thai tattoo café origins

My name is Paeng. I was born in 1978 in Ubon Ratchathani, in the northeast of Thailand. I came into the world as a 3.9 kg baby with a head full of thick black hair. I was quite a sensation at the hospital; nurses and staff at the hospital kept coming to see me. Some day, I even disappeared for half a day, being passed around for cuddles. The doctor who delivered me even asked my mother if he could adopt me. But of course, she said no.

I grew up surrounded by simplicity and nature. My parents were farmers. Life was humble but full of love. I spent most of my childhood running through rice fields with my dad or playing with my brothers, cousins, and neighbors. When there was no farm work to do, I’d sneak off into the forest behind our land and stay there all day. That forest felt like freedom.

I was lucky. My parents gave me the freedom to live life on my terms. My dad was everything to me: skilled, kind, hardworking, and humble. He passed away at just 62 years old. I still miss him every day. My mom is still with us, and I take care of her with the help of my brother and sister. Our whole family moved to Bangkok in 2010, and we’ve been here together ever since.

Looking back, I now realize that tattooing has always been in my blood, even if I didn’t know it. My grandfather was a kind, handsome, and respected rancher, covered head to toe in Sak Yant tattoos. I was his favorite granddaughter. Maybe a part of his spirit lives in me still.

From Hustler to Healer

By the age of 12, I was already earning money, selling catalog products to my classmates and people in our village. Every weekend, I’d ride my Honda Beat into the city to pick up items people had ordered.

At 15, I went to Bangkok during school breaks to work in a factory. After graduating from high school, I moved to Bangkok and worked in a dental clinic for two years. Then I took a management job at a factory where Mom was working just to be with her as she wished, which led me back home when I got a better offer at a hospital in my province. Working as a nurse aide in a small countryside hospital was one of the most intense and memorable experiences of my life. I worked in every department: emergency, surgery, maternity, and the ward. It was hard, fast, and unpredictable. I loved it. Eventually, I was promoted to a department everyone wanted to be in, with no shift work and better pay. But it was not like that so much. I couldn’t sit at a desk and push papers all day. That role didn’t match my energy. So I quit.

At 24, I started my first business, a training and seminar company. For over a decade, I trained professionals in hospitals, government offices, and corporations across Thailand, teaching everything from service mind and teamwork to ISO standards and infection control. I even worked as a lecturer for 12 years. But eventually, I was burned out. I needed a change.

The Unexpected Tattoo Path

In 2013, I had a chance to run a tattoo shop without a single tattoo on my own body, and without knowing a thing about the industry. I didn’t plan to be in this business. It just happened. And somehow, it made perfect sense. I turned my training company into a tattoo company. I learned everything from scratch, and I poured all my energy into creating something real.

In 2018, I walked away from that first tattoo shop due to decisions I couldn’t support. It was painful but necessary. Later that year, Thai Tattoo Café was born.

The name comes from a vision. “Thai Tattoo” reflects our focus on traditional designs like Sak Yant. “Café” is about the feeling. We want you to walk in and feel relaxed, like you’re visiting a friend. No pressure. No judgment. Just calm, comfort, and care.

Lessons, Loss, and Moving Forward

Life hasn’t always been kind. I’ve been betrayed. Let down. Stabbed in the back. It hurt. It broke me. But every loss made space for something better. Some people didn’t deserve to stay, and I let them go. Each time, I got stronger. I learned to forgive, not for them, but for me. I stopped living in the past. I stopped blaming myself.

And I want to tell you, no one can make you happy but you. If you're hurting, free yourself. Walk away from negativity. Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow. Life is still beautiful. Enjoy it every single chance you get.

