Inside one of Thailand’s biggest tattoo weekends: Chiangmai Tattoo Time

The sound is the first thing that hits: a steady, unbroken buzz from 30 or 40 machines running at any moment.

By Phoebe Storm

23 November, 2025 Bangkok time

This past weekend, Chiang Mai celebrated its seventh annual Chiangmai Tattoo Time (previously named "Chiangmai Tattoo Fest"). It is one of Thailand’s biggest tattoo conventions—and even for someone already pretty heavily tattooed, it was pretty overwhelming.

The Chiang Mai Central Hall was packed with artists from everywhere: Japan, Italy, Taiwan, Australia, Russia, China, the US, the UK, Korea, Singapore and the list kept going until it felt like the entire global tattoo community had landed in northern Thailand for three intense days of buzzing machines and half-naked bodies in progress.

The sound is the first thing that hits: a steady, unbroken buzz from 30 or 40 machines running at any moment. People lay calmly on tables as crowds drifted past them, turning the entire hall into a kind of living gallery. A large number of women were both tattooing and being tattooed, holding steady without a flinch. Many artists mentioned that women tend to sit the pain well, and the floor of Chiang Mai’s convention seemed to back that up.

Flash pieces started around B2,000, usually closer to B5,000, and went all the way up to full-day back pieces. Approaching booths felt intimidating. So many cool people, so little space to hide if you’re awkward.

But the artists were warm. Tokyo artist Megu of Zumbido Tattoo Tokyo—who’s been tattooing for 30 years—told BK he came “only for the convention,” even though he’s hopping down to Koh Phangan afterward to meet his family. He casually mentioned he’d only done “a couple, maybe two” tattoos over the weekend, both big pieces. Then he showed off a photo of a huge belly tattoo he’d just finished.

At another booth, Muto from Sunrise Ink Taipei talked about how conventions like this push him, he’s only been tattooing for under two years.

“This time a lot of different countries come here and have different styles. It’s so amazing,” he said, before laughing about needing “more practice, more power.”

The atmosphere wasn’t just about tattooing; it was about being inspired by the people around you. Italian artist Stefania, co-owner of Banum Tattoo Studio in Palermo, said she was “super, super honored” to get a booth at all. For her, the real value wasn’t the clients: “You learn a lot. You grow just by being in this place.”

Others talked about what tattoo culture looks like back home. Russian artist Darzi, who works in China, explained how older generations still see tattoos as gangster.

“They were all chatting about me… maybe I’m kind of like mafia,” he said, recounting a foot-massage-parlor misunderstanding. George from Ningbo echoed that: “If you get a tattoo in China, you cannot have opportunities to get government jobs… bank, police, whatever.”

And then there were the Australians, Stacey Ann and Sal of Market Place Studio in Fremantle, who relished the opportunity to meet people, see new work, and feel inspired.

“Stuff you don’t see every day,” Stacey-Anne said. “Yeah, it's a very inspiring place to be. It's been amazing to see all the art, especially large-scale body work,” Sal noted.

By the time Sunday rolled around, the competitions were in full swing. Entirely tattooed bodies lined up onstage, showing off work that had taken days - and even years. People who had flown in from around the world stood proudly next to the artists who had marked them forever.

Walking out at the end, I still hadn’t chosen a tattoo. Nothing jumped out. Nothing felt right. But honestly, that’s the point. Tattoo Time isn’t about forcing a moment. It’s about the energy of being surrounded by people who live and breathe this craft. It’s messy, loud, a little intimidating, and completely addictive.

Stay tuned for next year if you missed this one.