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Christophe Archambault / AFP - Getty Images, file
A man with a tattoo at a market in downtown Bangkok on March 9. On June 2, Thailand ordered a crackdown on foreign tourists having religious images tattooed on their bodies while visiting the kingdom, official media said.
The AP reports from Bangkok:
Thailand's Culture Ministry says foreign tourists should be barred from getting Buddhist tattoos while visiting because the practice is culturally insensitive.
Culture Minister Niphit Intharasombat said in a statement that his ministry has been receiving complaints from residents that tattoo parlors are etching sacred images of Buddha and other religious images onto the skin of non-Buddhist visitors across the country.
"Foreigners see these tattoos as a fashion," Niphit said in the statement posted on his ministry's website Thursday. "They do not think of respecting religion, or they may not be aware" that it can be offensive.
Thailand is mostly Buddhist, and Buddha statues and images here are considered sacred objects of worship. Millions of foreigners visit the Southeast Asian nation annually.
Niphit said his ministry had called on tattoo parlors nationwide to halt the activity. According to the country's government news agency, NNT, he also asked provincial governors to "inspect tattoo studios and seek their cooperation."
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Only to make it more popular outside of the country, however, in the picture it would be OK because that's HERMIT.
They need to restudy their Pali Scripture.
What happened to "spreading the word"?
Could be worse, could have tourists pushing christianity on them like they do everywhere else.
If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill the Buddha!
So what if you're a Buddhist visiting Thailand? Can you get a tattoo of Buddha then? Is there a Buddhism Membership Card? Does it get you discounts at Starbucks?
See, these are the sorts of things that they don't tell you about :p
Seems looting was a big problem after our tornadoes, while the Japanese had almost no looting after their tsunami. Maybe we could learn from other cultures?
And if some simple speech or action is disrespectful to another culture, why not gracefully refrain? Speaking out against repression is free speech, but tattooing a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. or George Washington on your breast or buttocks??? And if we saw someone wearing such a tattoo, wouldn't we feel disrespected?
Elizabeth - It's not disrespectful to other cultures, it's taken as disrespect by certain individuals of another culture.
That said, true Buddhists wouldn't be offended by this, they would simply continue to live their lives on the path to enlightenment.
>>That said, true Buddhists wouldn't be offended by this, they would simply continue to live their lives on the path to enlightenment.<<
I agree, and Buddhismis not a 'religion' at any rate, it is a great worldly philosophy. One to live by, and prosper by, and it is definitely not concerned with minutiae. I've never seen an offended Buddhist, and I never will. A concerned Buddhist? Yes, but about the truth, not tattoos. . .
It's not islam, which seems to be offended by everything.
I guess you haven't spent too much time in Asia. I've seen plenty of offended, upset and otherwise untranquil Buddhists.
A little over two years, and it's not in the "mindset" of a true buddhist to be so 'petty'.
Wonder if the statue of Buddha with the clock in his belly is considered sacred... All kidding aside, I think people should respect others cultures and religions. I've seen so many people get
Wonder if the statue of Buddha with the clock in his belly is considered sacred... All kidding aside, I think people should respect other cultures and religions. If you subscribe to the tenents of Buddhism, then by all means become a Buddhist, but getting the tattoo just because it looks good is wrong. I also disagree with all these folks who get these "tribal" tattoos... You ask them what it means, and all they can say is, "I dunno, but it's tribal." If you're going to desecrate your body, at least let it mean something.
I agree with you Texas Warren. If people are going to get a tribal tattoo then do know the meaning of it. I don't discriminate each to it's own believes, but if people are going to get a "tribal" tattoo at least study the culture alittle bit and know the meaning of it.
