SDC readies sports NFT, collectiblesMr Watchai said the company's NFT first series will concern sport moments in both pictures and video clips, set to be launched in the last quarter. SET-listed tech and ICT solution provider Samart Corporation, via subsidiary Samart Digital Company (SDC), plans to launch its first non-fungible tokens (NFT) linked with sports by the final quarter and then expand to collectible tokens to explore new opportunities in digital assets. The latest plans are meant to drive SDC to attain profitability next year following five years of losses. The astrology app will gradually replace the firm's horoscope phone service via 1900, which has been operating for two decades. It is now pursuing the bidding of projects worth more than 12 billion baht in total by 2022, Mr Watchai said.

As many as 76 per cent of the executives surveyed said they expected a global recession this year due to high inflation and supply-chain disruptions if the war worsens and Western countries tighten their US-led boycott of Russia, FTI vice-chairman Montri Mahaplerkpong said on Thursday. The respondents expected Thailand’s inflation rate to stay at 4-5 per cent this year, he said. The FTI’s CEO Survey on “How inflation affects the Thai economy”, was conducted in May with 200 top executives of 45 industrial groups across the country. Most of the executives called on the government to issue measures to help groups affected by the high inflation, including low-income people and operators of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Chuwit: Govt faces stability testCapt Thamanat Prompow, the former Setthakij Thai secretary-general, is playing a game of "high risk, high return", says former politician and media firebrand Chuwit Kamolvisit. The former leader of the Rak Prathet Thai Party believes Capt Thamanat is looking to win something of high value, rather than regain his cabinet post. Capt Thamanat, former deputy agriculture minister, was accused of plotting to topple Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in last year's no-confidence debate. He reckoned that Capt Thamanat's game plan is to continue challenging the coalition government's stability with backing from several micro parties. He added that Capt Thamanat is likely to prefer the use of 100 in the calculation of party-list seats.

Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, director-general of the ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), said on Thursday that by better understanding the system, Thai exporters could boost their competitiveness in the African market. He said the Thai commerce attaché in Kenya recently reported about the African country’s adoption of a trade facilitation platform called “Ken Trade e-Single Window” for the exchange of single-entry shipping documents with 21 other African nations, including Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon and Senegal. The e-trade system exchanges real-time information among the member countries regarding international trade, such as import taxes, shipping service fees, certificates of origin for cargos. Such information is made available by the relevant state agencies, shipping companies, and exporters and importers.

Sometimes known by his alias 'Chessplayer,' Rodriguez was extradited to the United States in 2004. The 83-year-old was serving time at a federal prison in Butner, North Carolina. The drug lord's daughter informed of Rodriguez Orejuela's death on May 31 at 6:54 p.m. in a statement. They were beginning the process of extraditing his remains back to Colombia, his family said. Rodriguez's brother Miguel was captured two months later and is also serving a sentence in the United States.

Chaiwut pointed out that some taxi service apps or digital platforms have not been authorised. He did not name them but wanted them to obtain a licence and employ measures to take care of both drivers and passengers for the sake of security and protection. The minister said there is a law that supports taxi services so he had asked existing and new unregistered taxi application operators to follow the law. The government wants it to be more convenient for people to use apps when hailing taxis, he said. However, the ministry and the DLT will request the court to block illegal apps, he added.

Business group seeks PDPA delayThe Personal Data Protection Act went into effect on June 1, 2022. For these reasons the JSCCIB will ask the government to consider delaying application of PDPA laws. The JSCCIB also suggested that state agencies help the public and private sectors better understand PDPA laws and allow time for adjustment, he said. If someone's personal data is found to have been used without consent, the data owner can file a lawsuit. Some details of PDPA laws, however, remain vague and must be clarified, for instance images taken from security camera footage, he said.

