Story highlights Thailand constitution looks to recognize third gender

People have right to change sex and be protected by Thai constitution, says spokesman

(CNN) Thailand could soon recognize a third gender category for the first time in the country's constitution.

"It is a human right if you were born a male or female and you want to have a sex change or lead a life of a different gender," said Kamnoon Sittisamarn, the spokesperson of Constitution Drafting Committee, which is working on a new draft of the country's constitution.

"People should have [that] freedom to change sex and they should be equally protected by the Constitution and the law and treated fairly."

Third gender means that an individual does not have to identify as either male or female, and gives their right to self-identify.

If enacted, Thailand would join several Asian countries, including India, Pakistan and Nepal, that have recently moved to recognize third gender.

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