Thailand to try and ban tourists getting Buddha tattoos

[lomuamart]

Noticed this in The Guardian this morning:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/ju ... dha-tattoo

[Takiap]

Well, maybe this is them also entering into the pathetic realm of religious fighting. I wonder if anyone has informed the ministry of whatever that you do actually get Buddhists beyond this country's borders. In fact, does the average Thai even realize that there are other countries out there. So, what they're basically saying is that only Thai people can be Buddhist. Personally I don't know of a single Farang who has had one of those full back tattoos done, and I also doubt anyone would have one done simply for the sake of fashion. After all, there are thousands of better looking tattoo designs to choose from. Come to think of it, it's also struck me as being strange that only only tends to see these full back tattoos on building site workers and the very poor folk from Isaan - I thought the tattoos were meant to bring good fortune, but that certainly doesn't seem to be the case.

Anyway, I don't know too much about these things, but I still think it's pathetic to assume you can't possibly be Buddhist just because you're a tourist. The Thais also tend to overlook the fact that some of their actions also offend us and our culture, and no, I don't buy into that "you're just a guest" nonsense.

[MrPlum]

and no, I don't buy into that "you're just a guest" nonsense.

When I no longer am required to got to immigration every 3 months, I'll agree with you.

[tonymaroni]

Will never happen.

Get serious this in Thailand.

Someone is making a buck off it.

I should also point out that prostitution is illegal in Thailand.

Tony

[Spitfire]

I'd have thought the 'Ministry of Dimwitted Ideas' might have something better to do than having a pop at the easy target, try educating your own populace to be a bit more freaking Buddhist instead of greed consumed and arrogant.

A good long look inwards would be a good idea before always looking to the outside to point the finger and perpetuate prejudice.

Hopefully, these archaic racist dinosaurs that still laughably hold such positions well into their seventies will slowly become extinct and only be a footnote in the discriminatory recent history of the country, and it hasn't always been like this, only the last (and next) few decades really . Those kids now growing up that are used to having foreigners around may change things for the better, at least we hope, but that is at least 20-25 years away.

Better leave it there........

[Randy Cornhole]

There are no deities...!

Its all an illusion to control the masses.

[charlesh]

Imagine the strip searches at Swampy.