Thailand has recently issued rules about limiting sex change surgery, including a requirement that potential candidates cross-dress for a year. This is aimed at preventing people from rushing into the surgery, as per a medical association.

A national transgender beauty pageant draws thousands of people to the beachside town of Pattaya every year.

Transsexuals and transgender men are a common sight in Thailand, appearing on soap operas and working at every level of Bankok society, from department store cosmetics counters and popular restaurants to corporate offices and red-light districts.

Nevertheless, during the past two years, a rash of castrations, especially among young men, has alarmed the medical establishment and prompted the new rules.

Dr. Sampandh Komrit of the Medical Council of Thailand said, "The new rules went into effect Wednesday and requires a person to wait a year after deciding on the surgery. The applicants must be over 18 and are required to dress in women's clothing for the year before surgery. It also requires a mental evaluation before the surgery and continued follow-up visits with a psychiatrist after getting the sex change."

Thailand's Health Ministry ordered hospitals and medical clinics to temporarily stop performing non-medical castrations. The procedure needed stricter monitoring as per the ministry.