Published byThe Bangkok PostNetflix film by Thai creators preaches harmonious existencepublished : 2 Jun 2022 at 04:00 newspaper section: [Life](http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&xNewsSection=Life) Netflix is screening the first preschool animation, Sea Of Love, by Thai creators to teach children and viewers of all ages how to live together in harmony. Produced by The Monk Studios, Sea Of Love explores the undersea world where creatures — Bruda, the gentle whale; Wayu, the cheerful ray; Puri, the kind-hearted seahorse; and Bobbi, the perky shark — embark on an adventure in each episode. F…Read More

Published byThe Bangkok PostJapanese art on display at Kalwitpublished : 2 Jun 2022 at 04:00 newspaper section: [Life](http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&xNewsSection=Life) Kalwit Studio & Gallery will present artwork by Japanese creators and artists during “Cross Over Vol. 38: Japanese Art Collective” from Saturday to June 12. On display will be almost 100 art pieces by 41 Japanese artists who have yet to be discovered. Their techniques range from acrylic on canvas to oil on canvas, watercolour, lithograph, digital print, ceramic, Japanese paint and charcoal and chalk on Japanese paper. F…Read More

FDA launching 'plant ganja' app, websiteThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is launching a phone app and a website for people to register if they want to cultivate cannabis and hemp plants, which are being removed from the category 5 narcotics list, its deputy secretary-general Withid Sariddeechaikool said. FDA website introduces its Plook Ganja app. Dr Withid said the FDA is launching the application "ปลูกกัญ" (Plook Ganja, or plant ganja) and website http://plookganja.fda.moph.go.th where people can register. The app "ปลูกกัญ" would be for both IOS and Android systems. Registration of cannabis and hemp cultivation would enable authorities to know how much is being grown, and where.

Govt to meet revenue collection target this year and next: ArkhomLawmakers attend a meeting of the House of Representatives in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Government House)The government is expected to meet its revenue collection targets for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, helped by increased exports and a recovery in tourism, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Wednesday. The country has lifted most Covid-19 curbs, allowing nightlife to resume from Wednesday, to revive the crucial tourism sector. The government proposed spending of 3.185 trillion baht and targets revenue of 2.49 trillion baht for the next fiscal year starting in October to aid economic recovery. Mr Arkhom said there would be more tourism revenue following a reopening to foreign visitors while higher imports would also help increase tax revenue.

Phusit said the insects, such as crickets, black soldier flies, mealworm, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms and cicadas, are commonly used to produce alternative proteins. These proteins are mostly used in the food and beverage industry, followed by the animal feed sector, he said, adding that there are various types of edible insect products, such as powders, protein bars, snacks, pastries, confectionery, processed insects and beverages. Phusit also expected higher demand for edible powder products in line with fitness trends.

“From June 9, all parts of marijuana and hemp will not be considered a narcotics substance as long as they have tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] of less than 0.2 per cent of weight,” said FDA deputy secretary-general Dr Withit Saritdeechaikul. “People can therefore grow these plants at home without any restrictions or having to seek permission from the FDA. “Once you register and detail the number of plants and the purpose for growing them, you will receive an electronic notification from the FDA and can then proceed with growing the plants,” Withit explained. He said the purpose of registration is for the FDA to record the number of marijuana and hemp plants being grown countrywide, which will be valuable statistics for businesses that wish to manufacturer products with ingredients from these plants. This also corresponds with the government’s policy of removing them from the narcotics list: to make marijuana and hemp new "economic plants".

Diesel feeder trains link to more linesThe Red Line of the State Railway of Thailand (Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool)The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will start operating diesel rail services on the Southern Line from Wednesday to serve as a feeder service for the Red Line suburban railway system and the MRT's Blue Line. Since the launch of the Red Line, the number of commuters has gradually climbed, Ekarat Sriarayanphong, director of the SRT's Public Relations Centre director, said on Tuesday. Diesel train services on the Southern Line deploy 20 trains a day, running between Thon Buri, Taling Chan and Nakhon Pathom stations covering 50 kilometres. The SRT is offering a 50% discount for interchanges with its Red Line at Taling Chan Junction Station. The timetable for regular trains on the Nam Tok-Thon Buri section and suburban trains on the Thon Buri-Ratchaburi-Thon Buri and Suphan Buri-Bangkok sections has also been adjusted to connect with diesel rail services on the Nakhon Pathom-Taling Chan-Thon Buri section.

Nightspots to reopen todayPubs and bars in Soi Nana, a popular nightlife destination in Bangkok are expected to revive after Covid restrictions ease from Wednesday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)From Wednesday, entertainment venues such as pubs, bars and nightclubs will reopen in 31 provinces, including Bangkok, with their hours of operation and the serving of alcoholic beverages extended until midnight. The latest relaxation of public health measures takes effect as the Covid-19 situation has steadily improved. On Tuesday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued guidelines for nightspots in the capital in response to the reopening. In Phuket, provincial health chief Koosak Kookiatkul said the province is ready to reopen entertainment venues on the island.