Dolls line of the floor of the Sawang Ar-rom Temple in Bangkok. They've been left there by former owners who once treated them like real children.
Dolls line of the floor of the Sawang Ar-rom Temple in Bangkok. They've been left there by former owners who once treated them like real children.
Mark Phillips/CNN
Celebrities have joined the trend for "luk thep" or "child angel dolls." However there's been a backlash, mostly on social media, against the dolls.
Celebrities have joined the trend for "luk thep" or "child angel dolls." However there's been a backlash, mostly on social media, against the dolls.
Mark Phillips/CNN
In Thai culture, if something has been considered sacred, it's not usually acceptable to merely abandon it or throw it out.
In Thai culture, if something has been considered sacred, it's not usually acceptable to merely abandon it or throw it out.
Mark Phillips/CNN
Many dolls have been brought here to the temple, where they can be shown due respect.
Many dolls have been brought here to the temple, where they can be shown due respect.
Mark Phillips/CNN
The dolls have been blessed by monks who match the right doll to the right parent. Their "birthday" is selected on a date auspicious for the parent.
The dolls have been blessed by monks who match the right doll to the right parent. Their "birthday" is selected on a date auspicious for the parent.
Mark Phillips/CNN
The dolls are thought to bring their owners good fortune, but it seems for some parents their upkeep outweighs the benefits.
The dolls are thought to bring their owners good fortune, but it seems for some parents their upkeep outweighs the benefits.
Mark Phillips/CNN