In a time when the country is in the most profound of mourning periods over the loss of their beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, people are finding different ways to mourn, show respect and pay tribute to the leader that many call the father of their country.
Some people are paying permanent tribute in the form of black tattoos the commemorate the late King and his 70-year reign.
Contrast Home Tattoo Studio, on Pracha Chuen Road, has already crafted seven of these beautiful tributes for customers and have appointments to create more each day this week.
For some of these clients, they already had other tattoos but, for one person, the tattoo tribute to the late King was their very first ink.
The tattoo designs include monochromatic portraits of the King and Queen, stylized versions of the number nine, to represent King Rama IX, the other name for the late King Bhumibol, and outlines in the shape of Thailand.
One touching written tribute says: “Let me be your servant in all of my future lives.” The meaning behind this could also be interpreted as, “No matter how many times I reincarnate, let me be the King’s servant.”
All of the tattoos were created by tattoo artist Kaittipop Magrum, also known as “Mr. Vans,” the artist behind Contrast Home Tattoo Studio.
When asked how the clients feel or what they say when they come in to receive their tribute tattoos, studio manager Sujittra “Tukta” Likachai said that they actually don’t speak much, “because when we talk, we start crying together.”
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