Tattooing Monks of Wat Bang Phra, Thailand
During, May 2007, I visited the sacred Wat (Temple) Bang Phra located about 50 km west of Bangkok, Thailand. The late Abbot Luam Phor Pern, who was famous for his tattooing skills, resided at this temple and the temple monks now carry on his tattooing work. These tattoos generally consistof Buddhist texts, numerology charts, and images of ferocious tigers. Thai people believe in the sacred and magical powers of these tattoos especially for protection against knife and bullet wounds. Hence soldiers, policemen, and even prisoners often visit these tattooing monks on special festival days.
Wat Bang Phra monks use primitive tattooing methods that include long metal rods sharpened to a fine point, ink made from herbs mixed with snake venom, antiseptics made from rice wine and rubbing alcohol, and pieces of tissue paper to wipe off any blood oozing during the tattooing process. I did not observe any fear of AIDS among the line of people getting tattoos although the same needle rod was being used over and over again.
© Anand Khokha Photography
