Ladyboys causing se-X problems for poll teams

Thailand’s community of “ladyboys” has complained they are being marginalised in next week’s general election because their ID card pictures are too confusing for polling officials.

It is the latest in a series of gripes among members of the Trans-Female Association of Thailand which groups transgenders and transsexuals known collectively as “katoeys” or “ladyboys”.

“We have a big problem when we use our identity cards in banks, schools, hospitals and now when we vote,” said Yollada Suanyoc, president of the 2,500-strong organisation. “The picture may show a woman but it says ‘mister’ on the card. Or the picture may show a teenage boy and the person now looks like a woman.”

Everyone in Thailand has to carry a national ID card with them at all times from the age of 15. Transgenders and transsexuals are accepted in Thailand more readily than in most other countries.