Comments for Festival at Tattoo Temple at http://www.bangkok-daytrips.com , comment 0 to 10 out of 10 comments http://www.bangkok-daytrips.com Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:50:55 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 Wow what a trip. A great example of the true “amazing Thailand” as opposed to the pedestrian “Amazing Thailand” promoted by the TAT. Loved the video which really gave off the energy of the ceremony. Tattoo art has been a rage in the west for years now, mainly as a fashion statement – but its amazing how effete tattoos of this nature appear once stacked up against its meaning in Thailand and for that matter other cultures. I also take your point about keeping ceremonies like this under the guidebooks radar. Some of my best experiences in Thailand have been attending (what appears to me as a Farang ) quirky ceremonies either by accident or after the benefit of local knowledge. Bill - Bill Grimson Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:59:01 +0100 Great post and amazing video. Some of my most enjoyable experiences when living in Thailsnd were also under the radar events. The attraction of Thailand to me was often found in the experiences that semed so completely unwestern. It is hard to think of a similar western event ... maybe speaking in tounges at a spiritual rally? It is funny though how many see such creedence and authenticity in such an event in an Asian culture but would scoff at a similar event in their home countries. - dan Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:05:06 +0100 Great story Richard! I had known about this temple before and the goings-on but this was the first time i had the opportunity to read a serious account and get a decent insight! A lot of Thais and foreigners take the authenticity seriously but wouldnt go as far as saying the latter would be more likely to scoff at such a 'kind of spiritual event' back home. - Stephen Cleary Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:05:38 +0100 Those videos are quite shocking. In the second video, the expression on their faces were so serious. I would have been scared for sure. It looked like they really believed that the animal was possessing them. You said that people go there to have tattoos done. is it possible for foreigners to go? - Sandy Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:05:52 +0100 truely amazing thailand. i'm a thai and i didnt even know this existed! - gnarlykitty Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:06:07 +0100 After reading your post, it is very impressive and thoroughly detailed.... I am visiting Thailand next year and would like to get a tattoo from a tattoo master, where he chants or bless the inked tattoo afterwards. Your response is very much appreciated. Thank's - syl slone Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:06:36 +0100 hi Richard, im from singapore and i love to read your blog. Nevertheless, Wat Bang Phra should be made famous by Luang Phor Pern, and not Luang Phor Poon. if im not wrong, Luang Phor Poon is the famous monk of Wat Pailoom of Nakhon Pathom. i myself have a few sakyant of my own but i have never gone into trance. May i also request for a article on Thai magic tattoo (sakyant), the orgin and history in your blog? cause im not able to find much info online. thanks a lot :) - Steven Peh Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:07:10 +0100 Just to add, I have been to Wat Bang Phra many times over the last 15 years and had known Luang Phor Pern personally when he was still alive. I have been there with friends who had done a sakyant by Luang Phor Pern's eldest disciple, Ajahn Nok. I have heard about the Wan Wai Khru but have neve seen a real live one. Great work. Cheers, Hoon2 - Hoon2 Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:07:30 +0100 my name is jeena from thailand but im work stay korea south i love thai tattoo my father make tattoo 20 years im from nakhonsawan i want make tattoo much i live thailand have a nice day bye bye - jeena Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:07:52 +0100 Great story on the festival. I have been to Wat Bang Phra on a couple of occassions and have been tattooed by the monk. I have been trying to get to the teachers festival for a few years but never quite made it. This year I will be in S/E Asia through March and am very keen to get there this time. Any help with exact dates would be much appreciated, as my thai friends haven't been able to tell me anything yet??? Cheers, Dave. - dave shadow Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:08:15 +0100