(From AP)
Mix one part superstition, two parts fashion, a dab of celebrity idolatry and a heap of media frenzy, and what do you get? “Child angel” dolls, the latest craze in Thailand.
The dolls occupy a niche somewhere between Buddhist amulets, beloved by gamblers, gangsters and policemen for their reputed magical protective powers, and Furby toys, adored by children for their cuteness.
The adults who own them affirm that “child angel” dolls will bring you good luck, especially if you treat them like your own living progeny, taking them on trips, treating them to meals and praying together at the temple.
While “luk thep” dolls, as they are known in Thai, previously drew only mild notice beyond the circle of their devoted collectors, attention skyrocketed this past week after a leaked memo from budget airline Thai Smile instructed staff to treat the dolls like human passengers — provided, of course, their seats were paid for. Read More