Transwoman’s praise for military service opens front in Thai draft debate

A transgender woman who attended a military conscription lottery in Phutsanulok province has sparked debate by coming out to say that transgender soldiers should be allowed to serve in the military.

Reporters, who habitually mine Thailand’s annual draft lotteries for “hot young trans” stories, were surprised when Naritsara “Lookmenn” Ownwang told them that she should be not be disqualified due to her gender identity – despite the fact she was there to obtain another waiver as a university student.

“Transwomen can serve in the military,” said the 23-year-old Sukhothai College of Dramatic Arts senior. “We can do every job out there. There are female soldiers, so why can’t there be trans?”

Because her birth certificate lists her as male, Naritsara, the winner of several northern beauty pageants, was one of the 284 people up for 67 spots at her…