From 2015 to 2017, the explosive popularity of luk thep (child angel) dolls in Thailand marked a period of heightened interest and fascination with lifelike dolls believed to possess spiritual qualities, bringing luck and fortune to owners who tended to their care. Originating from a blend of traditional beliefs and modern consumer culture, these dolls gained widespread popularity, with many Thai people treating them as sacred companions and seeking their protective energies.

The trend hit an explosive peak in January 2016 when Thai Smile Airlines began offering special ticketed seats for the dolls. Local media spun with sensational criticism, citing spiritual ethics, the mental health of owners, and a perhaps inevitable use for the dolls in trafficking drugs. The popularity and acceptance of luk thep collapsed, with many owners abandoning the dolls, turning them over to temples.

The spectacle sparked debates and discussions across the country, reflecting a unique convergence of spirituality, consumerism, and cultural expression in Thai society. Despite public backlash, some owners stand by their commitment to care for their luk thep and the fortune they hope to bring, whether financial, physical, or emotional.