Anti-coup tattoos, a permanent symbol of protest, have become popular form of resistance in Myanmar

Let's talk about...Anti-coup tattoos.

What are those?
That’s one of the popular symbols of resistance in Myanmar where, as you probably know, there have been massive pro-democracy protests going on against the military junta.

Ah! What are the tattoos of?
The most popular ones are of their ousted leader, 75-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi, the phrase “Kabar ma kyay bu” (a reference to a protest song, and meaning "we will not forget until the end of the world") and the famous three-finger salute.

The three-finger salute?
Yes! It originated in 'The Hunger Games' film series and has since been adopted by pro-democracy activists in countries of the “Milk Tea Alliance” like Thailand, Hong Kong and Myanmar, where the drink is popular. It’s a symbol of resistance, particular among the youth.


I see. So why are tattoos being used?
In a way, it’s a permanent symbol of protest. Those getting them say it can’t be removed and provide a lasting memory. There are also events being organised where residents are invited to get a protest tattoo, to raise funds for the civil disobedience movement, or CDM.

Have there been other unique ways of protest, too?
Yes. For instance, in Inle Lake, a famous tourist spot, thousands of people gathered in traditional longboats and fishing vessels and held up their oars and other signs, showing their opposition to military rule. They’ve also been protesting at famous Burmese landmarks.

Is this the first time tattoos are being used in protests there?
No, they were used earlier as well, for instance, in 1988 during the 8888 Uprising for democracy which were brutally suppressed by the army. The protesters of the time got different symbols on the upper arm to show unity. Interestingly, tattoos, which have been part of tradition in Myanmar, was banned under British colonial rule. But since 2011, when the country began opening up, tattoos began to be popular again.

Has it become risky, to get these tattoos done?
You can’t get a protest tattoo done in Yangon anymore, say locals, because of the crackdown. But people are hopeful that democracy will return and their leaders will be released.

And they will continue protesting for that?
That’s the hope.