This is what a “spirit doll” looks like. It’s eyes and lips were applied during a ritual by Buddhist monks. And if you own one it can now get its own plane seat on Thai Smile Airways. Picture: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT
A THAI budget airline has become the latest travel company to capitalise on a growing trend for so-called “spirit dolls” by offering to sell extra seats and meals for the supernatural companions.
Spirit dolls, or Luk Thep in Thai, are factory-manufactured dolls said to be infused with a wandering spirit by a witch doctor, in ceremonies costing up to $US800 ($A1,142).
The dolls, which otherwise resemble normal children’s dolls in style and size, are supposed to bring good fortune if the host takes good care of the spirit by clothing it, feeding it, bathing it and adorning it with jewels.
These dolls will have to Picture: Arthur Jones Dionio/Alamy Live NewsSource:Alamy
Low-budget airline Thai Smile confirmed it would sell seats and meals for the dolls, joining the Thai branch of Air Asia and bus company Nakorn Chai among others in offering services for spirit dolls at full price.
The trend has raised concern among officials with National Police Chief Jakthip Chaijinda telling reporters that criminals may attempt to hide drugs or other illegal items inside the dolls.
“We will have to search these dolls carefully because criminals may attempt to use its sacredness to smuggle contraband,” he said.
“However, we respect the public and their right to their beliefs.” Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters that he personally did not have a doll but would not “pass judgment on those that do.”
Thai devotee Ratchada Mahanavanont, 45, kisses her spirit doll at her house in Bangkok, Thailand, 24 January 2016. Picture: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRITSource:AAP
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