The third gender as seen in Thai fiction

Abstract

There is a myth that Thailand is the haven of the third gender, be they lesbians, gays, bisexuals, or transgender (LGBT) although results from empirical studies regarding this issue are still inconclusive. This study, therefore, explored this topic in Thai language novels written in the 1980s and early 2000s. The purpose of the study is to investigate how the third gender is perceived and presented in Thai novels during the aforementioned period. Four novels were used in this investigation, Ngao Phra-jan (Reflection of the Moon), Thaang Saay Thii Saam (The Third Path), Kau-ii Thawng (The Golden Chair), and Naang-ek (The Heroine). Feminist literary theory and the queer theory were used to critically discuss and interpret the works. The results revealed that the third gender was mainly perceived and presented through the influence of a patriarchal idea. Being the third gender is not socially accepted; it is perceived as an illness that needs to be cured. Family influence or the way a person is raised is thought to be the main cause of such behavior.