“Are these Thai names for real? Or is this whole thing a joke???”
Probably his nickname, like Jok, pronounced with a very short “O”. Some of my Thai relatives are Nong, Neen, Nap and Nut. Still beats the real names like Preechaya or Nuttawoot.
Thai society doesn’t seem to have a problem with gays. They march in parades (dressed in drag), people tease them and laugh but life goes on.
Thailand is a popular destination for gays. I can only guess the reason.