Despite high visibility, kathoeys face significant legal hurdles. They cannot officially change their gender on identification documents, which leads to issues in employment, healthcare, and even military conscription, where they must still report for "lottery day".
In modern Thailand, many kathoeys live authentic lives, though they often face workplace discrimination and are funneled into specific industries like entertainment, fashion, and beauty. Entertainment and Media
Entertainment is the most prominent sector for the community, serving as both a platform for visibility and a primary source of income.