How do Thai ladyboys go to the bathroom, do they use the men's or women's restroom? Seeing the truth is shocking.

the truth is shocking.

I recently came across a particularly interesting topic:

"Can you take photos with ladyboys while traveling in Thailand? Which restroom do they use, the men's or women's? They won't go into the wrong door, will they?"

In Thailand, do ladyboys urinate standing up or squatting down?

The "international dilemma" in the restroom

Don't rush to laugh; this is a serious issue that has actually been proposed in the Thai Parliament.

In 2015, Thailand's "Gender Equality Act" officially took effect, and the law states in black and white: anyone has the right to use the restroom that matches their gender identity in public places.

Translated into plain language, "I go into whichever door I feel like I am in gender."

But reality is much more magical than legal provisions. A taxi driver in Bangkok once complained in a random street interview: last year, a Macho Queen (Macho Queen is a Thai term for a muscular woman) who was 2 meters tall rushed into the men's restroom, scaring the uncle at the next urinal so much that he held it back.

Even more (amazing) is a security guard at a certain mall, watching the surveillance screen: last month, a young lady in a super short skirt entered the women's restroom, only to be chased out by some aunties wielding mops. Later, it turned out that the person's gender on their ID still said male...

The "Third Gender Group Survival Report" released by the Thai Ministry of Public Health in 2022 shows that 67% of transgender people have experienced embarrassment while using the restroom, and 28% have reduced the frequency of going out because of it.

These statistics make me want to invent a quantum state gender door for restrooms.

All Thai restrooms secretly hide a "mysterious third door"

Don't think that Thais only know how to put their hands together and say "Sawasdee ka" (a common Thai greeting); they really have a lot of creativity when it comes to the restroom revolution.

Last year, a mall in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok did a a slang term for a sneaky move, transforming the disabled restroom into a rainbow door, with a symbol that is half male and half female on it, and it's thoughtfully labeled "All Gender" (all genders).

However, this move almost caused an international incident.

Japanese tourists said: I saw the wheelchair sign and went in, only to run into a ladyboy queen who was touching up her makeup. I was so scared that I almost bowed ninety degrees and almost knocked off my wig.

The mall manager was also helpless: we've counted, this restroom is used three times as much as the regular ones, but 80% of the users don't actually have a physical need, they're just in there live-streaming their makeup routine.

More magical than the restroom is reality itself

The Miss Transgender Thailand winner I interviewed in Bangkok said: when going out, I always bring my own restroom kit, a foldable makeup mirror, a portable urine bag, and a wall of friends.

In conservative places, I just have my sisters form a screen at the restroom door.

Even more (amazing) is a certain influencer (internet-famous) restroom in Chiang Mai, where the owner transformed the men's restroom into a "Water Curtain Cave theme" and the women's into an "Frozen theme."

As for the third gender restroom... I'm sorry, it's a "Journey to the West theme," with couplets on the door that read: "The golden monkey brandishes its thousand-jin club, the jade palace clears the dust for miles," and the horizontal inscription "All are welcome guests." This cultural export, I give it a perfect score.

Even the King was moved by the "restroom war"

You think this is just a commoner's problem? In 2019, a Thai army base made big news: a transgender soldier insisted on using the women's restroom, only to be collectively complained about by her comrades.

The matter went all the way to the Ministry of Defense, and eventually, the royal family had to personally instruct: treat each soldier with professionalism.

Now, the restroom signs at that base have all been changed to "Military Personnel Only," whether you're wearing a skirt or camouflage pants.

A sociology professor at Bangkok University: Thailand has over 2,000 restroom disputes reported to the police each year, 63% of which happen in tourist areas. Once, two European female tourists cornered a ladyboy in a stall and insisted on checking if they had the tools for the job.

The "Toilet Survival Guide"essential for tourists

Think twice before entering a restroom with a rainbow flag; it might be exclusive to LGBT, or it could be a children's playroom.

If you see a long-haired young lady补妆 (touching up her makeup) in the men's restroom, please silently chant "the form is emptiness" .

The restrooms on the top floor of a mall are the safest, don't ask why, it's a secret of the trade.

Always carry a pack of tissues with you; they can serve as a makeshift curtain in critical moments.