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Parinya adopts a traditional boxer's pose during a training session at a Bangkok gym. (July 2, 2001)

Parinya was born Parinya Jaroenpol, on June 9, 2524 B.E. (Buddhist Era, or 1981 A.D.) in Bangkok, Thailand. She was the fourth of five children. At the age of seven, Parinya family moved to Prow Village in the northern province of Chiangmai.

When she was twelve years-old, she visited the Lanna Boxing Camp with a group of friends. Arkom Choosang, who was to become her first trainer, asked if she was interested in becoming a Mauy Tai kickboxer.

Each day, Parinya would practice from six until nine in the morning, and then again from three to seven in the evening. Parinya's first professional fight was at the age of thirteen in Chiangmai. After becoming famous she was renamed after the training camp, Kiatbusaba.

As a kickboxer, Parinya attracted fans from all over Asia. She enjoyed teasing her opponents, including kissing them on the forehead, but once a match was underway she was most likely to knock them out. By the time of her Bangkok debut in 1999, she had already amassed 17 knockouts in a 20-2 professional record in the provinces. But from her first victory in his first major appearance before 10,000 fans in the capital Bangkok, she spent the prize money on cosmetic surgery to better match her body to her feminine feelings.

At 18, Parinya had her GRS in December, 1999. There was no publicity and only a few people knew. Fearing a media frenzy Parinya kept his operation secret, telling only her parents and close friends. A rule excluding women from the ring stopped her from fighting men in Thailand after that.

"I'm satisfied with what I've got, although I have to give it away," she said. "I don't know what society thinks about the whole thing, but I never regret it. All I ever wanted was to be myself."

Rather than putting an end to her career, becoming a woman brought Parinya new opportunities. There are TV appearances, modeling opportunities and interviews. She is also an accomplished singer and was much sought after for concerts.

But at 20, she decided to return to the ring. In Japan, where the rules are more flexible she is a star and has also fought in the United States.

''In Japan, like here, people recognize me in the street and ask for my autograph. Thousands of people come to watch the fights and they're also televised. It's better money than in Thailand, so it's worth it - even if it hurts.''

Parinya kicks during a training session at a Bangkok gym (July 2, 2001)