Thai Women With Tattoos
Published: December 13, 2017 - Reading time: 9 minutes
» Updated: January 21, 2025
Tattoos in Thailand have long been associated with stigma, especially in relation to women. Historically, they were seen as an indicator that a woman might be involved in the sex industry. However, in recent years, due to the influence of Western media, music, movies, and the internet, the cultural attitude towards tattoos in Thailand has changed drastically. While tattoos were once a marker of a woman’s involvement in the adult entertainment industry, this is no longer the case for many women today. Although tattoos on women can still carry some associations with the sex industry, it's important to recognise that the meaning of tattoos in Thailand has evolved, and they are now far more widely accepted and worn by people from all walks of life.
Tattoos in Western countries have become firmly embedded in pop culture. They are no longer only seen on bikers, sailors, or criminals but have expanded to individuals from all walks of life, including high-profile celebrities and respected professionals. This cultural shift has been mirrored in Thailand, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. While some conservative or older communities in Thailand still hold onto the old stigma, the influence of global trends, especially those from Western cultures, has made tattoos far more mainstream in Thailand. They are now a popular form of self-expression, with many Thai people no longer viewing them with suspicion.
Sak Yant Tattoos
Sak Yant tattoo: These are sacred, traditional tattoos that carry spiritual significance. The designs often represent protection, good fortune, and spiritual guidance. One example is the Paed Tidt Yant, which is believed to provide protection in all directions. The text used in these tattoos is ancient Khmer script known as Khom. Sak yant tattoos are typically performed by a monk and are often blessed to offer the wearer blessings and spiritual protection. While these tattoos are popular among both locals and tourists, they are predominantly associated with Thai men, particularly in rural areas. However, they are also sought after by tourists and foreign nationals visiting Thailand.
It’s worth noting that while sak yant tattoos are associated with spirituality and protection, they are often linked to traditional Thai men, especially in rural areas. However, many women, particularly in nightlife areas like Pattaya and Phuket, also choose to get these tattoos, sometimes as a personal or spiritual choice, and sometimes for aesthetic reasons. The popularity of these tattoos among foreigners has also grown, with many visitors seeking out authentic sak yant tattoos during their stay in Thailand.
Sak yant designs can be applied using an electric tattoo machine, or using traditional bamboo instead, as depicted above.
Though sak yant tattoos are spiritual, tattoos that lack religious significance are sometimes viewed more critically, particularly by older generations. Many younger people, however, wear tattoos freely as a form of personal expression, without any specific spiritual connotations.
Fashionable Tattoos in Thailand
Fashionable tattoos are those that are typically influenced by Western trends, and these types of tattoos are seen on many people in Thailand today. Tattoos of this kind may include designs that are common in Europe or the USA but carry no special spiritual or traditional significance. In Thailand, they are seen as a form of self-expression or art, rather than symbols of involvement in any particular lifestyle or profession.
It’s important to understand that while tattoos were once associated with the sex industry in Thailand, the younger generations of Thai people are increasingly viewing them as an art form. In many ways, tattoos are now as common in Thai society as they are in the West, especially among people in urban areas who are exposed to global trends.
Tattoos and the Sex Industry
There is still a lingering association between tattoos and the sex industry, particularly in tourist hotspots like Pattaya, Patong and Bangkok. Many women who have tattoos, especially those with large or visible tattoos, are often assumed to be involved in the nightlife scene. However, this assumption is increasingly inaccurate. The reality is that while many women working in bars or nightclubs in Thailand do have tattoos, this is no longer a reliable indicator of a woman's profession. Tattoos are now commonplace in many walks of life, and their presence alone should not be used to judge someone's career or lifestyle.
In fact, tattoos have become much more mainstream across Thai society, with many women choosing to get tattoos for personal, aesthetic reasons rather than to mark their involvement in any specific profession. Tattoos in Thailand are now worn by a variety of people, including office workers, students, and even the elderly. While tattoos on the neck, face, or hands may make it difficult for someone to secure traditional employment in fields that require a conservative appearance, they are more accepted in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.
The Myth of Butterfly Tattoos
There is a myth in Thailand that butterfly tattoos are linked to the sex industry, specifically to women who are referred to as “butterflies” in the context of the nightlife industry. The term “butterfly” is often used to describe men who flit from one woman to another, and it has sometimes been suggested that women who have butterfly tattoos are part of this lifestyle. However, this is not true. The vast majority of women who get butterfly tattoos do so simply because they like the design and find it aesthetically pleasing. The idea that a butterfly tattoo has any deeper meaning related to the sex industry is a myth, and should not be assumed to indicate a woman's profession or lifestyle.
Are Tattoos a Sign of a Woman’s Past in the Sex Industry?
While tattoos may still be seen as an indicator of a woman's involvement in the sex industry in certain parts of Thailand, this is an outdated view. In modern Thai society, tattoos are now seen as a normal form of self-expression. Many women with tattoos have never worked in the sex industry, and there are no specific designs that definitively signify that a woman is involved in the nightlife scene. However, it is still possible that tattoos in certain visible areas (such as the face, neck, or hands) may suggest a woman has worked in the nightlife sector, as these tattoos are more common in those industries. But it’s equally possible that a woman simply enjoys tattoos for personal reasons and is not involved in any such activities.
If you're concerned about someone's background or if you want to know more about their past, it’s always possible to conduct a background check on them. Having tattoos alone is not enough to definitively determine someone's past or profession. Tattoos are a personal choice and can mean many different things depending on the individual.
Are Attitudes Towards Tattoos Changing in Thailand?
Yes, attitudes towards tattoos in Thailand are changing. Younger generations are increasingly embracing tattoos as a form of art, influenced by global trends from the West. This shift has made tattoos much more common and accepted in Thai society. While tattoos may still carry some stigma among older generations, the overall trend is towards greater acceptance. Tattoos are no longer reserved for those involved in the sex industry; they are now worn by people from all walks of life.
Learn more about Pattaya Private Investigators.
If you're starting to get involved with a Thai lady and have concerns about her background, it’s important to remember that tattoos alone are not a reliable indicator of her past. If you have suspicions about her involvement in other relationships or activities, you can contact us to conduct a background check. This could help clarify the situation and give you peace of mind. To learn more, simply send us a message with the details of your situation and we'll reply to you with a free, no obligation quote.
Related articles
Search
Pattaya private investigators
Learn more about Pattaya Private Investigators on our homepage.