Transvestite classification refuted in Thailand

Thailand’s Administrative Court yesterday revoked the Defence Ministry’s conscription records that described transvestites as people with a “permanent mental disorder”. It also urged the defence minister to amend ministerial regulations making statements that transsexuals had “a sexuality that does not match the inborn gender” more accurate.

Transvestite Samart Meecharoen had petitioned the court against the Defence Minister, the Army Reserve Command, and the Lop Buri Regis-trar to revoke the conscription records, which described him as “psychotic”. Samart claimed the description was a violation of human integrity and prevented him from working in the civil service or private bodies.

Read more: The Nation