Thais flock to get tattoos to commemorate the king

(Baonghean.vn) - A few days after King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on October 13, many Thai people are choosing to get tattoos as a way to forever remember the revered king.

The tattoo line "I was born in the reign of King Rama 9" is chosen by many customers to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Photo: Reuters.

Thai media reported that starting from October 15, many Thai people have been going to tattoo parlors to choose this special method of remembrance.

Skin Art, a tattoo shop in the tourist area of ​​Pattaya, said it receives about 50 visitors a day. Sak Lai Tattoo, located in central Bangkok, reported similar numbers, with customers mostly opting for tattoos that symbolise King Adulyadej as well as the number 9, representing his status as the ninth king of Thailand's 234-year-old Chakri dynasty.

Sak Lai Tattoo shop owner Esara Usada said: "This is a way to express and record the story of love and loyalty to King Adulyadej of every Thai person."

Currently, the price for a tattoo in Thailand is commonly from 2,000 baht (equivalent to 1.2 million VND), however, tattoos related to King Adulyadej will only cost half the normal price, Mr. Esara added.

Mr. Piyaphan Phanwiroj, a Thai army officer, also chose a tattoo to commemorate King Adulyadej. He chose the words to tattoo on his neck: "I was born under the reign of King Rama 9".

"The tattoos are not just a representation of love. They are also a representation of respect and loyalty. They will remind me to do more for the country. And whenever I feel desperate, they will remind me of all the contributions King Adulyadej has made to the Thai people," Piyaphan said.

Mr. Usada also shared that another popular tattoo chosen by customers is the famous quote of King Adulyadej: "I will be a humble servant of the people all my life."

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)