Coss Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 'Look Thep' Lifelike Doll Craze Sweeps Superstitious Thailand by REUTERS A craze for lifelike dolls thought to bring good luck is sweeping Thailand, reflecting widespread anxiety as the economy struggles and political uncertainty persists nearly two years after a coup. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and has been modernizing rapidly over the past two or three decades but many people are highly superstitious, their beliefs co-existing with notions of animism, astrology and "black magic." "I can see it in other people's eyes," said Natsuda Janbtim, 45, who has been raising her doll Nong Ruay Jung, or Pretty Rich in Thai, for 8 months. "I know some of them must be wondering why I am carrying a doll but I just don't care." The plastic dolls, about the size of a real baby or an American Girl doll, are called "look thep", or "child angel" and cost between $40 and $800 USD. "THESE PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS." {really?} Devotees of the dolls lavish attention on them, often treating them like real babies, even taking them to be blessed by monks in the hope that benevolent spirits will possess them and bring good luck. "My life has changed a lot, for the better," said Jantabtim, who lives with her daughter and owns a beauty salon. "When I hug her, I know it's love. I tell her I love her all the time." Panpimon Wipulakorn, deputy director-general of the Department of Mental Health, said the economic downturn exacerbated the phenomenon. "There have always been groups in Thai society that hold such beliefs and economic worries only help to heighten these beliefs," Panpimon told Reuters. "These people do not have mental health problems." A "Child angel" doll. CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP - Getty Images Mananya Boonmee, 49, sells dolls and raises her own called Nong Petch, or baby jewel. "The economy is bad right now. Everybody needs something to hold on to," said Boonmee, who claims Nong Petch helped her win the lottery by telling her what numbers to buy in her dreams. Thailand has been ruled by a junta since a May 2014 coup and the generals have struggled to revive the export-dependent economy, while promising to restore democracy with an election next year. Such fads have happened before. After a 2006 coup, many people turned to plasticine amulets, or charms, in the belief they would bring riches. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha weighed in on Monday saying people who could not afford to buy the dolls should not do so. Ratchada Mahanavanont, 45, kisses her "child angel" doll in Bangkok. RUNGROJ YONGRIT / EPA But the craze persists, according to Phra Winai Thidtapanyo, a 64-year old monk at the Bua Khwan Temple in Nonthaburi. He has blessed more than 30,000 dolls since last year. "Since then, people have constantly been coming to me," Thidtapanyo said. Some businesses are cashing in on the trend. Thai Smile, a subsidiary of national flag carrier Thai Airways, said it would charge passengers who bring dolls on board and would serve them snacks. {really?} But the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand said it would stop airlines selling tickets for dolls over concern they could be used to smuggle drugs. {no, really?} http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/look-thep-lifelike-doll-craze-sweeps-superstitious-thailand-n506661 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coss Posted January 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 One for the men - Top Quality 160cm Full Body Japanese Anime Gir Silicone Vaginal Sex Doll Japanese Cloth Realistic Solid Life Size Love Dolls http://www.aliexpres...0608.4.9.BnpORA 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 So Thai-Chinese people are laughing all the way to the bank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bust Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Remember this craze? I predict the same fate for the "luk thep". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatukham_Rammathep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 ...one time a certain Mr. Stupid filled a blow up doll with helium and let it float around in downtown Chicago...small problem was O'Hare airport...the planes coming in that day would fly directly over the downtown only to be greeted by the flying lady/doll...opppps.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Did they catch you? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dean Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 It must be a big craze when the Kansas City Star, a newspaper that carries nothing about Thai culture, has a long article in the Sunday edition about "Child Angel" dolls. It will be interesting to see if my wife brings one back after visiting LOS in July. Do they come in boys instead of girls? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 It appears they do, unless they're Toms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baa99 Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 I'll stick with my Cabbage Patch kid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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