Never fading, never gone, the timeless transgender country singer. Hay Arpaporn. She became a viral sensation after appearing at the popular pub Keng-Kwang, Beef on Silom Road, where clips of her lively performance spread widely online. The LGBTQ+ community enthusiastically joined in, singing and dancing to legendary songs with precision surpassing the originals. Speaking on the program "Taw Nu Maem" on Workpoint Channel 23 with host Nu Maem Surivipa, she revealed her packed schedule and long booking list as the leading figure for younger transgender fans, with reservations stretching until May 2026.
Never out of the spotlight, suddenly becoming the darling of the younger transgender generation?
"When I accepted the gig, I had many thoughts because they said it was the number one gay bar in Thailand now, located on the 9th floor in Silom at the parking lot area—a small place with a low ceiling. When I went on stage, I was surprised that everyone knew the songs. And all were young people, early twenties, singing songs from a time before they were even born."
The venue’s atmosphere, and the clip shared widely on social media, showed fans with very deep voices?
"Yes (laughs). It felt like singing in a military camp with no women present. It wasn’t tiring because I wasn’t doing much singing at all. At first, I even planned to split my fee with those who sang half and half (laughs). It was so lovely and joyful. I don’t know why, but last week I attended only LGBTQ+ events."
I heard your bookings are already full into next year?
"Yes, but I can still take on more."
What types of events are you mostly booked for now?
"Mostly bars—gay bars, host bars—and pubs nationwide. The bookings are very long now, stretching until May next year."
Are you surprised that the younger transgender fans, who weren’t even born when you started, know your songs?
"I’m very surprised. I never expected the younger generation—our successors—to remember my songs. So, I asked some senior transgender friends, and they said, 'You’ll never disappear from the transgender scene because the older generation teaches the younger ones.' Nowadays, there aren’t many songs like mine, though there are songs like Ja’s that give transgender people fun. For example, if I sing 'Eek-Dok', I don’t even need to sing because they all shout it out."
Looking back, your song 'Lek Laew Ka' was one of the first to feature transgender women in its music video?
"Yes, yes. We filmed at Tiffany’s Show under Khun Ja’s management. I contacted them to ask for permission, and we filmed at 3 a.m. after they finished their shows. Initially, I didn’t plan to shoot there—I wanted to film at the beach but felt it was unsuitable. So, I asked to film there. We filmed scenes with monks receiving alms and hired young transgender girls, paying them 1,000–2,000 baht each. They worked so nicely and even lent me their feather costumes, so I didn’t have to invest anything except myself and my life."
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