Thai transsexual "ladyboys" are taking to the air as flight attendants for a new airline, a move that some said could be a step toward still broader acceptance in a nation where they are already unusually visible.
Known as "katoeys" or "ladyboys," transgenders and transsexuals hold mainstream jobs in a variety of fields in Thailand. They are especially common in cosmetics shops or health stores, which almost always have a ladyboy shop assistant.
Working for new charter airline P.C. Air, transsexual flight attendants made their debut on a flight from Bangkok to the southern city of Surat Thani. They served drinks and snacks and gave safety demonstrations.
"This is the beginning of the acceptance of transsexuals in Thailand, giving the opportunity for us to work in various fields," said 22-year-old Tanyarat Jirapatpakorn.
"Maybe in the future we can get any job that transsexuals never did before, such as police, soldiers or even pilots."
Executives from P.C. Air, a company named after the airline's president Peter Chan, originally planned to hire male and female flight attendants, but they changed their minds after more than 100 transsexuals and transvestites applied.
Four were chosen, along with 19 female and seven male flight attendants. The airline said qualifications for the ladyboy flight attendants were the same as for female flight attendants, with the additional proviso that they behave like women when they walk and talk.
Chan, the airline president, said the ladyboy flight attendants actually might have a special advantage.
"They might provide better services because they understand both males and females. And they're well trained according to the aviation standard," he added.
The recruits were chosen in February 2011 and have been training in security measures, in-flight services and make-up application.
P.C. Air flies domestically as well as to several Asian destinations, including Japan and South Korea.