Following the success of the comedy The Iron Ladies (Satree-Lex), the true story of the triumphs of a Thai transvestite volleyball team, a Thai production company will make a film about Parinya Charoenphol - Thailand's most well-known katoey (Thai for transsexual) kickboxer fighting for a sex change.

According to Reuters, the true-to-life action drama will be produced by Thai record company, GMM Grammy Plc. and Singapore-based Spicy Apple Films, in mid 2002.

"Believing he's a girl trapped in a boy's body since childhood, Parinya...sets out to master the most masculine and lethal sport of Thai boxing to achieve his ultimate goal of total femininity," reads a statement from the two companies.

Parinya was until recently one of Thailand's most alpha male muay Thai stars who wore lipstick in the ring, and kissed his opponents after defeating them.

Now a woman and a household name in Thailand, the 20-year-old is said to have used her prize money to help fund her sex change operation.

The movie to be called Beautiful Boxer, will be produced and directed by Singapore-based Thai director Ekachai Uekrongtham, of the hit musical Chang And Eng.