The term kathoey or katoey (Thai: กะเทย, IPA: [kaʔtʰɤːj]) generally refers to a male-to-female transgener person or an effeminate gay male in Thailand. Related phrases include sao (or phuying) praphet song ("a second kind of woman"), or phet thee sam ("third sex"). The word kathoey is thought to be of Khmer origin. It is most often rendered as ladyboy in English conversation with Thais and this latter expression has become popular across South East Asia including the Philippines. (Philippines disputed, term Billyboy used in Philippines, Ladyboy not used)