Jack of All Arts

Parinya Charoenphol

Parinya Charoenphol stands in a Muay Thai gym, wearing an orange tank top and posing next to a Fairtex punching bag, smiling warmly.
Parinya Charoenphol, in an elegant black dress and earrings, poses at a formal event next to a man in a suit who holds a clenched fist in a boxing stance.
Parinya Charoenphol waves with a smile while holding a microphone, standing in front of a city skyline.
Parinya Charoenphol poses with fists raised in front of a movie poster for “Beautiful Boxer,” which depicts red nails and boxing hand wraps.
Backstage, Parinya Charoenphol applies face powder before a match, with hand wraps already on, while cameras and a makeup assistant surround her.
Parinya Charoenphol punches a heavy bag in an outdoor training area, dressed in a black tank top and Muay Thai shorts with her hair pulled back.
Parinya Charoenphol smiles in an orange tank top inside a Muay Thai gym next to a red punching bag, with the name “Nong Toom” in bold white text beside her.
Parinya Charoenphol sits on a blue chair wearing a striped shirt and Muay Thai shorts, smiling while having her hand wrapped before a fight. The scene takes place in a rustic training or prep area, with wooden benches and another person wrapping her hand.
Parinya Charoenphol poses in pink Fairtex Muay Thai shorts labeled with her name, and a black sports crop top, standing in an ornate room with Thai art.
A young Parinya Charoenphol sits inside a Muay Thai ring with two other fighters, reviewing something on a phone. She wears a sports bra and Muay Thai shorts, while a young child with a metal cup sits nearby.
Parinya Charoenphol poses with fists raised in front of a red Fairtex punching bag, wearing a bright blue button-up shirt with a black top underneath, inside a Muay Thai gym.

Stage Name: Parinya Kiatbusaba
Nicknames: Nong Toom, Nong Tum
Born: June 9, 1981
Birthplace: Chiang Mai, Thailand (originally from a nomadic family that settled in Chiang Mai Province)
Gender Identity: Transgender Woman
Pronouns: She/Her
Sexual Orientation: Not publicly specified
Nationality: Thai
Ethnicity: Thai
Profession: Muay Thai boxer, actress, model, LGBTQ+ activist
Years Active: 1993–present

Overview

Parinya Charoenphol, also known as Nong Toom, is a groundbreaking Thai Muay Thai fighter, actress, model, and transgender activist. Her life and career have challenged perceptions of gender in combat sports and helped bring awareness to Thailand’s kathoey (transgender women or effeminate gay men) community. Known as “The Beautiful Boxer,” her story is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of courage, resilience, and transformation.

Early Life and Transition

Born into poverty, Parinya came from a nomadic family that eventually settled in Chiang Mai. To support her family, she entered a Buddhist monastery but was later expelled. At the age of 12, she began competing in Muay Thai at local fairs. Despite audience jeers calling her a “sissy,” she won her first match and brought home 500 baht—a modest but crucial contribution to her family.

Parinya used her fight earnings to save for gender-affirming surgery. She came out publicly as transgender during her rise in Muay Thai and underwent gender-confirming surgery in 1999 at age 18 after initially being denied by several surgeons.

Muay Thai Career

Her breakthrough came in February 1998 with a major victory at Bangkok’s Lumpini Boxing Stadium. At 16, she captivated audiences by wearing makeup in the ring and defeating larger male opponents—often kissing them after winning. Her unique presence revitalized interest in the sport and drew international attention.

Although controversial in some traditionalist circles, Nong Toom became an icon. She was embraced by the Muay Thai establishment and promoted by Thai tourism officials. By 1999, she announced her retirement to pursue surgery and a singing career.

She returned to fighting in 2006 with a victory over Kenshiro Lookchaomaekhemthong. She later fought top athletes like Jorina Baars and Pernilla Johansson. Her fight against Japan’s Kyoko Inoue symbolized the intersection of gender identity and national tradition, especially after a confrontation with a Thai woman following the bout.

Gym and Teaching

In 2010, Parinya co-founded Parinya Muay Thai gym in Pranburi with American actor Steven Khan. As of 2011, she was also teaching Muay Thai and aerobics to children at Baan Poo Yai School, continuing to inspire young people and provide a safe space for all identities.

Film and Media

Parinya’s story was portrayed in the 2003 film Beautiful Boxer, directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham and starring Asanee Suwan. The film explores her early life, gender identity, and rise in a traditionally masculine sport. It received multiple awards and critical acclaim for its emotional and cultural depth.

She also starred in the 2006 superhero film Mercury Man, played a leading role in the solo stage show Boxing Cabaret, and appeared on television in Sweden. Her life has been documented in Hidden Genders (National Geographic) and featured in the book Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand’s Third Gender.

Cultural Impact and Controversy

Despite her achievements, Nong Toom was viewed by some traditionalists as disrespecting a sacred sport. Critics argued that Muay Thai, developed to defend Thailand from invaders, should remain rooted in masculine ideals. Yet her undeniable skill earned her respect and global recognition.

Director Ekachai Uekrongtham commented: “She set out to master the most masculine activity in order to achieve total femininity.”

Parinya herself said:

“I don’t equate femininity with weakness. I was born into poverty and there weren’t many ways I could earn a lot of money. I don’t think about gender. I think about winning.”

Activism and Legacy

Parinya remains a symbol of resilience and gender liberation. As one of the earliest transgender figures in combat sports, she has inspired generations of queer athletes. Her visibility helped initiate broader dialogues about gender, tradition, and identity in Southeast Asia and globally.

Notable Quotes

“I fought to become a woman, not to prove I was tough.”


“It’s like looking at a mirror that shows images of you in flashback. But I could never imagine someone making a movie about my life as I always think that films are about heroes and I’m not a hero.”

  • Patricio Manuel – First publicly known transgender professional boxer in the United States
  • Fallon Fox – First publicly known transgender MMA athlete

Further Reading and Resources

  • Greene, Laura. “Thai ‘Ladyboy’ Kickboxer Is Gender-Bending Knockout.” National Geographic, 2010.
  • Kahn, Joseph. “Was That a Lady I Saw You Boxing?” The New York Times, 1998.
  • King, Susan. “A kickboxer’s fight for sexual identity.” Los Angeles Times, 2005.
  • Somporn, Supop. “Sex change boxer is back in the ring.” The Nation, 2006.
  • Wheaton, Tim. “Nong Toom: The Beautiful Boxer.” September 7, 2023.
  • Tapology and Muaythaitv fight records
  • “About Us.” Parinyamuaythai.com (archived)
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