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  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in a trance state approaches 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival113.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by volunteer medics who calm him and bring him out of a trance by rubbing his ears at the 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival081.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man goes into a trance state 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival056.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A woman in a trance state approaches 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival112.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Volunteer medics try to restrain a man in a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival094.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival063.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015036.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015061.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015046.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by a friend after he went into a trance at the end 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival105.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by volunteer medics who calm him and bring him out of a trance by rubbing his ears at the 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival092.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival065.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015051.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015025.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015062.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man brings his partner out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015050.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015042.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men in a trance and under the power of their tattoos rush the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival088.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by volunteer medics who calm him and bring him out of a trance by rubbing his ears at the 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival082.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015050.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015046.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015040.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015039.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015060.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015058.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015044.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Volunteer medics help a man come out of a trance state after he collapsed during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival103.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man is restrained by volunteer medics who calm him and bring him out of a trance by rubbing his ears at the close of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival100.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Volunteer medics try to restrain a man in a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival095.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men covered in sacred Sak Yant tattoos wait to go into a trance state and rush the stage at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival089.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man goes into a trance state and prepares to rush the stage while his neighbor keeps an eye on him 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival087.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:  Volunteer medics try to restrain a man in a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival079.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
  • 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival070.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man goes into a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.  PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival062.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Volunteer medics try to restrain a man in a trance state at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival061.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man in a trance state rushes the stage at the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival060.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Medics help a man come out of a trance state after he collapsed during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival057.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015045.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man brings his partner out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015043.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Volunteers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015059.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: Soldiers bring a man out of a trance after he charged 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015054.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man in a trance and under the power of his tattoo is caught by volunteer medics while he 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival072.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 channeling the power of his spiritual tattoo goes 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015047.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men rush the stage at the close of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival104.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival067.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015028.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015051.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival071.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015049.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015041.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015026.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015065.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015064.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015055.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015045.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:Men rush the stage at the close of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival102.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man prays 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival073.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival059.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after rushing 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015031.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man charges the stage channeling the power of his spiritual tattoo at the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015027.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays after rushing 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015024.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015063.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:  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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015043.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling a wild animal stalks 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival085.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015038.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015067.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015057.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
  • 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 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 channeling a wild animal stalks 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival076.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival068.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channels a tiger during the tattoo festival at Wat Bang Phra. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival058.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015042.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: The crowd 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015023.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015071.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015070.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015069.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015053.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival090.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling a wild animal stalks 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival069.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A young man shows off his sacred Sak Yant tattoos 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. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival066.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015048.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015047.jpg
  • 07 MARCH 2015 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling the power of his sacred 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.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015037.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestBW2015029.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015066.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
    WatBangPhraTattooFest2015049.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man rushes the stage at the close of the Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival. Wat Bang Phra is the best known "Sak Yant" tattoo temple in Thailand. It's located in Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 miles from Bangkok. The tattoos are given with hollow stainless steel needles and are thought to possess magical powers of protection. The tattoos, which are given by Buddhist monks, are popular with soldiers, policeman and gangsters, people who generally live in harm's way. The tattoo must be activated to remain powerful and the annual Wai Khru Ceremony (tattoo festival) at the temple draws thousands of devotees who come to the temple to activate or renew the tattoos. People go into trance like states and then assume the personality of their tattoo, so people with tiger tattoos assume the personality of a tiger, people with monkey tattoos take on the personality of a monkey and so on. In recent years the tattoo festival has become popular with tourists who make the trip to Nakorn Pathom province to see a side of "exotic" Thailand. The 2013 tattoo festival was on March 23.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival101.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  Men with monkey tattoos rush the stage as a group while channeling the power of their tattoos 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival093.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND: A man prays 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival091.jpg
  • 23 MARCH 2013 - NAKHON CHAI SI, NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND:  A man channeling a wild animal stalks 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival086.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 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
    WatBangPhraTattooFestival074.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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