British Influencer's Buddha Tattoo Sparks Thai Cultural Debate - video

[snoop1130]

Photo by Emily Srichala

 

Emily Srichala, a British social media influencer married to a Thai tattoo artist, has recently caused a stir in Thailand over a tattoo depicting the image of Lord Buddha on her arm. Srichala, who is actively studying Buddhist practices, recently received a message claiming she broke Thai laws by having the tattoo and sharing it online, leading to a storm of discussion among Thai netizens.

 

In response to the message, which accused her of cultural disrespect, Emily posted a video on Facebook and TikTok asking for opinions from Thai citizens. She explained that the tattoo, crafted by her husband, is a piece of art on her upper arm—not on the lower body, where Buddhist images are traditionally discouraged.

 

 

The issue has divided opinions in Thailand. Some Thais see the tattoo as an expression of art and individuality, while others view it as disrespectful to the Buddhist culture. Critics argue that the tattoo's location on the body does not align with cultural norms, whereas supporters insist intention and respect matter more than placement.

 

In the wake of the debate, lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd confirmed that Srichala's tattoo is legally permissible in Thailand, clarifying that she broke no laws despite the backlash. The ongoing conversation highlights the cultural sensitivity regarding religious symbols and the varying interpretations of respectfulness in a globalised world, reported The Thaiger.

 

 

-- 2025-02-24

 

 

[frank83628]

Cultural sensitivity by stupid woke tits not actual Thais, the fact she's speaking Thai has a Thai bf says she knows far more than any virtue singnalling social media troll.

[lordgrinz]

Lord Buddha would be completely disgusted with what constitutes Thai Buddhism, this is the least of the offenses.

[Jimmy43]

Looks like that Buddha has a smug arrogant look on his face.  Almost like they tried to make it even more offensive.

[chickenslegs]

[Harrisfan]

Very neat tattoo. Looks good.

[MikeandDow]

Exporting Buddha images from Thailand without proper documentation or a license is strictly prohibited

It maybe legal in Thailand but if she leaves she would need a license ??

[WHansen]

Keyboard warrior complainers at it again. It's a quality, respectful tattoo.

[ikke1959]

What a rubbish of the netizens... a tattoo of a Buddha image and they all are hurt in their feelings, but the coyote dancers in the temples when boys are being a monk or with parties is no problem.. Even the copulation actions of the dancers are allowed.. On the temple premises .... and than comment on a tattoo??? Temples and monks are not allowed to party and why are there so many parties at the temples... and why all these coyote dancers with almost no clothes on?? That is Thai Buddhism and allowed?

[blaze master]

Thai buddhism is an oxymoron. Now pardon me I'm off to buy my way into heaven. Who wants to come make merit with me ?

[KannikaP]

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Very neat tattoo. Looks good.

Going off your posting name, who would YOU have a neat tattoo done on you. Keith Harris, with Orville of course, Anita Harris, fit bird from the 60s, Rolf Harris, enough said, or Kamala Harris ?

Or here's an interesting one. In Cockney slang, arse = bottle and glass, shortened to just Bottle = Aristotle = Aris then Harris. 

[quake]

If the Buddha was alive today.

He would look at Thailand, then turn and walk away.

[brewsterbudgen]

Why does anyone get tattooed?  They look awful.

[NickyLouie]

Emily pen female Chav ???

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[MikeandDow]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Why does anyone get tattooed?  They look awful.

Agree !  hard to remove if you regret !

[Toolong]

An old arabian saying : 'Beware the sanctimonoius, for beneath is boiling dirt'.

 

It's a tattoo ffs. A body-art image of what history & culture calls 'the Buddha'. I humbly & kindly assure those that call this tattoo somehow a violation of......'something', that...the profound truths of what we call Buddhism are just fine thanks, in unmoved, calm repose....and do not feel they have been touched inappropriately or disturbed by the absurd folly going on here. 

[Harrisfan]

21 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

Agree !  hard to remove if you regret !

This one looks good for a change. High detail.

[MikeandDow]

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

This one looks good for a change. High detail.

You have already post that !!     ( Very neat tattoo. Looks good)  afraid tattoos  not my thing

[Harrisfan]

4 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

You have already post that !!     ( Very neat tattoo. Looks good)  afraid tattoos  not my thing

Don't get one

[MikeandDow]

Just now, Harrisfan said:

Don't get one

I dont intend to get one  as i said not my thing

[Harrisfan]

Abraham Lincoln on one arm be cool. Cant be bothered though.

[MalcolmB]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

but the coyote dancers in the temples when boys are being a monk or with parties is no problem

You make it sound like a bad thing?

A bit prudish are we?

 

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

 and why all these coyote dancers with almost no clothes on?? That is Thai Buddhism and allowed?

Girls like dancing.

And is allowed.

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Why does anyone get tattooed?  They look awful.

Especially on women.

Makes them look slutty

[richard_smith237]

29 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Especially on women.

Makes them look slutty

 

What would you know...   you're too busy gurgling yer 'soggy biscuits' !!!...   

[Harrisfan]

45 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Especially on women.

Makes them look slutty

Says a guy in Pattaya bars.

[MalcolmB]

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

What would you know...   you're too busy gurgling yer 'soggy biscuits' !!!...   

wanna play?

[alien365]

It was my understanding from Thai tattoo artists in Bangkok that they will do Buddha tattoos above the waist, but not below. Naturally some people (netizens) will take offence at anything.

[connda]

It seems as though Thais consider themselves to be the guardian of Buddhism so they fain extreme displeasure at a farang getting a tattoo of Buddha while missing the point entirely as why the woman has the tattoo.  Pretty much for the same reason as a Christian would give a tattoo of Jesus.  It's not a sign of disrespect but of respect and devotion. 

Buddhism in not a "Thais" to make the rules.  Buddhism belongs to all Buddhists.  I get tired of the self-righteous indignation while the same people turn to blind eye to monks literally gaffing off the Vinayas or the moral precepts of monks and not following the rules monks must follow.  Thai Buddhists are a conflicted self-righteous lot.  

"How dare you criticize Thai Buddhism farang!" I've ordained twice and have been a Buddhist for the last 4 decades.

Theravada Buddhism isn't Thai people's religion to manage.  So until I see efforts to rein in the hypocrisy that I see day in  day out in the Thai Buddhist community, they should take a lesson from the Bible and "Don't worry about the speck of dust in their brothers and sister's eye while they have a stick poking out of their own."  If we are going down that route then Thai monks should refrain from engaging in "Protection Tattoo" of Buddhist symbology as well.  These people are not the purveyors of Buddhism.  They need to develop some reverse cultural sensitivity and get a clue as to where foreign Buddhist devotions are centered.

[connda]

2 hours ago, quake said:

If the Buddha was alive today.

He would look at Thailand, then turn and walk away.

No.  He's be disappointed but compassionately so.