Labubu Toys and the Controversial Cambodian Connection: Fact or Fiction?
A social media post in Thailand suggests that the popular Labubu toys, produced by Popmart in Hong Kong, are based on the Cambodian Kala myth.
The post claims that Labubu is a small monster and the flagship character of Kasing Lung, and that it shares similarities with Kala, a demon from Cambodian folklore.
Kala is depicted as a fire-swallowing monster with large fangs and a gaping mouth, commonly found in Angkorian iconography.
However, Thai netizens have questioned the similarities between Labubu and Kala, leading to ongoing debate on social media platforms.
Thailand and Cambodia have a history of disputes over cultural ownership, including the Songkran festival and language elements.
Recently, Labubu toys, which are popular in Thailand and other countries, have seen increased demand due to a post by Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK.
This has resulted in price hikes and low stocks, leading to warnings for buyers to be cautious and avoid purchasing fakes online.