If the Department of Cultural Promotion has its way, Thailand will have the naga, a mythical snake, as a national symbol. The department, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, proposed the idea to the cabinet last week, saying the mythical creature has long influenced Thai society and traditions. It has also tried to link the idea of promoting the naga with the recently much referred to idea of “soft power” through films and drama. The National Identity Office has reportedly assigned the Department of 10 Crafts of Traditional Thai Arts and Craftsmanship to draw an official naga symbol …