Bravo Tex! It's really hilarious when people get tats of ancient asian words/characters and not realize it means something like "moron" or "idiot." Lots of times they want it because they think it looks nice and that the tat artist actually knows what it means. I love those moments of revelation because it is simply too late to do anything about (at least without spending a pretty penny). Haaaa!!!! Study up BEFORE getting the tat so you know for FACT what it means, morons! :)
Also agree that respect of other cultures is important even in the event that one does not agree with it. Some have posted about how The Cultural Ministry in Thailand is wrong for doing this. Although I agree that the effort is not affective, I have to respect that it is a decision that the people of Thailand must make to tolerate or abolish. Furthermore, what this act does do well is bring to light the need to respect other people's beliefs in THEIR country.
Buddists complaining about non-Buddists getting tattoos of Buddha. Buddha would be SO proud of them for following the Buddist way.
[/sarcasm]
I wonder if statutes of Buddha are sold in souvenier shops in Thailand? I'm pretty sure I've seen these items for sale here with "Made in Thailand" stamped on the bottom. Why would that not be sacriligious, too?
It is Illegal to export Buddha artifacts or copies from Thailand.
I'm a Christian who doesn't mind sharing my beliefs with others, while I still respect their beliefs. I will soon be marrying a wonderful Thai woman who happens to be Buddist. I hope to share my beliefs with her and I want her to share hers with me. I believe everyones beliefs and decisions should be respected, even if you don't agree with them. Please stop disrespecting peoples beliefs, including Christianity and Buddism, and try to discuss your differences rather than argue over them! Live in peace with one another, and share a good conversation with those with different views.
--> "Live in peace with one another..."
That's funny because Buddhists in Thailand want to make getting tattoos of Buddha illegal. This is the basis of Buddhism:
"The Eightfold Path" which consists of the following precepts:
None of these things indicate that it's right to make getting a tattoo of Buddha illegal. It's all about the self and how you live YOUR life. The biggest thing about Buddhism is that you should live your life by example, not by words. The fact is that these so called Buddhists who are demanding a law that makes it illegal for tourists to get a tattoo of Buddha are violating the first two precepts of that list.
OfNoConsequence - Glad you were able to find those online somewhere. Helps keep the basis of discussion a little more clear. However, I must say the intent of this proposed law is to delivery a understanding that in Thailand the sacreligious use of Buddha is not welcomed. By such act it also qualifies as "Right View." Remember that these "Rights" are starters to a more indepth discussion on what they actually mena.
Although I do not personally believe the act is going to work, it does bring to light the need for the public abroad to understand that a trend of disrespect to the beliefs of the Thai people have reached a point where something must be done. So instead of trying to trade displays of knowledge of one religion or another, let's recognize that the situation at hand (lack of respect) has reached a critical point. Now, we as a people, have the choice to either agree to show respect or continue to allow disrespect.
Gary - Bravo! I am a Buddhist and my wife is a Lutheran. We operate under the understanding that faith is a personal belief and path that each of us must travel and explore alone. We have made it work and I wish all couples the same success wether or not there is a difference in faith practices.
A man is carrying a pail of water at night and staring at the reflection of the moon in the water. He trips, spills the water, and for a moment he is very sad that he can no longer see the moon. He looks up to the sky, sees the moon, and laughs at himself. The reflection of the moon is not the moon. The reflection (or tattoo) of the Buddha is not the Buddha.
Thank you. That is something to think about!
I would like to know how they are going to handle the issue of actual non-resident Buddhists who wish to receive tattos while visiting? As practicing American Buddhists, who are learned in the religion and do respect Buddhism, why would we be denied the opportunity to obtain such tattoos? Is the Ministry going to administer tests on the Buddhist religion to determine if someone is actually a Buddhist, or....? I do know however, that I also don't appreciate people wearing these symbols as simply art, and not possessing the knowledge OR (yes) the respect that should be inherent in conjunction with the display of the visage of Buddha and other like images.
Buddhism is not a religion, it's a life style. There are no gods in Buddhism, only examples of right and wrong living.
>> I do know however, that I also don't appreciate people wearing these symbols as simply art,<<
Do not concern youself with others, only yourself. Do as you wish others to do. You should know this?
