LIFE

The commodification of the Sak Yant Thai tattoo

Anna Neatpisarnvanich, Published on 04/07/2025

» Rooted in religious sanction, the “Sak Yant” form of traditional tattoo has been a pivotal part of Thai culture for generations. The tattoo is believed to act as a form of spiritual shield for different purposes depending on the design. A large majority of yants serve the purpose of protection against dangers and harm, while others range from gaining popularity, wealth, luck, and more.