Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PILATES STUDIO
YOGA
( 0 2650 7797;
www.pilatesbangkok.com
; 888/58-9 Mahatun Plaza, Th Ploenchit; sessions from 550B; Phloen
Chit exit 2)
The first choice for those in Bangkok looking for Pilates instruction and training.
ABSOLUTE YOGA
YOGA
( 0 2252 4400;
www.absoluteyogabangkok.com
; 4th fl, Amarin Plaza, Th Ploenchit; membership per month from
2500B; Chit Lom exit 6)
This is the largest of Bangkok's yoga-studio businesses, teaching
Bikram hot yoga plus a host of other styles.
UNION LANGUAGE SCHOOL
LANGUAGE
( 0 2214 6033;
www.unionlanguageschool.com
; 7th fl, 328 CCT Office Bldg, Th Phayathai; tuition from 7000B;
Ratchathewi exit 1)
Generally recognised as having the best and most rigorous Thai-language
courses (many missionaries study here), Union employs a balance of structure- and
communication-oriented methodologies in 80-hour, four-week modules.
DON'T CALL ME LADYBOY
Prempreeda Pramoj Na Ayutthaya is a transwoman researcher and activist.
Why does Thailand appear to have so many transgender people?
It's a cultural heritage based on a very old
concept of gender that can even be found in ancient palm leaf manuscripts.
The Thai word ladyboy is sometimes used in English to refer to transgender people. How do you prefer to
be called?
I prefer (the Thai word)
ga
̀
·teu·i
(also spelt
kathoey
) because it goes back to an indigenous Thai belief
that sex isn't binary. The words ladyboy and shemale are often used to sell sex and can stigmatise transgender
people.
To outsiders, Thailand appears very open to homosexuals and transgender people - is this really the case?
In everyday life, transgender people can live freely, but on a policy level we still face many difficulties.
What do you hope to achieve as an activist?
I'm working to change the laws and policies so that homosexuals
and transgender people can feel more comfortable in Thailand.
LANGUAGE
(Advance Alliance Academy Thai Language School; 0 2655 5629;
www.aaathai.com
; 6th fl, 29 Vanissa Bldg, Th
Chitlom; tuition from 7000B; Chit Lom exit 3)
Opened by a group of experienced Thai-language
teachers from various schools, good-value AAA Thai has a loyal following.