Thank you to you all our customers and friends for supporting me and everyone in the Thai Tattoo Café family. If you’ve ever visited us, just know, you’re part of us now. You’ll always have a place here, in our story and our hearts.

our First Logo

First logo shows Rama fighting Bharata, characters from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien. For me, this image reflects my life. You’re always fighting for something, your dream, your peace, your truth. If you keep fighting, you’re already winning.

our Second logo

We’re Turning 12 and We Have Something Beautiful to Share With You. Twelve years ago, Thai Tattoo Café was just a dream, a small space with a big heart, rooted in tradition, driven by passion, and held up by you, our amazing community. Today, we’re proud to celebrate 12 incredible years of art, spirit, and connection. And to mark this special moment, we’re unveiling something close to our hearts. More than just a design, this symbol reflects our journey. It carries the energy of every sacred Yant we've inked, every story we've listened to, and every blessing we've shared. The silver lettering represents strength and elegance. The golden pattern symbolizes Thai spiritual heritage always at the core of who we are. This is more than a logo. It’s a tribute to YOU. For trusting us, supporting our mission, and growing with us. From a humble start to a global destination for sacred art, you’ve helped shape Thai Tattoo Café into something beautiful. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this story. Here’s to 12 years and the sacred journey ahead.

Our Journey

We started our tattoo house in Nana, then moved to Sukhumvit 33, followed by a short stay near Soi Cowboy. Just before COVID hit, we relocated to the Pin Klao area near Khao San Road. Then the world changed.

COVID was rough. We had to move temporarily into my home, and eventually, even that was taken by the bank. But somehow, we ended up in this sweet, unexpected place, our current home. It’s outside of downtown Bangkok, quieter, more grounded. And we love it. Our clients do too. It just feels right. This is where our tattoo souls belong.

To my team and family

I wouldn’t be standing here today without the hearts that carried me. Every step, every moment, I didn’t walk it alone. Thank you to everyone who has had my back, lifted me, and never stopped believing in me. Your love, your strength, your quiet support, it means more than words can say. I carry it with me, always.

Jason Tivey – My One Love

Jason is my husband, my best friend, and my constant support. He’s been by my side through every season, good and bad, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

We first connected online in 2017, during my Thai Tattoo Tour in Las Vegas. From the very beginning, we FaceTimed almost every day, building a bond across time zones and distance.

We finally met on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018, when I flew to Las Vegas to visit him. He took me camping and hiking. It was simple, but unforgettable. Later that year, Jason joined me on my UK and Europe tour, and came to visit my home in Thailand in October 2018.

Just before the pandemic, Jason returned to the U.S. to visit family and then got stuck there when COVID hit. We were separated for three years, but never lost connection. We kept in touch daily, and during that time, he worked hard and supported me emotionally and financially through the most difficult period in my business.

In November 2022, Jason came back to Thailand. A year later, on my birthday April 14th 2023 he proposed. And of course, I said yes. We were married exactly one year later, on April 14, 2024.

A Note to My Husband

You’ve seen every part of me, my strength, my fear, my joy, and my pain. And you’ve never stopped standing beside me. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your love. Thank you for believing in me, even when I was too tired to believe in myself. Thank you for always showing up. You are my partner in every sense of the word. My home. My heart. My forever.

Our DIY Wedding

This was the best day of my life, and I think everyone else’s too. Not just because I was getting married, but because everyone I love was there. It was the first family wedding we’d had in a very long time. A full DIY wedding. I planned it myself from shopping to organizing. Ramida, my best friend and niece, helped me bring it all together. Every guest helped in some way to make the day happen. And we did it. It was a beautiful evening wedding ceremony . Everything went smoothly, at least on my side! But I do have two regrets. First, I didn’t get a photo with my mom. I don’t know why nobody pulled me aside to take one with her. She’s the most important person in my life. That still makes me sad. Second, I didn’t take a photo with Koonnie. I should’ve come home in my wedding dress still and gotten a picture with her, but I didn’t, and I still blame myself for it.

Still, I want to say thank you. Especially to Ramida’s friends who volunteered to decorate the wedding, none of them were professionals, but they made it stunning. The smiles on everyone’s faces were what made it perfect. We love you all so much.

