10 Techniques for Spotting Thai Ladyboys

If you are planning a trip to Thailand to meet beautiful Thai girls, be prepared for the obligatory “watch out for trannies” comments. While the comments can get old after a while, there is some merit to them. As a seasoned traveler throughout Thailand, I must say that it can be very difficult at times to differentiate between real Thai women and katoeys (Thai word for Transsexual whom are often referred to as ladyboys as well). In America and Europe it is easy to spot them because men and women’s bodies are built very differently. In Thailand however, the body builds of men and women are very similar. That is why I have tested 10 techniques to spot ladyboys and explain which techniques are useful and which are simply not. Think of it as Myth Busters for spotting transvestites. Let’s begin!

Technique #1 If the middle finger is significantly larger than the pointer finger – The idea is that men have significantly longer middle fingers compared to their other fingers. This is completely false and you cannot determine anything from this technique.

Technique #2 Adams apple are visible in men only and never women – This is a valid method. Men have visible adams apples while women do not. Both men and women have adams apples but a mans larynx is larger which makes it stick out of the neck and is therefore visible.

Technique #3 Thai women have small, petite feet while Thai women have large feet – Yes most Thai men have larger feet than women. But they’re not that much larger. Also, I know some beautiful Thai girls that are very petite except they have large hands and feet. So if you suspect a Thai women is actually a katoey, make sure you have more evidence than a large shoe size.

Technique #4 Katoey’s can’t “walk the walk” – Thai women walk with such grace and beauty. Thai girls are probably the most feminine creatures on the planet. It is extremely difficult to have a man attempt to mimic their graceful walk and hip-sway. So if you see a lady slogging around in high heals like she’s more comfortable in basketball shoes, you’re probably looking at a tranny.

Technique #5 Lots of body hair – Thai women have very little body hair. Unfortunately, neither to Thai men. But if you spend enough time with beautiful Thai girls, you know there is an absolute limit to the amount of body hair they have and it is indeed less than a man. Another tip is that because Thai women have such little leg hair, most do not shave their legs. Alternatively, a ladyboy has to shave his/her legs to create the illusion of being a woman.

Technique #6 Lots of facial hair or too much foundation? – I’ve actually seen lady boys after a long night with stubble. But if you catch them early in the night after a close shave it can be more difficult. Plus, Thai men have much less facial hair than Western men so it can be tough to spot for the untrained eye. One thing to watch out for is that Thai ladies don’t wear much foundation. A Thai woman’s skin is so smooth and soft that very little makeup is needed to cover up the skin. Thai ladyboys on the other hand must use foundation to help cover up their facial hair. It’s a dead giveaway.

Technique #7 You look TOO sexy to be a Thai woman! – Yes, Thai women dress sexy. And yes, Thai ladyboys dress sexy. The secret is that even though Thai ladies dress sexy, it is still a “conservative” sexy. If it looks like they are wearing a very short, sexy skirt, it’s likely that skirt is actually a pair of shorts that look like a skirt. Either that or the Thai girls are wearing short-shorts under the short-skirt. But katoeys are not so conservative and are ultra sexy. If you spot a very sexy lady in an incredibly revealing and sexy dress, “she” is probably a “he”.

Technique #8 You are tall for a Thai woman. Are you a model? – If the answer is no, you’ve got a ladyboy! – All Thai’s are short by Western standards. But very few Thai women are over 5 feet 4 inches tall. If they are beautiful and taller than this, they are either professional models or they are dudes.

Technique #9 Your beasts are too small – Another difficult one. Thai women are so very petite that they can have small breasts. But having NO breasts at all should send off some warning signals!

Technique #10 Why are you whispering? – I find that this technique is actually one of the best. Even though Thai girls are very beautiful, graceful and kind, they talk very loudly! This is especially true when they talk to their girlfriends. Thai ladies always seem to use their “outside voice” just about everywhere. If a ladyboy is trying to trick you into thinking “he” is a “she”, than they will talk very softly and quietly to help mask their gruff voice.

Fortunately, Thai women have a great sense of humor. They understand a mans problem and are typically not offended if you come right out and ask them if they are a katoey are not. Just make sure to ask in a playful yet honest way and you almost always get an honest answer.