Beyond Thailand: How The Global Market Of Sex Reassignment Surgery Shifts

While Thailand is often seen as a "transgender paradise" when considering sex reassignment surgery, the global market for gender transformation surgery is expanding rapidly. It is estimated that transgender individuals make up about 1-2% of the global population, and by 2032, the market for sex reassignment surgery is projected to reach nearly $2 billion in revenue.

Global sex reassignment market to hit $2 billion by 2032

In 2023, the market was valued at $784.96 million and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 12%, reaching $1.94 billion by 2032.

As the market expands globally, different regions show varying levels of growth and development. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market (Polaris Market Research), but in 2022, North America held the largest market share, accounting for over 50%.

The United States and Canada lead the market with advanced infrastructure, an extensive network of specialized clinics, experienced surgeons, comprehensive health insurance, and favorable legal regulations.

Medical facilities performing the most sex reassignment surgeries are mainly located in the United States, Canada, and Thailand, with a smaller number in the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Korea, etc.

Specialized clinics dedicated to sex reassignment surgery are preferred over hospitals due to their understanding of healthcare needs, ability to create a safe environment, and provision of comprehensive support.

Affordable options: Southeast Asia vs. beyond

Sex reassignment surgery includes a range of procedures, with costs varying significantly. According to Bookimed, the average cost per procedure ranges from $3,000 to $50,000.

In the United States and the United Kingdom, the average cost is higher, between $10,150 and $75,000 per procedure. Thailand offers more affordable options, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $22,000 per procedure. However, the lowest costs are found in Turkey ($5,000 to $15,000 per procedure) and India (starting at $2,500 per procedure).

In contrast, Vietnam does not permit sex reassignment surgery by law, but cosmetic surgeries such as facial feminization or masculinization, breast augmentation, and breast tissue removal are allowed.

According to the iSEE Institute, more than 40% of those who have had at least one gender-affirming surgery did so abroad, while 37% had it done at private medical facilities within the country. The cost of such surgeries in Vietnam ranges from over 20 million VND to about 1.6 billion VND.

The importance of surgeries for transgender people

Transgender individuals are those whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Not all transgender people undergo surgery.

Male-to-female (MTF) surgeries include procedures such as penis and testicle removal, vaginal and vulva reconstruction, and breast augmentation.

Female-to-male (FTM) surgeries include hysterectomy, ovary removal, penis or scrotal reconstruction, breast tissue removal, and breast reconstruction. Not everyone has the economic, health, or personal conditions to undergo full sex reassignment surgery. The most critical thing is respecting and addressing the individual's feelings and desires.

Even when there is a need for surgery, individuals must consider numerous factors beyond cost and health. Many surgical services abroad lack comprehensive support, including psychological counseling before and after surgery. Additionally, undergoing surgery abroad can create logistical issues, such as difficulty receiving postoperative care from relatives.

Returning from abroad post-surgery also poses issues, as customs may not accept documents showing a discrepancy between the individual's gender presentation and legal documents. As a result, many Vietnamese people considering sex reassignment surgery want to have their surgeries performed in Vietnam.

To transition from one gender to another, transgender individuals may undergo various changes, such as altering their appearance, choosing a new name, changing personal documents if possible, using hormone therapy, and seeking psychological counseling.

In many cases, changes related to social relationships or legal documents are more important, influential, and urgent than biological changes.

The arduous path of realizing the Law on Gender Transformation

The 2015 Civil Code marked a new step forward in Vietnamese law by legalizing gender transformation and stipulating that "gender transformation is carried out in accordance with law." However, specific provisions of the Law have yet to be issued.

In the most recent draft, the Law on Gender Transformation includes detailed provisions on state policy, prohibited acts, principles of gender reassignment, and the rights of transgender individuals.

It also outlines medical interventions, specifying the methods individuals requesting gender transformation can choose, the conditions under which they can request medical intervention, and which medical facilities are authorized to perform these procedures.

The delay in approving the Draft Law and issuing specific legal guidelines has led to significant challenges for transgender people.

They often do not receive proper counseling or psychological support and must use unregulated hormones or undergo surgeries at illegal medical facilities, resulting in severe health, mental, and even life-threatening consequences. According to the ICS Center, on average, 8-10 transgender individuals in Ho Chi Minh City die each year due to complications from hormone use and silicone injections.

The Draft Law on Gender Transformation aims to resolve these issues, ensuring no one is left behind. However, the process faces many obstacles and may take longer than expected because the Law on Gender Transformation is considered one of the "most difficult and challenging" laws.

Many legal issues arise when implementing gender transformation, such as determining the appropriate age and the number of times an individual can undergo transformation, resolving marital relationships post-reassignment, and addressing maternity insurance. The adoption of this law will have a huge effect on many elements of society, requiring careful research, consultation with relevant agencies, organizations, experts, and scientists to ensure quality and feasibility.

Policy formulation must be based on the real needs and desires of the transgender community, with greater participation from community members in policymaking. However, the entire transgender community and society eagerly anticipate the passing of the Gender Reassignment Law, expected in May 2025.

Translated by Thúy An