THAILAND: Nine-year-old Napat Mitmakorn, also known as “Knight,” has captured the attention of tattoo enthusiasts at the 2025 Thailand Tattoo Expo in Bangkok. With impressive skill for his age, Knight deftly wields a tattoo gun, carefully inking a fanged serpent on his uncle’s thigh. His passion for art and tattoos has led him to pursue a career as a tattoo artist. Although he is young, his love for creating intricate designs has propelled him to showcase his talent at the tattoo expo, where fascinated onlookers filmed his progress.
Knight’s journey into the world of tattooing was inspired by his father, Nattawut Sangtong, who introduced him to the craft as a way to steer him away from video games and help him focus. Nattawut, also an amateur tattooist, recognized that his son’s artistic abilities could be channeled into something productive. They learned together by watching TikTok tutorials, practicing on paper, and moving on to artificial leather before inking real skin. With dedication and regular coaching sessions, Knight quickly honed his skills, much to the pride of his father.
Tattooing has long been a tradition in Thailand, where it is both a spiritual and artistic practice. Knight’s work at the expo was his public debut, and it was met with awe by attendees who admired his talent. His father continues to mentor him, ensuring that Knight’s sessions remain focused on family and close friends. The duo plans to continue building their skills together, using social media platforms like TikTok to share their work with a larger audience. The bond between father and son is central to their artistic growth, as they continue to explore the world of tattoo artistry.
As Knight tattoos his uncle in front of an eager crowd, his calm and focused demeanor suggests a deep commitment to his craft. Despite the booming music from the event, Knight works steadily on an intricate Naga serpent tattoo, a figure from Hindu and Thai folklore. The work, which he predicts will take 12 hours to complete, highlights his growing expertise. For now, his father ensures that Knight’s tattooing is done with proper hygiene precautions, as he continues to refine his technique and pursue his dream of becoming a professional tattoo artist.
