http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/26/aviation/ ... nntravelfb
... Luk Thep are believed to possess a child's spirit and bring good fortune, thus many Thais have taken to treating them like real kids.
The internal Thai Smile memo, being circulated among Thai media, says the dolls have to be buckled up like human passengers and will be served snacks and drinks. ...
Though many of the Luk Thep are imported, they reportedly go through a ritual in Thailand that involves implanting them with a child's soul. ...
A new twist to the story ... some of these dolls have been loaded with drugs by smugglers, so apparently these dolls must go through security like human beings.
I currently do not plan to travel locally or internationally by air. This gives me another reason. Sitting next to one of these dolls would be like sitting next to the devil. I have had enough problems with neighbors who conduct séances.