gray Posted December 16, 2004 Share Posted December 16, 2004 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mig15 Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukamar Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepe' Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SK1972 Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Mist Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terdsak_12 Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 (edited) 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, 2004 by Neeranam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neeranam Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 This site http://www.thaiworldview.com/bouddha/brahma.htm explains the Thai significance very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gray Posted December 17, 2004 Author Share Posted December 17, 2004 thank you all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thetyim Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thetyim Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jockstar Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PD0NVJ Posted December 17, 2004 Share Posted December 17, 2004 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulnuek Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 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??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agsnowdon Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 http://home.hetnet.nl/~acomp/tattoo/index.htmThis 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samuian Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 I don't think it might be a problem... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LooseCannon Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 It's called a 'krut' (ครุฑ) or 'krut pha' in Thai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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