People turn to dolls as economy struggles

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 Buddhist beliefs coexisting with notions of animism, astrology and "black magic".

The plastic dolls, about the size of a real baby, are called look thep, or "child angel".