The fetuses. "The bodies are of children between the ages of two and seven months. Some were found covered in gold leaf," Wiwat Kumchumnan, sub-division chief of the police's Children and Women Protection unit, said, according to the Independent. To date, the source of the bodies remains unclear.

The discovery. Authorities made the arrest after receiving information saying the fetuses were being offered — and sold off — to wealthy clients who believed their possession would bring “wealth and good luck,” according to the Telegraph. Exactly how/where were the infant corpses being sold? Via a black magic services website, the Independent reports. Kuen intended to sell the infant corpses for as much as six times what he paid on the Internet.

The market. The Huffington Post reports that authorities believe Chow was planning to smuggle the corpses to his native Taiwan, where wealthy clients awaited. Once there, one fetus could sell for up to $200,000 Thai baht, or $6,376. Col Wiwat Kamhamnan, of the Bangkok police, said: “He said he planned to sell the fetuses to clients who believe they will make them lucky and rich.” Or just creepy af.

Ancient ritual. In Thai black magic rituals, preserved fetuses are believed to bring good fortune to the owner — the practice is dubbed “Kuman Thong." Kuman means “sanctified young boy,” while “thong” means golden. Oftentimes, these male corpses are kept in shrines within homes or businesses.

The practice. According to ancient manuscripts used by black magic practitioners, the practice requires male fetuses to be surgically removed from the womb. Then, the bodies are dried as black magic incantations are said over the body, before it is eventually covered in gold leaf. This is why the practice received the name of “Kuman Thong,” meaning “Golden Little Boy.”

The practice."The original, ancient form of the Kuman Thong would require a dead fetus, often surgically removed from the mother's womb,” the International Business Times reported in 2012. "The fetus would then be taken to a cemetery, where a series of incantations were recited as the fetus was roasted. Illegal practitioners have been known to coat their effigies in the fat of human babies to consecrate them."

The practice today. Recently, hyper-realistic dolls of children have become popular in Thailand. Though the dolls are not made out of real children, some people believe the objects can be injected with the spirit of a child after being blessed. The owners of these dolls provide them with food, water and clothes, while some companies even offer the dolls the option to reserve their own seats or services.

History. "The earliest mention of the belief in Kuman Thong can be found in the 18th century Thai fairytale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, where the character of Khun Phaen acquires a powerful spirit by removing the foetus of his stillborn son from his wife,” according to the Independent Business Times. However, Kuen’s 2012 case reveals that the ancient, illegal practice is still ongoing and that the market for roasted fetuses is still intact.

https://www.rebelcircus.com/blog/occult-industry-gold-leafed-covered-fetuses/