"Oh, this? Just my midnight snack. You know, roast fetus gilded in gold leaf?" -- 2012 article showing their favorite three things at once: cannibalism, child murder, and gold.
(www.huffpost.com)
? These people are sick! ?
I remember this story from over a decade ago. It was widely reported by the news services here. Apparently a perfectly preserved, late term fetus in encrusted in gold leaf can sell for up to $1 million USD in China. Most Thais, even Thai Chinese, find the practice revolting, but there are always those willing to do anything for luck. They also like to eat tiger penises and other odd things. Superstition is strong in this part of the world.
In the case referred to here, if memory serves, there was no indication any child was ever murdered. As I remember, police determined the fetuses were obtained from a hospital where nurses had sold the remains obtained from miscarriages.
It also turns out that the only crime actually committed was illegal disposal and transporting of human remains...a charge which carried a penalty of only 2000 baht, which is around $60 - $70 USD. With such a large payoff and such a tiny fine if you get caught, I assume that people are still involved in the practice.
The only saving grace is that there is a very small market for such things. It is not something that could ever be done in scale. It takes a particular kind of sick to think this brings luck.