Thai cinema has a long history of featuring ladyboys, dating back to the 1960s. Initially, these roles were played by male actors who portrayed female characters, often in comedic or dramatic roles. As the film industry evolved, so did the representation of ladyboys on screen. In the 1980s and 1990s, Thai films began to feature more realistic and nuanced portrayals of ladyboys, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social issues.