krabi province.
Issaree, winner of Miss Trans Universe Thailand 2018, said: ''I want to thank all the soldiers. They treated me so well. Everything went smoothly. Everybody has been very kind and supportive with their comments.''
Transsexuals in dresses, high heels and sunglasses appeared elsewhere at military draft units around the country.
They had to show their paperwork and convince sergeants that they were not eligible for service.
The routine sees army staff agree that the ladyboys - known in Thai language as the translated term, katoys - aren't suited to army service and send them home.
While young Thai lads have to take off their shirts for soldiers to check how fit and healthy they are - sending the chubby men back home.