How a Plush Buddha Blind Box Became a Talking Point for Thai Media
Idea Burst’s “Good Luck” Amitofo key-chains—Lucky, Rich, Work and Love.
Get to know the Chinese artist showcasing a new plush series at Pop Mart's upcoming Pop Toy Show in August.
⏰ Tue, Jul 8, 2025 @ 4:30 AM PST
🐟 Published from Seattle, WA, USA
🔨 Built by Chase Burns Broderick
Chinese designer Shu Pi (Idea Burst) will sell eight colourways of her monk-themed Amitofo plush at Pop Mart’s Pop Toy Show Singapore 2025, putting Buddhist symbolism back in the art toy spotlight with her Buddha blind box.
🌍 Prefer another language? This article is also available in English · Español · العربية · 中文 (简体) · हिंदी · Bahasa Melayu. just tap the language switcher in the top‑right corner.
That spotlight previously popped up in Thailand last November, when Deputy Director Boonchert Kittitharangkoon of Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism posted pictures of Amitofo’s Buddha blind box products on Facebook, warning vendors to think carefully before selling any items that depict the Buddha.
Screenshot of Deputy Director Boonchert Kittitharangkoon’s Facebook post telling vendors to stop selling Idea Burst’s Amitofo “Good Luck” key-chain series.
📹 A video recapping the controversy > Facebook Watch
But the rant only fanned the plush. Retailers across Southeast Asia flagged the Good Luck keychains as sold out within weeks. Riding that buzz, Shu Pi followed with the City Walk blind-box figure set and, just last month, showcased an “Always Be With You” Buddha plush holding a rainbow-heart—part of a broader push toward inclusive, feel-good themes. (Thinking about Kubo.)
🧑💼 Wang Ning interview: The Pop Mart CEO says “we are an IP company,” as he says less than 50% of Pop Mart’s business comes from blind boxes.
