All state and private clinics will be forbidden from removing testicles of young gay men, if the Medical Council endorses the prohibition.

The Public Health Ministry proposal is being considered by the council, and a decision is expected on Thursday.

Clinic employees that perform the operation face one year in jail and/or a Bt20,000 fine.

Meanwhile, the Health-care Services Support Department director-general is investigating operations performed by a Pratunam clinic.

Not tested ahead

Mental Health Depart-ment director-general Aphichai Mongkhol says overseas gender-reassignment patients are always subjected to psychological tests before undergoing ops.

"But, in my 27-year career, I have never received a request for such an test.

"This could mean that this standard has never been followed in Thailand," he adds.

Daily Xpress