Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 860 images found }

Loading ()...

  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit001.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray and apply gold leaf to Buddha statues to make merit Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit033.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Thai Buddhists wrap Phra Pathom Chedi with blessed cloth in a traditional merit making ceremony in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit009.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:   People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit003.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A woman prays at Buddha statues Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit034.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray and apply gold leaf to Buddha statues to make merit Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit032.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit030.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Thai Buddhists wrap Phra Pathom Chedi with blessed cloth in a traditional merit making ceremony in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit012.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Thai Buddhists wrap Phra Pathom Chedi with blessed cloth in a traditional merit making ceremony in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit011.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:   Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit010.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:     A woman applies gold leaf to a Buddha statue to make merit at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit005.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit004.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:    People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit007.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:   People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit002.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit031.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Statues of deceased monks surrounding Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. The Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom was commissioned by King Mongkut and completed by King Chulalongkorn in 1870. The chedi is 127 meters tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in the world. It is located in the center of the city of Nakhon Pathom and has been an important Buddhist center since the 6th century. According to local history, Nakhon Pathom is where Buddhism first came to Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    ThaiBuddhistsMakeMerit006.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A southbound train comes into the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom039.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man makes merit at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom035.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom027.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman sells oranges in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom008.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A freight train goes through the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom042.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A conductor waves his train out of the the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom041.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A fish seller in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom018.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A fish seller in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom017.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A food vender makes noodle soup in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom011.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in the Nakhon Pathom market makes floral garlands. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom004.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man sells aprons and cloth bags in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom001.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A vendor of religious goods waits for customers in the Nakhon Pathom market.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NakhonPathomMarket003.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom030.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The Phra Pathom Chedi is the most visible landmark in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom021.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival035.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 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 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
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A young man gets a Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival009.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival016.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A station agent waves a train out of the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom046.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People get off a train in the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom040.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at the main Buddha statue in Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom036.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom019.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A toy seller walks through the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom016.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man sells Buddhist statues and ceramics in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom010.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A snack vendor waits for customers in the Nakhon Pathom market.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NakhonPathomMarket001.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom026.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The Phra Pathom Chedi is the most visible landmark in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom020.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in the Nakhon Pathom market sells bean sprouts. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom003.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A market vendor in the Nakhon Pathom market accepts payment for dried shrimp from a customer.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NakhonPathomMarket002.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A freight train goes through the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom043.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at the main Buddha statue in Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom037.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman makes merit at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom032.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man makes merit at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom031.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at the main Buddha statue in Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom024.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A pig head for sale at a butcher's stand in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom013.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman sells mangosteens in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom009.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival084.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival063.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival052.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
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014088.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: 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
  • 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: 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival2014012.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
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by volunteer medics who calm him and bring him out of a trance by rubbing his ears at the close 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival100.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival058.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A monk gives a man a sacred 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival039.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo at Wat Bang Phra during the 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival014.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays while a monk gives him a sacred 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival006.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Statues of the Buddha at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom038.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom029.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman prays at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom028.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A Buddhist monk blesses a family at Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom023.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A food vender makes noodle soup in the market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom012.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in the Nakhon Pathom market makes floral garlands. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom007.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in the Nakhon Pathom market makes floral garlands. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom006.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man charges the stage channeling the power of his spiritual tattoo 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015027.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man crawls towards the stage channeling the power of his spiritual tattoo 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015052.jpg
  • 12 OCTOBER 2012 - NAKHON PATHOM, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A vendor accepts cash for a purchase from a customer in the Nakhon Pathom market.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    NakhonPathomMarket004.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man smokes a cigarette while he waits for a train to leave the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom045.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man smokes a cigarette while he waits for a train to leave the station in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom044.jpg
  • 10 JULY 2018 - NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  The market in Nakhon Pathom. Nakhon Pathom is about 35 miles west of Bangkok. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, archeological evidence suggests there was a settlement on the site of present Nakhon Pathom in the 6th century CE, centuries before the Siamese empires existed. The city is widely considered the first Buddhist community in Thailand and the nearly 400 foot tall Phra Pathom Chedi is considered the first Buddhist temple in Thailand.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    0710NakhonPathom014.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival089.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival081.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival079.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival064.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival046.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival043.jpg
  • 03 MARCH 2018 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  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
    2018TattooFestival018.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
  • 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
  • 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
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

  • Published Work
  • Photographs
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Jack on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Occasional Blog
  • Portfolios on Behance
  • Portfolio