Photo gallery: Wild Bangkok street tattoos
From traditional bamboo sak yant tats to modern-influenced designs, inked up tattoo lovers strip down to show us their art
In Thailand, tattoos are taken very seriously. Many Thais' devotion to getting inked goes well beyond a simple appreciation for art or a desire to express their individuality.
Sak yant tattoos, which some claim bring spiritual and physical protection or good luck, are usually applied using a bamboo needle -– which is far more painful, say those who have experienced it –- by renowned ajarns, or "teachers." (Read more on the practice here.)
But of course there are those who do it simply for fashion, or to commemorate a special moment in their life. Or maybe because they were drunk.
We celebrate them all in this special edition of our ongoing “Bangkok street style” gallery series.
Name: Soontorn. Age: 40. Occupation: Sells fish and turtles to people who want to make merit by setting them free in the river. Received first tattoo: "Five years ago when I was 35. And I got all of them within three months by famous tattooist Ajarn Kaew."
“I believe completely in their powers,” says Soontorn, as he shows them off for the camera. "If I had space I’d get more but I’m completely covered."
Name: Kin. Age: 26. Occupation: Tattoo shop translator. Received first tattoo: 10 years ago. Any regrets? "No, I love all of them. I love the artistic thought that went into them, while some have special meaning for me. I want to keep adding more.”
Name: Jakkrit Tam. Age: 26. Occupation: Tuk tuk driver on Soi Rambutree. Received first tattoo: Six years ago.
"I like all my tattoos, I believe in their meaning -- many of them are supposed to bring me good luck," says tuk tuk driver Jakkrit. "I got them all from famous tattooist Ajarn Kaew, the last one a year ago. All were done with bamboo."
