Community members spill the chai on the taboos of tattoos

Tattoos, these intentionally inked designs on your skin that can be big or little, elaborate or simple, all tell a tale. Masala explores what tattoos signify to members of the Thai-Indian community and the various intangible perspectives and meanings attached to the very tangible and very permanent tattoo.

A little brief on tattoos and their varying purposes:

RANK AND TRIBAL LINEAGE

Tattoos are an important part of Maori culture and heritage. Tattoos are considered a rite of passage and represent lineage, rank within the community, triumphs, and ancestral links. Oriini Kaipara is a New Zealand TV presenter who proudly sports a moko kauae (Maori face tattoo) and is the first to do so on mainstream, prime time, national television.

STICK IT TO THE MAN

In the 1950s and 60s in the US, women needed consent from their spouses to get inked as it shattered the sexualised image of a prim and proper lady. Lesbians, who were already on the outskirts of social society, started using tattoos as a form of rebellion against what mainstream society expected of their sexuality, as well as a way to own their sexuality and identify others who have also adopted agency of their own bodies.

TRIBUTE

Tattoos are a way to highlight and commemorate certain moments, people, or accomplishments in our lives. Many actors have received tattoos in order to honour their roles in movies:

• To honour their roles in Game of Thrones, Sophie Turner inked a dire wolf and “The Pack Survives” to her arm, and Emilia Clarke inked three tiny dragons to memorialise her character, Daenerys.

• Tom Holland boasts a Spider-Man tattoo on the bottom of his foot.

• The female actors who played the six main characters in Pretty Little Liars all got the well-known “Shhh” tattooed to honour their time together on the show.

Here’s what the community thinks about getting Inked:

NITAYA RATTANARUANGSUP

Associate Strategic & Insight Director at Group M

What is your viewpoint on tattoos in general, and why do you want to get one?

Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression and storytelling. For me, they’re not just ink on my skin—they’re deeply personal symbols of who I am, what I cherish, and the moments that define me. I love how tattoos allow me to carry my passions, values, and memories with me, turning my body into a canvas of meaningful art. Each tattoo I have tells a story, and getting one is a deliberate decision to capture a part of my life forever.

What do your tattoos represent?

Each of my 11 tattoos reflects a unique aspect of who I am. For example:

• The triangle I share with my sisters symbolises our unbreakable bond and the different shades of our individual personalities.

• My love for the ocean and scuba diving is immortalised in three tattoos, representing

how diving opened my eyes to the beauty and serenity of the sea.

• The sunflower on my skin reminds me to always look toward positivity, just like how a sunflower turns toward the sun

• Tattoos for my first two pets, Nemo and Nash, celebrate the unconditional love they gave me and how they sparked my deep connection with animals.

• Others serve as gentle reminders to live life one day at a time and embrace the journey.

What is your advice for someone thinking about getting a tattoo?

Take your time to reflect on why you want the tattoo and what it will mean to you—no just today, but for years to come. Think about the story you want it to tell and how it represents your identity or values. Choose a design and placement that feels authentic to you. Also, finding a skilled and reputable artist you trust is crucial—they’ll bring you vision to life in the most beautiful way. Most importantly, make it personal—tattoos are a lifelong piece of art, and their beauty lies in the meaning they hold for you.

CHALITA PREM SAKCHIRAPHONG

MD Radiologist

What is your viewpoint on tattoos in general, and why don’t you have one?

Tattoos are pretty works of art, and there have been times I wanted a tiny one to symbolise some important events or memories in my life, more so when I was younger compared to now. Yet, every time I think of them, I am reminded of the unfortunate people who got Hepatitis C, most likely from unhygienic tattoo needles. Consequently, these people developed a form of liver cancer because of that virus. This association between tattoos and liver cancer overpowers the need to honour a moment or memory in my life.

What would you say if your child or someone you love wants a tattoo?

If my child or someone I love wants one, I would say to do a lot of research and make sure that the place chosen is professional and very clean. If there is a way to make sure that they change their ink pots to reduce the chances of infection, please do it!

RIMMY KUKREJA

Wedding Planner – Divine Events

What is your viewpoint on tattoos in general?

Tattoos used to be taboo in the past. If people in the community ventured out to get a tattoo, they would have had to get one discretely and put in places that weren’t usually visible. As time has passed, tattoos have become more accepted by everyone.

What does your tattoo represent?

Tattoos should be meaningful and relate to you as a person. It could be a reminder to you every time you look at it. My tattoo is “Nirbhau Nirvair” which means “No Fear No Hate”. It is from the Sikh mool mantar.

What is your advice for someone thinking of getting a tattoo?

I feel that when you decide to get one, you shouldn’t opt for one on a whim or just because you like the way it looks. It’s inked for life and it should be something you should be happy looking at it every day, and the best way for that to happen is if it is connected to a meaningful event or perspective.