Tattoo Thai Style

The popular tattoos are tigers, scripts and Buddha images. Tattoo Thai style has deeply embedded cultural and religious beliefs dating back to ancient times. The two options for tattooing are the electric machine or bamboo stick. The first option Bamboo the traditional art using bamboo cane sharpened to a fine point. The second option the electric tattoo machine. Traditional Thais warn against tattoos using an electric machine. The Thais believe a machine tattoo leaves the wearer no powers or protection. Monks spend years crafting their tattooing art meditating and reciting mantras called Sutra. The purpose and meanings of tattoos vary from culture to culture around the world. Samuel O’Rielly invented the electric tattoo machine in 1891.

Sak Yank Thai Tattoo

Sak Yant is Thai tattoos representing tradition spirituality and superstition. The wearer of Sak Yank has protection from evil spirits the tattoos bringing them good luck. Others believed the inking on their bodies made them bullet-proof and invincible. The part of the body tattooed has significance in Thai culture. The wearer of Sak Yant has greater powers the closer the inking is to the head. In Buddhism, the head is the most sacred part of the body. Historically Thai soldiers would wear bibs adorned in scripture and Thai prayer. The Thai soldiers believed the inked garments made them powerful and bullet proof.

Celebrate Tattoo Thai Style

Wat Bang Phra Temple on the outskirts of Bangkok hosts thousands of tattooing enthusiasts annually. Tattooed Buddhists monks lead a traditional ceremony blessing the wearers of tattoos to recharge the powers of their inking. People visit the temple to have tattoos from the Monks, masters of tattooing art. Devotees of tattoos look for protection, blessings and good luck from their visit to the temple.

Tattoo Designs & Meanings

There are different designs to choose and deciding can be a challenge. Each tattoo has its own meaning and significance in Thai culture. Below are examples of popular designs and significant meanings.

Script lines – magical, luck, health, attraction, success
Lotus Flower – rebirth, strength, enlightenment the meaning depends on the lotus colour
Buddha Head – protection and luck
Bondi Tree – Buddha found deep true enlightenment under the tree
Tiger – power and spirit of the tiger controls your life
Dharma Wheel – speech, actions, livelihood, understanding, effort, mindfulness and concentration
Four Sided Yant – Earth Water Air and Fire
Round Yant – Buddhas face

Find a Good Samui Tattooist

Choosing a tattoo artist is a daunting task with so many shops in Koh Samui. Use the internet to research the tattooists previous work. Visit tattoo establishments, talk to the tattoo artists.

Mayan Tattoo Lamai Beach Rich Resort is a reputable tattooist on Lamai Beach Koh Samui. Sak and Lek the tattooists are talented artists with a passion for customer care. Pop in for a chat to talk about your options for a tattoo. The tattoo shop overlooks Lamai beach offering spectacular views of the beach and the surrounding area. A quaint shop with historical artefacts dotted around. Sak was born in Koh Samui and his knowledge of the island and its history is unrivalled. Sak is happy to share his knowledge there is not much he does not know about Koh Samui.

Tattoo Thai Health Care

Check the tattoo premises are clean and presentable. Only allow sterile unopened tattooing needles and new unused bamboo sticks. Tattooing inks may cause infections and skin irritations. Be clear of your tattoo requirements, checking the pattern or image is what you have chosen. Ask the tattooist about tattoo aftercare. Keep the area clean after a tattoo and follow the advice given from the tattooist. Lack of aftercare can lead to an infected tattoo resulting in costly medical bills.

Before having a tattoo think about what it will mean in 10 years time. Never have a tattoo on impulse, a bad decision now is a regret in later life. A tattoo is for life, it is not a vacation memory or a joke to impress your friends. If you have doubts you are not ready for a tattoo. A tattoo is a personal life decision. The process to remove tattoos is expensive and painful be sure of your decision to have a tattoo.

Have you had a tattoo in Koh Samui? Did you have a good or bad tattoo experience? Share tattoo pictures and stories with our readers. Where do you recommend for a tattoo in Koh Samui? Leave your comments and questions below.