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  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man covered in tattoos prays at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW056.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man relaxes between sessions to refresh his sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW028.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW010.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW009.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man jumps into the air to rush the stage as he goes into a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014093.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014082.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014065.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A senior monk at Wat Bang Phra blesses a man at the beginning of the tattooo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014046.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man relaxes between sessions to refresh his sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014035.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: People gather in the parking lot at Wat Bang Phra to watch an acrobatic troupe perform at the opening of the temple's tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014027.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after coming out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW052.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW024.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Men covered in tattoos pray at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014089.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014073.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Men in a trance rush the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014059.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014057.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Men freshen up after sleeping outside during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014049.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: An archan holds a man who is praying after the archan finished giving the man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014040.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: People sleep on the floor in the temple during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014037.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Toy guns for sale at the temple fair for the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014025.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014003.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014001.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance crawls to the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW058.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW055.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Men pray  at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW053.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW050.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW043.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays at the beginning of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW039.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW030.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: People gather in the parking lot at Wat Bang Phra to watch an acrobatic troupe perform at the opening of the temple's tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW021.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW011.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW004.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW001.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man jumps into the air to rush the stage as he goes into a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014092.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014080.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014074.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014070.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014068.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: An archan holds a man who is praying after the archan finished giving the man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014042.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014032.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014020.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014009.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014008.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW057.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW051.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW049.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW048.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW047.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW046.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A teenager gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW034.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW025.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A member of a lion dance troupe waits to perform during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW014.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW008.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after coming out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014085.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after coming out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014084.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014078.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014076.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014071.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014062.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014056.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A senior monk at Wat Bang Phra blesses a man at the beginning of the tattooo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014047.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A teenager gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014044.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014039.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014036.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Toy guns for sale at the temple fair for the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014026.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014018.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014017.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014015.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014011.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A likeness of Hanuman, the Monkey God, on a man's sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014007.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A woman gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014005.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man jumps into the air to rush the stage as he goes into a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW060.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW045.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW044.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW040.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A woman prays at the beginning of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW038.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A teenager gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW033.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  An archan gives a man a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW027.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW026.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW022.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW019.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Lion dancers perform at the opening of the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW018.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A member of a lion dance troupe waits to perform during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW016.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A member of a lion dance troupe waits to perform during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW015.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW012.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW007.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man grimaces as he gets a sak yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW006.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gives a man a sak tant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestivalBW005.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man jumps into the air to rush the stage as he goes into a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014094.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014090.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014088.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014083.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after coming out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014081.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014079.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014077.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance rushes the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014072.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Medics try to bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014069.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014067.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014064.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2014 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger, his spirit animal, at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014063.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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