: Despite high social visibility and acceptance in certain sectors, many continue to face structural discrimination and legal hurdles, such as the inability to change their legal gender on official documents. Language and Etymology

: While "ladyboy" is widely understood by tourists, many transgender women in Thailand prefer more specific terms like phuying (woman).

: The kathoey identity is deeply embedded in Thai culture, where they are often viewed as a "third gender". In Thailand, Buddhism often fosters a level of social tolerance, though this is sometimes framed through the lens of spiritual "karmic debt".