[Soassesaisp]

Even though ladyboys, in comparison to most countries, are very much accepted within Thai society - you won't see one dressed up as a woman working at the police station, Bangkok Bank or Train Station. There is a level to such acceptance.

Most ladyboys are subject to working 'female dominated jobs'. Yes, a ladyboy dressed like a ladyboy may be employed at companies but the kind of positions they get are in the cosmetics, slimming or whiting lotions departments. As Jerome pointed out before, most Thais see Ladyboys as better looking than their female counterparts.

There are a lot of ladyboys working in the TV/Film/Fashion/Modelling/Beauty industries, often employed as designers, hair-stylists, make-up artists etc...

In fact, Thailand's most famous beautician, hairdresser and make-up artist are from the top of my head - ladyboys.

There are a lot of semi-ladyboys working male-dominated jobs in companies etc.... but business etiquette in Thailadn doesn't allow them to come to the company dressed as one. That is something they do in the evenings/weekends.

The word 'Katoey' can be used condescendingly, so the more polite Thai is 'Sao Praphet Song'. The English term 'Ladyboy' is closer in translation to the politer form as above. Thai ladyboys do not generally see the English word 'Ladyboy' as offensive but perhaps some foreigners will, as the term isn't widely used in the west.