British woman seeks Thai netizens’ opinions over Buddha tattoo
A British woman reached out to netizens in Thailand after facing a legal threat from some Thai nationals due to a tattoo of a Buddha image on her arm.
British social media influencer Emily Srichala shared a video on Facebook and TikTok on February 23, seeking opinions from Thai people after receiving a message from Thai nationals regarding the tattoo of Lord Buddha on her left arm. Emily revealed the full story to her followers on social media.
“I want to know if it’s wrong to have a Buddha tattoo on my arm because two days ago, someone messaged me saying that someone reported me and sent photos of me with this tattoo on my arm.”
Srichala also attached the message she received from the unidentified Thai person in the video. This person stated that he and others with similar views came across her Instagram account, where they saw pictures of the Buddha tattoo on her arm.
The group argued that a Buddha image should not be used as a tattoo, mainly because it was seen as disrespectful. They urged her to remove the tattoo and delete all Instagram posts featuring it, claiming that what she had done was illegal.
Emily explained that her Thai husband, a tattoo artist and a Buddhist, performed the tattoo for her. She stated that she was now studying Buddhist practices and realised that having a Buddhist-related tattoo on the lower part of the body was unacceptable but she had it on her arm.
Moreover, the British woman pointed out that she saw the tattoo as a piece of art, which should not violate any Thai laws. She added that many Thai people admired her Buddha tattoo.
Opinions divided
At the end of the video, she apologised to the public if she had done anything wrong and urged netizens to share their opinions on the matter.
The opinions of Thai netizens were divided. Some agreed with Emily that her tattoo was art, while others sided with the complainants, stating that the tattoo was disrespectful.
“It’s not wrong. You have it on your arm, not anywhere on the lower part of the body.”
“You shouldn’t get this tattoo. Imagine when you have sex with your boyfriend. Having a Buddha tattoo on your arm is disrespectful. It will be karma that follows you your whole life. I don’t know what others think but this is wrong for me.”
“Don’t overthink it. Everything depends on your intention. If you have good intentions, think good thoughts, and do good things, that’s fine.”
“It’s nothing. It’s art. The ones who pointed out that this is wrong are the old, boring Buddhists who cling to objects or something too much and don’t know how to let things go. Those nonsense people don’t understand art. I will only agree with them if your tattoo is on your private parts.”
“Nothing wrong. It’s your right.”
“Don’t worry. It’s subjective. Most Thai people don’t mind it. Buddhist practice matters, not the Lord Buddha’s appearance.”
“If you really learn Buddhism, you must know that women should not touch monks but you have a Buddha tattoo on your body. You still even use your body for sex.”
Although Srichala’s tattoo caused dissatisfaction among many Thai people, it has been confirmed that she did not violate any Thai laws. Renowned Thai lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd took to the comment section today, February 24, to confirm the legality of Emily’s tattoo.
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