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  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AUEN, a Thai woman who sells cosmetics, prays while she gets a Sak Yant tattoo from Ajarn Neng Onnut in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos024.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AUEN, a Thai woman who sells cosmetics, prays while she gets a Sak Yant tattoo from Ajarn Neng Onnut in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos022.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos019.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos016.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos015.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos013.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses a sacred Sak Yant tattoo he just gave EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos078.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos073.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT blesses the tattoos of blind man who came to have his tattoos blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos071.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to JOHN, a visitor to Thailand from the United States. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos068.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A blind man waits in the tattoo studio / chapel of Ajarn Neng Onnut in Bangkok. The man was there to have his tattoos, given to him by Ajarn Neng, blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos066.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A Sak Yant tattoo prayer tattooed into a man's back in Ajarn Neng Onnut's home in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos061.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A man takes a picture with a smart phone after AJARN NENG ONNUT, gave a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos060.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos058.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom, looks up while she gets a sacred Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos054.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos051.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, makes merit by applying gold leaf to a fetish used in his tattooing. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos049.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos046.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos045.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos043.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos042.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos040.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos039.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos038.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos037.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos035.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos030.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos029.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A tattoo needle is sterilized in a flame in Ajarn Neng Onnut's Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos026.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: A tattoo needle is sterilized in a flame in Ajarn Neng Onnut's Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos025.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AUEN, a Thai woman who sells cosmetics, prays while she gets a Sak Yant tattoo from Ajarn Neng Onnut in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos023.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos020.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos018.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, gets a tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos014.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  PAT, a Thai woman getting a tattoo, makes and offering to AJARN NENG ONNUT before Ajarn Neng tattooed her in Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos012.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Pictures of Ajarn Neng Onnut and some of Ajarn Neng's tattoo needles in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos011.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AUEN, who sells cosmetics, prays before getting a Sak Yant tattoo. She said she was hoping the tattoo would help her business. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos008.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: KAN (left) who has a Sak Yant tattoo, is blessed by AJARN NENG ONNUT (also known as Khun Pean) in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos006.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: KAN (left) who has a Sak Yant tattoo, is blessed by AJARN NENG ONNUT (also known as Khun Pean) in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos005.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  One of Ajarn Neng Onnut's tattoo assistants prays before a day of tattooing starts in Ajarn Neng's tattoo parlor. The men to the right of him were waiting to be tattooed. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos004.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  One of Ajarn Neng Onnut's tattoo assistants prays before a day of tattooing starts in Ajarn Neng's tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos003.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: KAN (left) who has a Sak Yant tattoo, is blessed by AJARN NENG ONNUT (also known as Khun Pean) in his tattoo parlor in Bangkok. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos002.jpg
  • 22 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival024.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival012.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses a sacred Sak Yant tattoo he just gave EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos079.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos077.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos076.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The entrance to Ajarn Neng Onnut's home / tattoo studio in Bangkok. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos075.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos074.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos072.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT blesses the tattoos of blind man who came to have his tattoos blessed on his birthday. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos070.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, blesses the tattoos of a Thai man who came to Ajarn Neng's home. Ajarn Neng is a revered master of sacred tattoos and sees people all day at his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos069.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos059.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos057.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos056.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A stylized Thai lion in a Sak Yant tattoo on the arm of AJARN NENG ONNUT, a Thai master of Sak Yant tattoos. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.      PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos055.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos053.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos052.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: AJARN NENG ONNUT, gives a sacred Sak Yant tattoo to EMILY, a visitor to Thailand from the United Kingdom. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.     PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos050.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, talks to his assistants before he starts tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos048.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos047.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos044.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos041.jpg
  • 27 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT, a revered tattoo artist in Bangkok, prays at the start of his day of tattooing people in his Bangkok home. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos036.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos034.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos033.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos032.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  gets a Sak Yant tattoo from AJARN NENG ONNUT. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos031.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand,  makes an offering to AJARN NENG ONNUT before getting a Sak Yant tattoo from him. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos028.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AJARN NENG ONNUT (also known as Khun Pean) in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos027.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: VANESSA, an American visitor to Thailand, prays before getting a Sak Yant tattoo from Ajarn Neng Onnut. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos021.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  A housecat sits on the floor while Ajarn Neng Onnut tattoos people in his Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos017.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Amulets of Hanuman, the Monkey God, on the shrine in Ajarn Neng Onnut's Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos010.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: Statues of deities with a picture of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, in the background, are a part of the shrine in Ajarn Neng Onnut's Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos009.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  AUEN, who sells cosmetics, prays before getting a Sak Yant tattoo. She said she was hoping the tattoo would help her business. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos007.jpg
  • 25 MAY 2015 - BANGKOK, THAILAND: The shrine in Ajarn Neng Onnut's (also known as Khun Pean) Sak Yant tattoo parlor. Sak Yant (Thai for "tattoos of mystical drawings" sak=tattoo, yantra=mystical drawing) tattoos are popular throughout Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The tattoos are believed to impart magical powers to the people who have them. People get the tattoos to address specific needs. For example, a business person would get a tattoo to make his business successful, and a soldier would get a tattoo to help him in battle. The tattoos are blessed by monks or people who have magical powers. Ajarn Neng, a revered tattoo master in Bangkok, uses stainless steel needles to tattoo, other tattoo masters use bamboo needles. The tattoos are growing in popularity with tourists, but Thai religious leaders try to discourage tattoo masters from giving tourists tattoos for ornamental reasons.       PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    AjarnNengOnnutTattoos001.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred tattoo 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015044.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man gets a 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015033.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015030.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:  People pray to a tattoo master before he gave one of them a 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015022.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gets a Sak Yant tattoo during 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015017.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man who got a spiritual Sak Yant tattoo (left) prays with the tattoo master 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015010.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man who got a spiritual Sak Yant tattoo (left) prays with the tattoo master 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015004.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015056.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
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray to a tattoo master before he gave one of them a 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015037.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gets a Sak Yant tattoo during 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015027.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man who got a spiritual Sak Yant tattoo (left) prays with the tattoo master 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015011.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A Buddhist monk gets a Sak Yant tattoo during 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015005.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man with a tiger tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival109.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival107.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men with Sak Yant tattoos pray at the closing 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival099.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  People pray at the closing 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival096.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man with a tiger tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival084.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man collapsed in front of 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival083.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man in a trance and under the power of his tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival080.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man with a tiger tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival078.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man with a tiger tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival077.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man in a trance and under the power of his tattoo 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival075.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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