Why is it so hard to get a Sak Yant? 

We Thai people have heard for years complaints from foreigners that it is hard to get away from the tours and the path most traveled when it comes to experiencing true Thai culture because of language and cultural barriers.

Yes, the language barrier is a very real one but so is the cultural barrier. We Thai’s, are often afraid to put our culture out there with fear of being misunderstood or criticized or worse it was exposed to too many foreign people it would lose its authenticity to a huge part. It is hard to have a balance between preserving something and exposing it to masses of people. The Muslim village of Pai, I knew as a child is nothing at all like the laidback  Pai that droves of backpackers descend upon daily while seeking the quintessential Thai experience they seek. It is now a true Thai experience for tens of thousands of backpackers and tourists annually, but it is not the traditional or the culturally authentic experience it once was, when the seed of tourism in Pai first started by the Frenchman who offered amazing caving and Kayaking adventures to very select few people willing to travel to his adopted village.

An example :  The Muslim village of Pai, I knew as a child is nothing at all like the laidback  Pai that droves of backpackers descend upon daily while seeking the quintessential Thai experience they seek. It is now a true Thai experience for tens of thousands of backpackers and tourists annually, but it is not the traditional or the culturally authentic experience it once was, when the seed of tourism in Pai first started by the Frenchman who offered amazing caving and Kayaking adventures to very select few people willing to travel to his adopted village.

So understand there are reasons some things are kept a bit guarded. To preserve what is special.

Do I have to be Buddhist?

No, as long as you feel your life will be better for having it, you have alright to request one.
Buddhism is not a closed club everyone is encouraged to learn and grow.

Are women allowed to get a Sak Yant? 

Yes, they can there are monks that will do Sak Yant for women. They are allowed to as long as it does not cause impure thoughts.

Why is it so hard to get a Sak Yant done? 

We Thai people have heard for years complaints from foreigners that they can not get a Proper Sak Yant .  Yes it is hard to get away from the tours and the path most travele, when it comes to experiencing much true Thai culture because of language and cultural barriers.

Yes, the language barrier is a very real one but so is the cultural one. We Thai’s, are often afraid to put our culture out there with fear of being misunderstood or criticized or worse it was exposed to too many foreign people it would lose its authenticity to a huge part. It is hard to have a balance between preserving something and exposing it to masses of people. The Muslim village of Pai, I knew as a child is nothing at all like the laidback  Pai that droves of backpackers descend upon daily while seeking the quintessential Thai experience they seek. It is now a true Thai experience for tens of thousands of backpackers and tourists annually, but it is not the traditional or the culturally authentic experience it once was, when the seed of tourism in Pai first started by the Frenchman who offered amazing caving and Kayaking adventures to very select few people willing to travel to his adopted village.

So understand there are reasons some things like Sak Yant or other forms of Traditional Thai Tattoos and body modifications are kept guarded from the masses.

Why so many rules to follow within days of getting a Sak Yant.

There are a lot of rules that might not make any sense to a western thinking, like not eating star fruit. The logic behind it was from when you have to pick the fruit you eat and if you have ever been under a star fruit tree, They do tend to be dripping acidic sap and also covered with spores and molds on the trees, All of which are not good for open soars like new tattoos. So in spite, it sound weird there is often based on logic. Same with Banana trees. Many are just hygiene rules

Some rules are to act as reminders of rules or etiquette, that spiritual people should practice at all time.

Why do monks even expect donations? Monks swore to live of poverty?

Well, they are to have a non-materialistic life, seeking wisdom and avoid causing harm. They also understand that people appreciate and value things more if they pay well or work hard to achieve them. So it is right to expect people to earn what they get be it by making a substantial effort  or donation of substance, that gives them more worth and power in the receiver’s mind.

Why should I have to engage someone to go with someone?

As a sign of real respect,  you would feel disrespected if a person who can not speak your language was to arrive at your door unprepared and expect you to make time in your day to assist them, If they did not do even bother to ask someone to translate for them or ask you first if they can come that day.

As well I believe you will get way more out of the experience if you can communicate with the monk and have any questions answered. Sadly many  younger Thai people have little of no knowledge of the Sak Yant or the terms that are used when talking about the subject. So better take someone who is versed in the Thai and English vocabulary of this subject who can better assist .

Why should I engage Thai Tattoo Chiang Mai services

I know a lot about Thai Tattoos, my family knows more, as we have offered Sak Yant services for people that want an authentic traditional Sak Yant since I could walk  It all started as an educational page on my mom’s website and people emailed her asking for help. At first, my Mom clearly stated the names of the temples and details but after being asked by the monk. They suggested it would be helpful if she took people and to please remove the contact details on her site. As tourist touts brought people with addresses in hand and even drunk western people that most monks hate to give Tattoos to. So she dropped the info from the site and screened requests and arranged to help polite and respectful people when they wanted a Sak Yant, by taking them and translating.
I am now respectfully offering my services, to arrange and translate for people desiring a spiritual Tattoos or “Sak Yant” as they are phonically called in Thai

Why do you not offer motorbike service like some others?

Simple tattoos should not be exposed to water and in the rainy season, well many of these monks prefer a more rural setting and one can not always avoid the rain. Also in hot season wind burn or chaffing from flapping attire is not good for tattoo nor is sweating and dust. OK, I confess I am not a great lover of motorbikes (unlike my baby sister) and I am not comfortable on long rides or being followed by people who do not know the way or worse that think they can ride like Evel Knievel and should not be allowed on a motorbike in Thailand. So as it cost you mo more and is better for your tattoo. So why go by bike,is my question?

The car I will normally use is a low mileage  very well maintained Maza 2, if I am going to take you.

If you are taken by Khun Art it will be his wife’s smaller Mitsubishi Mirage  or he can borrow my dad’s  station wagon if a few bigger sized people are going,

Why do Sak Yant donation expectations vary from monk to monk?

If it was just an artistic tattoo monks are offering,  then there is no reason for these monks to expect a higher Sak Yant donation than any other monk expects.

The monks that we take you to are monks who are greatly revered as spiritually enlightened  and are believed to instill powers into their Sak Yant. There is much said and made about that foreigners are waiting in line at other temples and that the monk that did their Sak Yant are that monks are doing Thai people as well as foreigners. That is hardly surprising with the increase in the popularity of Sank Yant and tattoo in general with the younger Thai people. Many do it for as a piece of art and many as a protectorate or aid to an improved life.  Of course, there are lesser and greater gifted monks, given the fact, Thai monks that desire a special Tattoo and truly believe in the powers of Sak Yant and their practitioners, travel great distances to receive their Tattoos from the very same monks that we have the honour being given consent of taking you to.

However, if you are just seeking an artistic tattoo with a Thai religious design and do not believe in the power of an authentic Sak Yant, then there is no reason or benefit to engage the services of one of these monks. Without question, you can go to other monks and even  tattoo artist who will provide a cheaper and perhaps even  more artistically perfect Tattoo. If you seek an authentic and powerful Thai Tattoo then I believe these are you best practitioners in the north of Thailand.

On the other hand, if you seek an authentic and powerful Thai Tattoo (Sak Yant) then I believe these are you best practitioners in the north of Thailand.

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