MENTAL HEALTH WARNING
Mental health authorities, however, have advised that owners of the dolls would be better advised to follow established religious doctrine than to rely on superstitious belief to avoid ill fortune.
Jedsada Chokdamrongsuk, director-general of the Mental Health Department, said on Monday that Thai people's tendency to believe in the supernatural, to seek something their mind could rely on, and to follow changing fashions had led to the popularity of such dolls.
As there were shops selling clothing and jewellery and offering beauty services for such dolls, Dr Jedsada said, he did not see adherents as being mentally ill.
But he felt people would be better advised adhering to religions, which had clear origins and were credible, and accept that blessings come from doing good deeds.
Dr Yongyud Wongpiromsarn, advisory head of the Mental Health department, said while belief could boost morale it should be based on the reality that personal success came from hard work, good planning and careful spending.