Traditional Thai
Bamboo Tattoo by Chay
Rawai, Phuket
ABOUT CHAY
"I have been tattooing for seven years now. I can work with bamboo or machine, but I prefer bamboo because it is more natural and interesting. I can tattoo freehand also, drawing the design directly onto the skin and then tattooing. I have drawn up many custom designs for people, and can work with the customer to find or draw up the perfect tattoo for them."
Chay first started tattooing in 2007, self-taught, practising on friends. He first worked in a studio in Phuket, and then Koh Phi Phi and Tonsai. He had the dream of opening up his own shop, traditional style. After travelling to Australia, he returned to Thailand ready to fulfil his dream. He found the perfect place in Rawai, a quieter area of Phuket with many creative people.
His studio is part of his home, and he wants his customers to feel at home there while they get tattooed. They can spend some time there and relax, feel welcome, as a friend, not just a customer.
But a clinical tattoo can still be created in a natural home environment. A new needle is used every time, the packet opened in front of the customer. The bamboo sticks are cleaned and sterilised after each use.