Thailand Attempting To Ban Religious Tattoo Tourism

Fox News reported yesterday that in Thailand, the Culture Ministry's Subcommittee on Safe and Creative Media has ordered provincial governors to end the "alarming trend" of foreign tourists obtaining tattoos of religious images on their bodies while in Thailand.  Apparently it has become popular in tourist destinations in Thailand for visitors to obtain tattoos of Buddha, Ganesh and Jesus. Culture Minister Niphit Intharasombat called these tattoos "culturally inappropriate."  He is seeking new legislation to outlaw the use of religious symbols for commercial purposes. In the meantime, governors are to seek voluntary cooperation in ending the tattoos. The Phuket Gazette carries photos of two examples or the tattoos, and says that the Ministry will face opposition trying to outlaw the tattoos. They are popular and profitable for tattooists. However Ladda Tangsupachai, director of the ministry's Cultural Surveillance Center, is concerned that tattoos on individuals such as prostitutes or go-go dancers would erode respect for religion, as would tattoos on inappropriate parts of the body.