Our Moving Soul – Koonnie

This is Koonnie, our sweetheart. She was with me physically longer than anyone else in my life. She brought joy, warmth, laughter, and healing to our family. She passed on September 13, 2024, after living over 18 years surrounded by love. She was happiest when she was climbing trees, sunbathing on the roof, or sleeping snuggled next to me. Dry squid was her favorite snack. I know it wasn’t good for her, but it made her so happy every time she got it. She was our alarm clock, our greeter, and our emotional support. She took her duties seriously. Every day, she made sure we got to work and welcomed us home when we returned. She even entertained customers. In her last few months, when we knew her time was near, she still never showed pain. She kept doing her job, making sure we were all in bed and safe before she came to sleep with us. Even when she was exhausted, she waited for Ramida and Billy to come home. She’d be sleeping, but as soon as she heard their car, she would get up to greet them, make sure they were settled, then come back to bed. That last night on her duty, as soon as she heard Ramida and Billy's car, she could only lift her head and look at me. I said, “You’re tired, Koonnie. You don’t have to get up. Go back to sleep, sweetie.” She looked at me, as if to say, “Okay, Mommy.” And rested again. Koonnie, Mommy loves you so much. Mommy, miss you with every breath. You’ll always be in Momy's heart.

Our Living Love – Koonnoo

Koonnoo is the word to call a millionaire’s daughter

This is Koonnoo. She was born on July 13, 2024, just about 2 months before we lost Koonnie. Our whole family was grieving. We weren’t ready for another baby. But how could we say no to this tiny, funny, energetic kitten? The first time she visited, she weighed just about 500 grams; she fit in my hand. She looked so small and weak, probably from eating adult food too early. We knew she could never replace Koonnie, and we didn’t expect her to. But we love her just as deeply. She’s full of life, constantly playing and making everyone smile. I believe Koonnie sent her to heal us. The more she grows, the more she reminds us of Koonnie in little ways. She hasn’t learned how to snuggle yet, but she brightens every day with her happy eyes and goofy, clumsy ways.

Ramida's Story

This is Ramida or “Ohh,” and my “Ole,” who used to hate cats, but she is now a cat crazy lover who has been changed by Koonnie. Ramida is a tiny lady who is full of energy. She’s been managing our tattoo house since day one. But the truth is, she became my manager by force! First, I asked her to look after the house while I was away. Then I made her our tattoo model. Then I asked her to take care of our customers. And after that, she just never left. She’s been with me through everything, even back when I had my training company. She knows me better than anyone. She’s our employee, our friend, and our family.

Billy's Story

Billy has been with us since 2015. He’s Ramida’s longtime boyfriend. They’ve been the sweetest couple and the most reliable staff from the very beginning. Today, Billy is a professional piercer and machine tattoo artist. But his story is just like Ramida’s, I “forced” him into it, too! I asked our good friend Cory (a professional piercer from Australia) to teach Billy during his visited. Billy had to be great at both piercing and tattooing, because I needed him to be. And he didn’t just learn it; he fell in love with it. Body art became his life. He’s also our handyman. if I ask him to fix something, he figures it out. Billy is kind, calm, and always ready to help. We’re lucky to have him.

To Cory Cassell, if you ever see this, thank you is not enough for your kindness. We think of you often, and I’ll never forget what you did for us. You are our friend for life.

Khing's Story

Khing is a strong-minded Gen Z girl with a bold personality, exactly how we raised her, and we’re so proud of the person she’s become. She’s always been responsible and hardworking, consistently top of her class. In her final year of high school, she was elected school president. She graduated in 2024 with nearly a 4.0 GPA, which means she could have been accepted into any university in Thailand. But Khing chose a different path. She decided to study independently through the Knowledge Market platform. I support her 100% because I want her to learn business early. We are planning to expand our business, and I’d love for her to grow with us. Khing is my younger sister's daughter, but I am her Goddess mother. She is my sweet daughter and a close friend to me. She started working with us in June 2025. Now that she’s here, the rest of us can step away more often to the jungle camping and hiking without needing to close the tattoo house.

Working with family

People often say that family can’t work together, but I can tell you that’s not true. We run our business as a family, we hire family to work with us. We’ve never had a problem working together. I’ve been working with family for about 25 years, and not once have I had an issue with losing control. As long as everyone knows their place and respects it, everything runs just fine.