jmboy: I tried to be as respectful as possible and I actually realized 'whore' is commonly seen as a derogatory term about 30 minutes after posting this but couldn't find the 'edit' feature. As a colloquialism, the term 'whore' can sometimes get a pass, especially when you're talking informally to like-minded individuals. And especially on a forum which encompasses informal discussion and humour.
In this case, I think it gets a pass because I included a very noticeable and prominent disclaimer which was put in capital letters. I also deliberately added self-deprecation to the disclaimer in order to reduce any arrogance that may have come across in the post. (I knew I was treading dangerous ground, I didn't want to come across as one of those young guys who thinks he's 'it')
In addition, the term 'ladyboy' is actually very derogatory, but it's in the website's title and you used it in your post.
We should really be referring to these people as 'transgender', but we let it slide because over the years it's become a colloquially acceptable term in Thailand, and this is an informal forum (two points which are arguably applicable to the term 'whore')
Plus, it was my first post, hence I should be given the benefit of the doubt. Either way, it's splitting hairs and it's derailing the discussion. It's obvious that I'm trying to come across as polite as possible and am just kindly seeking information, even if my immaturity is making me fail at that. Plus I live here and teach English, I'm hardly rolling in the money. And I have had the courtesy to learn Thai, unlike a lot of other Brits. Seen many Brits roll up to beer bars, laugh at the ladyboys and talk about how they're gonna 'shag them in the arse' and all that. Seen many drunken idiots have no respect for Thailand. They act like they're on a night out in Manchester. They eye people up and try to get all aggressive. I left England for that reason, I hate aggression. I like a calm atmosphere, and Thailand provides that. I'm a simple man who likes hot weather and companionship. I have Thai friends (including ladyboys), I'm not here on a sex trip. When I walk up to a ladyboy, I do so like I would with a girl. I respect them, and I consequently get respect back. Plus, it's not always so black-and-white with all P4P ladyboys. Some of these women are pure HELL personified. I have nothing to do with the 'linebacker crew' on Soi 4. They're bad people. NOT because they're transgender, but for other reasons. These only make up about 1% of all ladyboys. Anyway, that was my response to you. And whilst you may laugh at my long rebuttal, I will never be drawn into ad-hominem aggression because it serves no benefit on such a niche community.
Thank you to the other guys for your suggestions