Bangkok Dolls, the real thing

This is a set of Bangkok Dolls showing a scene from the Ramayana. Shown are Hanuman (white), Lakshmi (green), and Rama (gold), conquering the evil Ravanna (center, with green mask), or Thosaganth in the Thai version. These dolls aren't cheap. Bangkok Dolls is a world-famous brand of fine-quality Thai dolls. I saw their museum and workshop in a difficult-to-find sidestreet off Bangkok last May, and I couldn't resist spending on this. This must be the most expensive doll set in my collection. They cost more than the Barbies, I tell you.

This lavishly dressed Thai lady is another Bangkok Dolls limited edition. She is wearing an Ayutthaya (14th-18th centuries) costume. I really wanted to have a doll of Porntip Nakhirunkanok, Miss Universe 1988, which is in their display, but they only create her by special order, which means it could cost much more. So, I settled for this one. She costs like a Barbie Gold Label too.

This one is a Bangkok Dolls cuddly edition. She is of the Northern Thailand tribes. Well stuffed, and detailed. She stands 9". There are bigger dolls of her kind, if only I had much space in my luggage.

The maker of Bangkok Dolls, Mrs. Tongkorn Chandavimol, is an internationally recognized and multi-awarded dollmaker. She was inspired to make dolls by a Filipino doll-maker she read about in the newspaper. They also have some really old Philippine cloth dolls in their display. Check out Bangkok Dolls at www.bangkokdolls.com. Bankok Dolls Museum is at 85 Soi Rajatapan, Makkasan, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.