Tattoo #2 - Thailand: Embracing Rule #1 in Bangkok

Travel Tattoos

May 20

Right after getting my first tattoo in India to mark the beginning of this wild journey, my second stop was Bangkok, Thailand. I’d just wrapped up some meaningful charity work and was ready to take a “vacation within a vacation.” Bangkok felt like the perfect place to let loose, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the chaos, the culture, and the nightlife.

Before I even touched down in Thailand, I knew what tattoo I wanted. One of my favorite movie series is The Hangover, and just like the crew in the film, I’ve had my fair share of ridiculous moments. During my time in the military, I had a full-on Hangover experience. Partied so hard in Las Vegas and somehow woke up in Tijuana. But hey, that story’s for another blog post.

Bangkok was all about fun this time around. I spent a few weeks partying, sightseeing, and just enjoying life. I decided to go with a smaller tattoo so it could heal quickly and not interfere with my plans to hit up the islands and beaches afterward. I wasn’t about to miss crystal-clear water and Thai island sunsets.

When I thought about Thailand, what stuck with me was the energy of Bangkok. It’s wild, unapologetic, and alive. And of course, I couldn’t help but think of The Hangover Part II again. Last time I was here, I steered clear of anything and everything that even resembled the movie’s infamous scenes. I’m a simple, straight man. But that doesn’t mean I’m not open-minded.

The truth is, travel has changed me. The more I saw the world, the more I realized how little value there is in judging others. I used to hold tight to some rigid beliefs, especially growing up Pentecostal, preaching in churches all over the Caribbean as a teenager. But I’ve learned to live and let live over time, especially post-military. That shift didn’t come easily. I used to be uncomfortable around trans people or anything that challenged my upbringing. Now? I don’t care what people do. I say live your life as long as they’re not hurting anyone. I fought for that freedom and honor it by respecting everyone’s right to be themselves.

That’s where the tattoo idea came from.

Rule #1: Fuck what everyone else thinks.

That’s what it says. Bold, clear, and right on my middle finger. I didn’t choose that spot by accident. The placement is part of the message: a visible, unapologetic reminder to myself and the world. It’s my way of throwing up a middle finger, not in hate, but in fearless self-expression.

I paired the meaning with a special silver lion ring for that same finger to seal the meaning even deeper. The lion has always symbolized strength, confidence, and leadership. The saying that inspired the ring:
“A lion does not bother with the opinions of sheep.”

So between the tattoo, the ring, and the finger it lives on, it’s all one complete message: Live boldly, live truthfully, and don’t waste a second worrying about what others think.

This tattoo was also the first and only one I got using the traditional Thai stick-and-hand method. No machine! Just the artist, the ink, and five painfully intense minutes. I was sweating in an air-conditioned room, but it was worth every second.

One night while exploring the city, I ended up in a Latino club in Bangkok. All the people there were Thai, but they were vibing out to Don Omar and Daddy Yankee like they were born in Puerto Rico. That moment hit me hard. Thais live their lives freely, without concern for what others think. That’s the kind of energy I want to carry with me forever.

So yeah, tattoo #2 is small but big in meaning. BOOM!
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Want more stories like this?
Check out the full tattoo journey from the beginning — Tattoo #1 started it all in Mumbai.
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(Link: Tattoo #1)