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Thailand's Most Sought After Dolls - Luk Thep

In the eerie realm of Thai folklore, the Luk Thep, or child angels, emerge from the unsettling hands of supernatural capitalists. These dolls transcend mere mimicry by harbouring the souls of unborn children—those once stillborn or aborted. Seekers procure these dolls from vendors, sometimes infused with fetal spirits or animated by monks in a peculiar ritual.


Luk Thep
Image from ABC News

The possessed dolls become confidants, recipients of purchases, and bestowers of instant comfort, luck, and prosperity. Adorned with jewellery and garments, these Child Angels, endorsed even by celebrities, reign as Thailand’s most sought-after dolls. Such is their allure that Thai Smile Airways permits seats for these ethereal companions, justifying it with a claim of spiritualization. In a twist, these eerie infants must buckle up during flights, a surreal fusion of supernatural reverence and aviation protocol.


In a land where amulets hold great sway, these dolls embody an uncanny blend of baby-shaped talismans—bestowing power, positivity, and luck—minus the cries, feeds, and messy realities of human infancy.


In the shadows of antiquity, humans, driven by an ancient pact with fortune, adorned themselves with red laces, and crosses, and even resorted to painting children's eyes black to repel malevolence. Venture with us to Thailand, where the Luk Thep, eerie dolls heralding good luck, trace their origin from an unsettling past.


Centuries past, Thailand revered Kuman Thong, small figures believed to beckon fortune if treated with due respect. Translating to "sanctified golden youth," these figurines, originally crafted from lacquered fetal forms covered in gold leaf, held a sinister connection to necromancy. From this dark tradition, the Luk Thep emerged.


These hyperrealistic Thai dolls, coined "baby angels" or "Luk Thep," lack ties to real children or fetuses. In 2015, their popularity soared under the craft of creator.


According to popular belief, a Buddhist monk's blessing imbues the Luk Thep with a child's spirit. The owner assumes a parental role, attending to the doll's needs like a living son. In return, the Luk Thep bestows good fortune. Companies offer services to ensure diligent care, reinforcing the superstition of earning worthy luck.


Yet, when misfortune strikes, Luk Thep owners face a dilemma. Fearful of repercussions, some abandon their "child angels" at the doors of Buddhist monasteries, where monks supposedly cater to their needs, offering red drinks favoured by the Luk Thep.


Beyond Thailand, Asian superstitions intertwine with dolls. In Korea, certain dolls are believed to guide souls in their final moments.


We advise you not to dabble with these evil dolls superstitiously.


What's your take on these superstitions? Do you harbour similar beliefs? For those intrigued by the history of dolls, explore more in our supernatural meetup: "The Dolls."


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