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Thailand to Tourists: Quit It With the Buddha Tattoos

Thai citizens claim etching images on a non-Buddhist is culturally insensitive

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 2, 2011 11:06 AM CDT

(AP) – Thailand's foreign tourists should be barred from getting Buddhist tattoos while visiting because the practice is culturally insensitive, says the country's culture ministry. Residents have complained that tattoo parlors are etching pictures of Buddha and other religious images onto the skin of non-Buddhist visitors across the country. Thailand is mostly Buddhist, and Buddha statues and images here are considered sacred objects of worship—but "foreigners see these tattoos as a fashion," says the cultural minister.

"They do not think of respecting religion, or they may not be aware" that it can be offensive. The culture ministry called on tattoo parlors nationwide to halt the activity, and provincial governors were asked to "inspect tattoo studios and seek their cooperation." The minister is also pushing for a law banning the practice, according to local media.

In this March 1, 2011 photo, a Thai man has tattoos inked into his back at Wat Bang Pra in Nakhon Chaisi, Thailand.
In this March 1, 2011 photo, a Thai man has tattoos inked into his back at Wat Bang Pra in Nakhon Chaisi, Thailand.   (David Longstreath)
In this March 19, 2011 photo, a foreign tourist has his tattoos admired during a tattoo festival at Wat Bang Pra in Nakhon Chaisi, Thailand.
In this March 19, 2011 photo, a foreign tourist has his tattoos admired during a tattoo festival at Wat Bang Pra in Nakhon Chaisi, Thailand.   (David Longstreath)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Eat_Eateator
Jun 2, 2011 5:53 PM CDT
Thailand, I thought you were cool. Buddha guess not so much. People can get whatever they want tattooed wherever they want, duh.
ifbit
Jun 2, 2011 5:34 PM CDT
I'm no Buddhist, but shouldn't that not bother Buddhists?
genghisKhanifer
Jun 2, 2011 2:17 PM CDT
I say if you want an ugly tribal arm band, a gaudy yin-yang, random (incorrect) asian character, or fat buddha on your ignorant western hide to display your stupidity - it should be encouraged. Then the rest of us can spot you from yards away and completely avoid you.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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