Deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the move had been proposed by The National Culture Committee, which had earlier tasked the Fine Arts Department with drawing a prototype picture of the Naga, a half-human, half-serpentine being, based on folklore to be used as a mythological national animal. According to the National Culture Committee, Thais believe there are four royal families of Nagas, namely Virupakkhas (golden Nagas), Erapatha (green Nagas), Chabbyaputtas (rainbow-colour Nagas), and Kanhagotamakas (black Nagas). The department’s drawing includes the largest Naga in Thai folklore called Vasuki, who had close relationships with Buddhism and ancient kings. Ratchada said Nagas have been present in Thai culture, traditions and rituals since ancient times, such as the popular Naga fireball festival and “Lai Reua Fai”, or illuminated boat procession to mark the end of Buddhist lent. They are also believed to be protectors of Buddhism and are often used to decorate staircase rails leading to sacred Buddhist establishments, which feature Buddha’s footprints or relics.

Vitai Ratanakorn, president and CEO of GSB, oversaw a ceremony to launch the two new proactive saving schemes. The first scheme, for medium-term savings, offers annual interest of 4.50 per cent tax-free on money deposited for at least 13 months. The second scheme, for long-term savings, offers 3.21 per cent annual interest tax-free on money deposited for seven years. Vitai said that while the government is urging people to spend to boost the economy through domestic consumption, it is also important to set aside money for the long term.

"The death toll in the bridge collapse incident has gone up to 132. The search and rescue operations are continuing," senior official NK Muchhar told Reuters, warning that the victim count could rise further. Military personnel have joined rescue teams from nearby districts to search the river for any remaining victims, Muchhar said. More than 400 people were on and around the colonial-era bridge when it collapsed, said authorities. The bridge was a sightseeing point for people celebrating the Diwali and Chhath Puja holidays.

Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, hosted a horse race on Friday. Fifty jockeys participated in the race, which consisted of six runs.

On Sunday, Yoon declared national mourning would be observed until Saturday (November 5) with government buildings will flying the flag at half-mast. He also expressed condolences to victims and their families, prayed for quick recoveries among the injured, and vowed an investigation to find the cause. US President Joe Biden also sent a message of solidarity: "Jill [Biden] and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul. We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured." Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was shocked to learn of the heavy casualties in the stampede, according to China’s Foreign Ministry website.

The Finance Ministry will offer the following rewards:Up to 100,000 baht or 30 per cent of the value of counterfeit money confiscated if the mastermind is also caught. Up to 100,000 baht or 30 per cent of the value of the counterfeit banknotes seized. Police officers cracking the case are also eligible for 25 per cent of these rewards. The reward will be paid in two lots, half when the prosecutor releases a prosecution order and another half when the court issues a guilty verdict.

The announcement stipulated that seeds of both plants can be imported from any country provided they meet the following criteria:- The seeds must not be genetically modified. - Importers must present lab evidence that they have been treated for or protected against pests, namely Pseudomonas syringae py cannabina, Xanthomonas campestris pv cannabis, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Arabis mosaic virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus, Orobanche ramosa, Cuscuta spp and Striga spp. - Importers must present a phytosanitary certificate for export or re-export issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) in the country of origin. Thailand legalised marijuana and hemp on June 9, allowing the former narcotics to be grown freely, but recreational use of the plants remains prohibited. Furthermore, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana or hemp products for sale must be lower than 0.2 per cent.

He added that digital finance is rising in Thailand and across the world, as seen in the popularity of digital payments and currencies. "The number of digital payments globally increased five times last year," Ronadol remarked. He outlined three aspects of Thailand’s three-year payment system plan:Openness: connecting data to create an ecosystem conducive to competition using new technologies and innovations. Inclusivity: developing the system to cover all groups of users, as well as creating digital literacy among them. "This will enable all groups of people to access digital payment, improve their quality of life and drive Thailand towards the digital economy," he said.

He said, “Designing a logo for the NSDF is really important in identifying the organisation itself or its identity in communicating with the public.”The competition will allow designers from all over the country to send their designs from November 1 to 30, for a chance to win a prize. NSDF will announce the names of those who make it to the qualification round on December 23, and the winner will be selected in the final round on January 11, 2023. The new logo is expected to be used from the beginning of 2023 onwards. Visit NSDF’s website www.nsdf.or.th or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nsdf.or.th/, for more information.

Earlier this month, the agency of BTS announced that Jin will cancel a request to further delay his enlistment in late October. The other younger band members also plan to serve their compulsory service. In June, BTS announced a break from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, but reunited on October 15 to perform a free concert in the city of Busan in support of South Korea's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in the port city.

Areegator goes into the field to meet insurance broker members in Samutprakarn with the aim to grow togetherAreegator online insurance selling platform under the concept “sincere, understanding, and growing together”, led by Teerawat Sajarone (centre), AVP Insurance Broker Strategy, Ngern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, and team continued on its membership mission with "2022 Areegator Workshop Tour” in Samutprakarn. The event presented to insurance brokerage agents on the Areegator platform new features and comprehensive facilities. Discussion, feedback and idea exchanges leveraged platform efficiency and improvement. Hosted at Koon Hotel in Samutprakarn, over 50 members participated with tremendous interest. Brokerage agents and independent sales personnel interested in joining the classes or seeking more information about Areegator or wishing to apply for free membership can do so at http://www.areegator.com and Facebook areegator or contact the call centre at 02-792-1320 press 2 (Monday- Friday 08.30 – 17.30 hours)

We must work as a team, always ready to help one another, respectful of others and grateful for their differences, which lets everyone reach their potential to bring success to the team. G is for “Goodwill”, which involves “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds”, the basis of humanity in every society. Next year, DTGO will focus even more on diversity and inclusion. The group now has many generations as well as members working in branches around the world. It’s crucial to create an organizational culture that values diversity and participation.

(Bangkok Post file photo)The Finance Ministry plans to inject 10 billion baht into Thai Airways International to keep its shareholding from dipping below 40%, according to the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo). The ministry will sell some of the shares it holds in other state enterprises to raise the necessary funds, said Pantip Sripimol, the Sepo director-general. No decision has been made yet as to which state enterprises will be targeted. The debt-ridden flag carrier submitted the revised plan following a better-than-expected recovery from the most financially trying period in its history. The plan requires the Finance Ministry to hold at least 40% of the shares in the carrier.

It has been reported that Tossaporn was highly dissatisfied over Supattanapong’s alleged interference in the appointments of top executives of PTT’s subsidiaries. “The prime minister asked the two to work together and to not start a conflict again,” the source said. With Prayut’s mediation, Tossaporn agreed to stay on and no change would be made to the PTT board, according to the source.

Read MoreIn the statement, Chonburi FC said its executives and staff held a meeting immediately after the news broke. Chonburi FC and its executives will fully help and compensate the injured victim who is being treated at Chonburi Hospital, besides compensating the family of the person killed in the incident. The club disagreed with Worawut’s behaviour as he was allegedly drunk and killed a person while driving under the influence. The club said his action flew in the face of its morals and aim to help Chonburi residents lead a healthy life, which includes shunning alcohol before driving. The club vowed to “control” its footballers and staff from causing such an incident again.