We explore the Katoey phenomenon sweeping Thailand. Katoeys are transsexuals and transvestites, individuals born male living their lives as women. Heavily present in the media, where they receive lots of attention for their dazzling beauty and unique appearance, they are largely accepted in Thai society. Why is there an ever-growing number of ladyboys in Thailand? And how far will they go to become the perfect woman?
We delve into the mysterious and fascinating world of the third sex. We meet the various faces of the Thai Katoey: Poi, a highly popular and successful 26 year old model; a city mayor; the thirteen year old boys of the first college with a third sex bathroom; and Sammi, the Thai candidate of the beauty pageant Miss International Queen. In their eyes, they are clearly women trapped in male bodies.
But becoming a woman is a journey. In Bangkok, the world capital of sex change, the life changing surgery has become an expanding business performed in both upscale hospitals and unconventional hole-in-the-wall practices.