Maybe it's a silly question but I have been considering visiting Thailand,

for 10 years now I have had a large tattoo of Garuda on my right forearm,

at the time I did not know that Garuda was of special significance in Thailand

or that he appears on the royal flag.

I am an American and I have been told by a few that tattoos are not well

received in Thailand in general but that mine may be considerably offensive

especially considering my nationalilty.

Can anyone speak to this and either confirm or dismiss.

Perhaps no one would care?

Thanks

I am not quite sure of the name but I think Garuda is used as a symbol of the Thai Government. Also I think as a symbol of official recognition, for example on a bank. I have seen a Thai guy who had this tattoo on his shoulder. I don't think you need to worry about it.

I have a tat of the Chinese Symbol for Trust on my back. No one has ever commented on it. My father in law has a big tatoo of the "Buddha Tree" on his chest, although he does not show it off. Possibly you might consider wearing a long sleeve white shirt if you go to the Palace, immigration or to a temple until you've a better feel for the situation. A lot may depend on the area that you live or visit. If you are like me and shave your head everyone might think you are the "American Monk".

I am not quite sure of the name but I think Garuda is used as a symbol of the Thai Government.  Also I think as a symbol of  official recognition, for example on a bank.  I have seen a Thai guy who had this tattoo on his shoulder.  I don't think you need to worry about it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In Vedic culture Garuda is the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. To have this likeness on your body denotes respect and a reminder to pray for his protection.

Gray.........it all depends on how conservative/old fashioned the person is. I dont see why they should care if they are selling "Garuda" figurines to every tom,dick and harry in Chatuchak Market. Anyone can buy it and do as they please with it. Some even use it as decoration in their toilets!! (foreigners)

It used to be symbolic and it still is but if they are selling the figurines so freely......why should they care?

FYI, Garuda is also a symbolic figure in Indonesia.

The Garuda's roots can be traced back to India and ancient Hinduism, the symbol is widespread among S.E.Asia. Garuda Airlines are an Indonesian carrier.

I think the Garuda is a special sign the King gives to accomplished Thai companies like some of the banks, and other big Thai businesses (Singha Beer?), I was going to get the tatoo myself several years ago but thought better of it, cool picture though!

Maybe it's a silly question but I have been considering visiting Thailand,

for 10 years now I have had a large tattoo of Garuda on my right forearm,

at the time I did not know that Garuda was of special significance in Thailand

or that he appears on the royal flag.

I am an American and I have been told by a few that tattoos are not well

received in Thailand in general but that mine may be considerably offensive

especially considering my nationalilty.

Can anyone speak to this and either confirm or dismiss.

Perhaps no one would care?

Thanks

There is absolutely no need to worry about causing offense. I think you will find that many Thais will come up to and say that they like your tatoo.

I have some Hindu/Brahman tattoos and Thais say they love them. They then ask why do I have them , "Khon Thai reu plao"?

I have to explain diplomatically that: -

Garuda, Ganesh, Hanuman, Lord Buddha etc etc did not originate from Thailand.

Occasionally I reply, "koon khon kaek reu plao"?

Nearly all Thais on the buses passing the Erawan shrine pay thier repects to the statue.

Edited December 17, 200421 yr by Neeranam

This site http://www.thaiworldview.com/bouddha/brahma.htm explains the Thai significance very well.

thank you all

I used to wear a gold garuda around my neck.

No-one took offence. I bought it in Thailand.

Seeing as how you have been sensitive enough to think about these cultural things I expect you to have no problems here

I used to wear a gold garuda around my neck.

No-one took offence. I bought it in Thailand.

Seeing as how you have been sensitive enough to think about these cultural things I expect you to have no problems here

I used to wear a gold garuda around my neck.

No-one took offence.  I bought it in Thailand.

Seeing as how you have been sensitive enough to think about these cultural things I expect you to have no problems here

I used to wear a gold garuda around my neck.

No-one took offence.  I bought it in Thailand.

Seeing as how you have been sensitive enough to think about these cultural things I expect you to have no problems here

Hey Thetyim. Do you have a stutter?

Also i hear Garuda airlines are shit.

http://home.hetnet.nl/~acomp/tattoo/index.htm

This is my "small" tatoo has a garuda in it as well.

Made in a local monastry in Thailand by a monk took him about 3 months to finish the job.

They only think i'm gangster now

Maybe it's a silly question but I have been considering visiting Thailand,

for 10 years now I have had a large tattoo of Garuda on my right forearm,

at the time I did not know that Garuda was of special significance in Thailand

or that he appears on the royal flag.

I am an American and I have been told by a few that tattoos are not well

received in Thailand in general but that mine may be considerably offensive

especially considering my nationalilty.

Can anyone speak to this and either confirm or dismiss.

Perhaps no one would care?

Thanks

Have you got any designs yet???

http://home.hetnet.nl/~acomp/tattoo/index.htm

This is my "small" tatoo has a garuda in it as well.

Made in a local monastry in Thailand by a monk took him about 3 months to finish the job.

They only think i'm gangster now

Where did you get your sak yant done?

I have some but yours are much more beutifull than mine.

Cheers

Ash

I don't think it might be a problem...

It's called a 'krut' (ครุฑ) or 'krut pha' in Thai.