Tattoos were once earned not bought but I guess MTV fashion changed that. Every Justin Beiber wannabee wants to pose how hardcore rockstar they are. They scream, "look at me, I'm a rockstar I've know far off lands and culture, give me attention, I need it."
Another great reason to never waste my tourist dollars visiting Thailand. They care so much about images of the Buddha but don't seem to give a hoot about the abuse of children in their notorious sex industry. Way to go Thailand!
They do not like it, and aretrying, -with every resource available to them- to fight it. They do not have our wealth of resources however. I refrain from judging them concerning it, as I know they are doing what they can.
It's not the business of the government, any government, to dictate what someone tattoos on his body. Period.
In other words, if I may paraphrase this article:
putting the Buddha on your booty makes the Dali Lama moody
Haha but I bet the Dalai Llama doesn't care at all about people's tattoos. If he does, I bet he likes tattoos of Buddhas, more than tattoos of non-sacred images...
I think that you are all missing the point. Coming from someone who has many tattoos, I would never take someones religion and cover my body in it. So you are all saying that if I put double lightning bolts on my arm because they look cool is okay even though I'm not a Nazi follower. Or putting Jesus Christ on my body if I'm Jewish cause I like the flow? Come on, this is why America sounds so damn ignorant to others. We whine and cry when someone tells us NO!!! Ever gone to the store and listen to the mothers bribe their kids with candy because they don't want to hear them cry? Its their culture in Thailand and we don't go over there and throw or American Bully ways around. When in other countries, you respect their cultures!!! Get over it you whinny little people!!!! When I was in the Navy, I knew of guys that would go out and get tats in Japan, and would tell the artist that they wanted their wives name or saying put on their arm, and these Japanese men would put a vulgar word or saying there. Us as ignorants were non the wiser. If you dont know the culture, dont add it to your life!!!
ROBBOPALOOBOP...Well played, my friend.
TOMMYSAN...I don't care what you say, that Justin Beiber chick is hot.
yes she is
ROBBOPALOOBOP...Well played, my friend.
TOMMYSAN...I don't care what you say, that Justin Beiber chick is hot.
anyone that is offended by them making a law against it is even more idiotic than the people that are seeking to make it a law you can still get your stupid tattoo done in the remaining 99.9999999 % of the world if they want to make a law regarding something that shares the image of buddah and possibly some aspect of his teachings then let them and if you want to get a picture of a fat asian guy inked into your skin i am sure you wont have much problem finding some one to do it
As a frequent visitor to Thailand, I've seen firsthand how protective they are of their culture. Someone mentioned the statues of Buddha being for sale. I was told that purchasing a large statue of Buddha and trying to take it out of Thailand is definitely frowned upon. Protecting a culture can be a good thing, as in putting protective barriers around ancient temples to keep them from crumbling even further. And it is unfortunate to see the commercialization of a culture via a cheap tattoo. But I also have witnessed in Thailand a mistaken belief that they own Buddhism, that it belongs to them alone. And they base their judgement of who is a true Buddhist based on superficial appearance. For example, I was traveling in Bangkok with a group of Taiwanese tourists, none of whom were Buddhist. But because many of them could pass for Thai, they would get into the temples at the Thai rate, which is much lower than the tourist rate. Any white person attempting to enter the temple at the lower rate will be given the 3rd degree, even if they are truly Buddhist, even if they are actually Thai citizens! They will be asked to show many forms of ID. So I can see how both sides of this argument can be offensive.
The Thai politician do something like this when they want to be national and get more support. They not want us to see the problems in this country and want us to blame the foreigner. I not care about tattoos and not any of my friends too. I think buddha tattoo is ok. Why not? It not disrespectful. I think it respectful. I like when foreigner likes something about my culture. It makes me proud to be Thai. But Thai politics not make me proud!
I find their offence offensive.