Things Get A Little Wild When Its Time To Recharge These Special Thai Tattoos [Episode 11]

In this episode I speak with Evo Terra, a podcast strategist and ex-expat, about Sak Yant tattoos, and the little known Wai Kru festival he has attended several times.

Sak Yant Tattoos are part of a revered tradition. The tattoos are very specific, and usually chosen by the artist. They impart special blessings, and protection to the recipient.  They may also come with prescriptions for lifestyle changes, including diet and behavior modification.

In the event that a tattoo’s charms become depleted, there is a festival where the spirits are called upon to revive and recharge the the tattoos.

During this festival, many of the recipients are “possessed” by the spirits behind their body art, and are overcome - charging the stage in their monkey, alligator, or old man form.

What’s it like to be there? How do you get them to settle down? Why exactly does this happen? You’ll have to tune in to find some of these answers.