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.
Buddhist monk Phra Winai Thidtapanyo, 64, anoints a "child angel" doll during a blessing ritual at Wat Bua Khwan temple in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Thailand, which is predominantly Buddhist, has been modernising rapidly over the past two or three decades. But many people are highly superstitious, their Buddhist beliefs co-existing 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".
Here, devotees pay respects to a Buddhist monk as they sit with their dolls during a blessing ritual.
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.
Devotees of the dolls lavish attention on them.
. Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha
"My life has changed a lot, for the better," said beauty salon owner Natsuda Jantabtim, 45, who has had her doll - Nong Ruay Jung, or “baby so rich” - for eight months.
"When I hug her, I know it's love,” she said. “I tell her I love her all the time."
. Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has weighed in, saying people who could not afford to buy the dolls should not do so.
"I've never raised a child angel doll," he quipped.
The dolls cost from about 1,500 baht ($40) to up to 30,000 baht ($800) and some businesses are tapping in on the craze.
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.
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.