Thai airline serves food and drinks to dolls

'Child Angel' dolls have become increasingly popular in Thailand. Photo / Instagram, vitrawee

A Thai airline has offered to serve food and drinks to dolls - as long as they've purchased a ticket.

The bizarre moves follows a craze in Thailand for ultra-realistic dolls, known as Luk Thep or "Child Angels" - with some owners believing they have supernatural powers.

While on a Thai Smile Airways (part of national carrier Thai Airways) flight, the dolls are expected to abide by the same rules as human passengers. They must wear a seatbelt when instructed and will be offered food and drink throughout the flight.

Without a ticket, they are treated merely as carry-on luggage.

The Star reported that a memo had been sent out to Thai Smile Airways staff, which explained the dolls can be treated as children, as they undergo a "spiritualisation" process, which is believed to breathe life into them.

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The dolls are thought to contain the spirits of child angels and are pampered with fancy clothes and accessories in the hope it will bring good luck.

Recently, a Bangkok buffet also opened service to Luk Thep - with the condition that all food purchased must be consumed.

- nzherald.co.nz