Are they human? Child-like dolls should be stored in luggage, air bosses rule

Thailand’s air safety body warned passengers Wednesday that lucky “child angel” dolls cannot be considered real people and must be properly stowed before take-off and landing. The unusual clarification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) came in response to the latest superstitious craze sweeping the kingdom, where Thais are pampering lifelike dolls that are believed to contain the spirit of a real child hoping it will bring them good luck. Known in Thai as “luuk thep” (child angels), the pricey dolls, which can cost up to $600, were first popularised by celebrities who claimed dressing up and feeding the dolls had brought them professional success.

[They are] non-human beings that cannot be considered passengers…

Civil Aviation Authority

This week multiple local media outlets ran reports based around a leaked memo from Thai Smile suggesting the airline planned to begin offering airline tickets – including in-flight drinks and snacks – to the dolls. The memo defined the “child angels” as “a doll that is alive”, adding that the figures should be placed in window seats so as not to disturb other passengers and that seatbelts should be worn during take off and landing, according to reports. But in its statement the CAAT said the dolls should be stored as hand luggage or in the hold.

Thai dolls