"You katoey" (a slang term referring to transgender or effeminate men in Thai culture). This phrase is a slang expression from the viral incident.
"You must be a katoey" This phrase became an iconic catchphrase from the viral social media event.
This is a memorable phrase from social media that became highly popular following a case where a monk cut in line on a passenger van, leading to a fierce verbal clash with a lay passenger. Someone recorded a video of the incident and shared it on the internet. At that time, the phrase "You must be a katoey" became a signature line on social media. Even though the event happened eight years ago, this phrase has continued to be reused repeatedly and has become a famous meme.
Besides the memorable phrase mentioned, the clip contains other notable moments such as “I will report this,” “Do you have your ordination certificate?” “You are disrobed,” “Religious scoundrel,” and remarks from other passengers trying to calm the situation by saying, “Everyone just sit quietly, put on your headphones, and stay in your own world.”
Although this clip depicts a violent quarrel, what made it go viral was the humor found in the awkward wrongdoing displayed—both the monk, who should have been composed, using sharper insults than the layperson, and the layperson fiercely cursing the monk. Such scenes are rarely seen in Thai society, especially eight years ago. The most interesting aspect was the childish type of argument—like “It’s you!”—happening in a serious, heated confrontation between adults in the roles of ‘monk’ and ‘layperson.’
Additionally, the monk’s use of an insult reflecting gender bias, “You katoey,” was met with the layperson’s identical retort, which further damaged the monk’s dignified image expected in Buddhist society. Meanwhile, some people who had no expectations of the clergy found the video even more amusing.
Moreover, the video reveals public doubt about the monk’s status through demands to show his ordination certificate. This skepticism is not new; scandals involving the Buddhist clergy have persisted over time. Despite wearing Buddhist robes, monks have been involved in public misconduct, drinking, sexual scandals, embezzlement of temple funds, and even impersonation schemes using the saffron robes for personal gain. These events highlight a long-standing crisis of faith within Thai society, shifting from a taboo subject considered sinful to one openly criticized and widely discussed, even inspiring related series and wider media coverage.
This meme is therefore not just about a quarrel between a monk and a passenger on a van; it has become a legendary image of a day when sacredness was tested and challenged by the anger of ordinary people. Furthermore, the incident continues to be revisited repeatedly with laughter and humor in everyday life over the past eight years.