Metrosexual, a word coined by British journalist Mark Simpson in 1994 to describe the "metropolitan heterosexual" - a well-dressed man about town - has taken on a sinister connotation. But should women really be suspicious of guys who concentrate too much on their physical appearance?

Director Yongyooth Thongkongtoon blows the whistle on gender preference in his latest film, "Gang Chanee Kab E-Aeb" ("Metrosexual"), which opens today at theatres nationwide.

The title comes from two slang words commonly used among homosexuals. Chanee, which means gibbon, is what gays often call women when speaking among themselves, while e-aeb refers to a guy who has yet to come out of the closet.

"In some ways, the e-aeb is the ideal man, the guy in every woman's dreams, because they know everything that a woman likes. Unfortunately, they just aren't aware of their sexual preference. But they care about details - they remember birthdays, favourite singers, the sort of things that most men always forget," says the director.

"Katoeys [ladyboys] have a saying that being gay, lesbian or transvestite is the same as being 'straight', in that you have defined yourself. If you don't respect who you are, and create a relationship with others as that person, it can cause immense social problems that will have a knock-on effect on those you are close to."

The story focuses on five close woman friends. When Pang (Mesook Jangmesook) announces she is going to marry her boyfriend, the others have to decide whether to tell her that they suspect he's gay.

"It may sound far-fetched but it's not. It's something that comes up in real life," says the director.

The "Satree Lek" director has teamed up with the "gang" from TV's best-known talk show, Channel 3's "Phooying Thueng Phooying" - Meesok, Phatcharasree "Kalamae" Benjamas, Pimolwan Supayangand and Kulnadda Patchimsawad.

He's also recruited TV anchor Ornpreeya Hunsatr of "Rueang Lao Chaonee".

Yongyooth got the idea for the film when a college friend started divorce proceedings on discovering that her husband was cheating on her with a man.

A friend of the couple since the beginning, he suspected something was amiss before the wedding. He even cautioned her to watch her man before making a decision.

"It was useless. She was head over heels in love with the guy. They got married and it all fell apart. She was furious both with him and with herself and unfortunately that also divided the people around them.

"It was so sad seeing the anger but she's not the only one. I have other friends who are facing uncertain situations. Some are lucky and discover their true feelings early enough. Others are not," he says.

"While some women can accept the truth and carry on living together with their husbands just as friends, most can't take it. They become angry and it turns nasty. The more love they have for the man, the more hate they nurture when the truth is revealed."

Yongyooth is a fan of both "Phooying Thueng Phooying" and "Rueang Lao Chaonee", and admits that he based his characters on the talk-show hosts.

"I was so pleased when they agreed to take the roles."

Even though the five are rookie actresses, they were quick to pick up their parts and entered into the spirit of the film.

"Comedy is a great way of conveying a message. I'm not ambitious about making big movies.

"I enjoy working in a happy atmosphere with people who have a strong sense of fun," he says.

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation