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The Phuket is a flashy Asian celebration, people try to avoid eating meat, drinking alcohol, having sex, swearing and generally try to behave. But the most intriguing aspect of this festival is the mutilation. Thousands of people pierce various parts of their bodies, especially their cheeks, walk on hot coals, all to invoke the gods. It is believed these people receive divine blessing, and that’s why they don’t suffer from severe bleeding, infections or significant scarring. Each year these acts of self-mutilation have gotten more and more gruesome, with people sticking the most unusual things through their bodies.

These pictures have been taken at the 2007 Phuket Vegetarian Festival: