In a first, trans woman runs for election in Thailand

30-year-old Yollada, who was born a male, has become the first transgender to register as an election candidate.

The former transgender beauty queen believed she would be part of a new wave of politicians who will garner support from the transgender group because she had taken part in many social activities.

"I want to represent the trans women and all groups of homosexuals across the country in parliament and press the government to pay more interest to women and trans women," said Yollada, the President of the TransFemale Association of Thailand.

She had in the past campaigned for the Thai society to change the term "homosexuals" to "transgenders" and proposed a project to provide free sex-change operations, which led to a wide debate in the country, Bangkok Post reported today.

Yollada is competing against two male candidates - Pawat Sattayawong and Suchart Jitbanjong. The elections will be held on May 27 in 24 constituencies in 15 districts.