PHOTOS: Tattoos as protection

Gnat Somol Tra looks over a design in his Phnom Penh tattoo parlor.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

Gnat Somol Tra says he is doing more contemporary tattoos than traditional magic tattoos these days.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

The artist shows his chain of Buddhas.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

“Magic tattoos make me feel more confident,” says heavyweight kickboxing champ Eh Phuthong, training at his club just outside Phnom Penh.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

Eh Phuthong, left center, gathers with others at his kickboxing club. Skepticism over the power of magic tattoos is rather shortsighted, argues Eh, a national hero who credits the supernatural imagery spreading over his body and onto his right fist for his winning record.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

Au Phuthong, 29, left, Eh’s younger brother, also has magic tattoos.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)

Eh Phuthong plays with his young son at the club.  (Lianne Milton / For The Times)