Tattooed Tourists Welcomed In Thailand, Culture Minister Says

Published : June 02, 2011 :: 15:06:38 [ 4,250 views ]

According to an earlier International media report, the Culture Minister Nipit Intarasombat told the media that Thailand has ordered a crackdown on tourists with religious images tattooed on their bodies while visiting Thailand.

However, at an interview with Pattaya Daily News reporter, Minister Nipit denied making any statements against tourists with religious tattoos.

Minister Nipit clarified that tourists with religious tattoos will not be prohibited from entering Thailand.

The warning is directed at those tattoo shops that allow etching sacred images onto tourists’ bodies especially on the lower body parts such as ankles, Minister Nipit said.

Minister Nipit said it was a misunderstanding by foreign Media that Thailand would do a body check on tourists while visiting the kingdom.

However, in collaboration with relevant authorities, strict measures will be taken for religious images used for commercial purposes, Minister Nipit stated.

Yantra Tattooing in Thailand

In many cultures around the world, tattoos are used as a way to signify status positions and are believed to offer supernatural protection. Magical tattoos in Thailand are very popular, in particular Yantra tattoos.

History & Symbolism of the Traditional Thai Tattoo

The traditional tattoo in Thailand is called “Sak Yant”. It is quite difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of this art as it is so old the history has almost been lost. Many countries have laid claim to the birth of this ancient art, but it is believed to have originated from the Khmer period approximately 3,000 years ago. Proof of the age of the tattoo in the form of mummies, have been discovered in and around the Philippines sporting Bamboo tattoos which are still visible.

Origins of the Tattoo

The word ‘Tattoo’ comes from the Tahitian word ‘Tattau, which means ‘to mark’ and was first mentioned in records written by the explorer James Cook in 1769 during his expedition the South Pacific.

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/en/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5184&start=0

Comments

Breaker

said :

Open mouth, insert foot...again.
He made the international news, now it's time to change his tune. What a douche.

Email : randy@gamail.com Date : 2011-06-03 07:15:13

Andrew

said :

and that makes alot of sense does it Dan, Thailand is run by a load of cretins

Email : andrewfreeborn@hotmail.com Date : 2011-06-02 21:40:02

scooby

said :

Anyone with a tattoo is an idiot, except for tattoos on the face, those are quite good, I may get one tomorrow

Email : scrappydoo@hotmail.com Date : 2011-06-02 19:26:46

Oliver

said :

This Minister for Culture seems like he's a total and complete moron. Is that normal for Thailand?

Email : OliverM@hotmail.com Date : 2011-06-02 16:10:22

Dan

said :

The AFP article does not say tourists with tattoos will not be allowed it, it says the government does not want them to have the tattoos done in Thailand. Your reporters need to do their research more carefully and stop misquoting other media.

Email : danieljrook@gmail.com Date : 2011-06-02 15:59:34

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