The tattoos, or "sak yan" are something a bit mystic though. They are often applied in a temple by a man, called a (teacher), who uses a long metal stick. The tattoo is made by tapping the top of the metal stick, which causes the pointed tip to break the skin and insert the ink. During the process the tattoo artist chants an incantation to weave the magic into the tattoo.
The tattoos usually consist of sacred images as well as a written part, and can be placed on just about any part of the body depending upon the type of blessing it is supposed to give