The popularity of ladyboy films has also had a significant economic impact, generating revenue for the Thai film industry and creating opportunities for ladyboy actors and filmmakers.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, ladyboy films gained more mainstream recognition, with movies like "Tom's Friend" (1996) and "Beautiful Girls" (2001). These films showcased the talents of ladyboy actors, such as Pong and Tata Young, who became household names in Thailand.

The ladyboy film genre has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, when Thai cinema began to explore themes of identity, culture, and social issues. One of the earliest and most influential ladyboy films is "The Ladyboys" (1975), directed by Thai filmmaker, Pinyo Suwankiri. This film marked a significant milestone in the representation of transgender women on screen, paving the way for future generations of ladyboy actors and filmmakers.