Decoding Ajarn Neng’s Sak Yant: Why he is the choice of global superstars. This headline introduces the exploration of why famous international artists choose this particular tattoo master.
The image of Ed Sheeran, the Grammy-winning artist, sitting cross-legged in front of a spirit altar, hands pressed together in a blessing gesture before a needle inscribes ancient characters onto his body, became one of the most powerful viral images in early 2024.
However, this is not the first time that celebrities have come for Sak Yant tattoos like this. Previously, prominent rock artist Oliver Sykes, lead singer of Bring Me The Horizon, as well as Hollywood actor Ryan Phillippe, also visited Ajarn Neng’s 'Khum Mantra Rak' tattoo studio.
The interesting question is, amid skilled tattoo artists worldwide, why do these A-list celebrities fly across oceans to sit for bamboo needle tattoos in a small alley in Bangkok?
Spiritual Craftsmanship with Flexibility
Behind the scenes of Ed Sheeran’s tattoo lies a challenge due to physical 'limitations' on his body. The devoted tattoo lover only has one available spot: his left thigh.
This leads to a problem: according to traditional customs and beliefs of Thai Sak Yant, high-level protective tattoos such as the 'Eight Directions Yant,' widely reported in media initially, are considered sacred and strictly forbidden to be placed below the waist.
Faced with this restriction, rather than breaking tradition or refusing the tattoo, Ajarn Neng chose a different path. He innovatively adapted the ancient art by creating and composing a completely new Yant design suitable for the lower leg area, resulting in a unique 'Four Directions Yant'—one of a kind in the world.
Designing this new Sak Yant requires mastery of the grammar of ancient Khmer characters, an understanding of the Yant’s line structure (the Yant’s 'skeleton'), and deep knowledge of the mantras to embed, so that the new Yant on the lower leg does not violate the strict rules of the masters. Thus, the true value of this tattoo lies in the profound understanding of the tattoo master.
Although the Sak Yant design was adapted, the characters still hold the core Buddhist virtues emphasizing protection from all dangers, safety, and enhancing charm and popularity, much like the Eight Directions Yant, but skillfully adjusted to respect tradition while meeting the client’s needs.
This phenomenon clearly proves that what attracts global superstars to cross oceans for this tattoo is not only the belief in traditional mystical power, but also the flexibility of adaptation founded on true, profound knowledge.
Special feature: Thairath presents an exclusive COVER WRAP edition on sacred Sak Yant from three of today’s master tattoo artists, never before revealed, for Thai people to collect and revere as auspicious blessings welcoming the Thai New Year. It also features modern design to appeal to Gen Z. Find the Thairath newspaper editions dated 13–15 April—a rare collectible series titled '3 Days, 3 Powers, 3 Blessings.'
On 13 April, the Thai New Year’s Day (Songkran) edition carries the theme 'Power, Fortune, Prestige' with a Garuda cover symbolizing purification and unlocking treasures, from Luang Pho Wora Punyavaro (Wat Pho Thong). It emphasizes the protective power of the spreading-wing Garuda to cleanse bad luck from the past year and open the way for prosperity in the new year.
On 14 April, Khun Ball Kanes Esaworn’s edition focuses on 'Success, Obstacle Removal, Fulfillment' featuring Lord Ganesha bestowing universal blessings. The image depicts the blessing posture (auspicious color for the day), surrounded by characters promoting love, family warmth, and smooth removal of obstacles.
On 15 April, the cover highlights 'Compassion, Popularity, Charm, and Wealth Attraction' from Ajarn Neng of Khum Mantra Rak, an expert in Lanna and ancient Khmer arts. It features special characters emphasizing charm, negotiation skills, and being beloved—preparing one to return to work with favor from bosses and clients.
The special Thairath edition comes with a limited gold card 'King Garuda' from Luang Pho Wora, produced in only 4,999 sets, priced at 169 baht per set. Orders can be placed at https://www.thairath.co.th/shopping/mahamongkol.