PRESERVIMG THE WISDOM OF TATTOOING IN TERMS OF RITUALS AND BELIEFS: A CASE STUDY OF THE NETWORK OF SAK YAN AJARN PHAN PHUT YOT, KHOK PHO DISTRICT, PATTANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims 1) To study the cultural context of tattooing among the general population in Thailand, 2) To explore the social and cultural context of Sak Yant wisdom in terms of rituals and beliefs, and 3) To propose guidelines for preserving the wisdom of Sak Yant in rituals and beliefs, based on a case study of the Sak Yant tattooing network of Ajarn Phan Phutyot in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province. The social and cultural context of tattooing in Thailand reveals that: 1) The wisdom of Sak Yant tattooing in rituals and beliefs possesses a unique identity-there are no fixed rules on location or environmental settings; 2) The rituals differ from past practices. The process of Wai Khru and Pan Khru involves tattoo seekers preparing flowers, incense, candles, betel nuts, and offering trays with a teacher’s fee to the master, symbolizing their request to become disciples. The master performs the tattoo according to each individual’s suitability. Sak Yant is believed to provide protection, fortune, auspiciousness, mental strength, invincibility, and charm. The Wai Khru and Krob Khru ceremonies annually held at Wat Chang Hai invoke sacred beings to empower the tattoos and preserve their spiritual potency. and 3) The proposed preservation guidelines emphasize cooperation from communities, local governments, and educational institutions. This qualitative research employed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with nine tattoo practitioners, twenty-two tattoo recipients, and twenty-one local believers. Data were collected through participant observation using purposive and snowball sampling. Content analysis was applied to synthesize the findings.