In northern Thailand, kathoey were traditionally viewed as having "soft souls," making them ideal spirit mediums . This spiritual role provided them with a respected community standing and a source of income.

Many enter high-visibility cabaret work specifically to fund medical procedures, such as hormone treatments and sex reassignment surgeries, which can be prohibitively expensive. 4. Relations with Men: Romantic and Social Dynamics

Beyond the Cabaret: The Intersection of Kathoey Lifestyle, Men, and the Global Entertainment Industry Subject: Sociology, Cultural Studies, Southeast Asian Studies Abstract