Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The ad-hoc Senate committee studying the pros and cons of the 2000 and 2001 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on border demarcation with Cambodia has yet to reach a conclusion on whether the two agreements should be revoked, Senator Nophadol In-na said.

Mr Nophadol explained on Monday that the panel’s decision, whether to maintain, amend or nullify the MoUs could have significant implications for Thai-Cambodian relations. Therefore, the committee requires more time to examine the complex and extensive information before making any recommendations.

The committee has extended its work for another 90 days and plans to release as much information as possible to ensure the public understands both the advantages and drawbacks of the two MoUs, he added. The government intends to hold a national referendum on the matter.

When asked whether the findings could influence the referendum questions, Mr Nophadol said that the decision rests with the government but stressed that the committee’s report will provide sufficient information to help voters make an informed choice.

He also welcomed the agreement signed by Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia on Sunday, describing it as a positive step toward restoring peace. Mr Nophadol said it was unlikely Cambodia would breach the accord, as the signing was witnessed by the United States and several Asean nations.

He clarified that the referendum outcome will not affect the new agreement, which serves only as a framework for cooperation.

The pact was signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a regional summit in Malaysia.

Mr Anutin said peace can only be achieved if Cambodia meets four conditions: withdrawing troops, removing land mines, suppressing cyber-scam operations, and resettling Cambodian nationals encroaching on Thai territory.

Pol Gen Sawat Tasana, chairman of the Senate Committee on Military and National Security, urged the government to verify whether Cambodia has indeed withdrawn heavy weapons from border areas. Some footage of the withdrawal was livestreamed on Monday on Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s Facebook page.

He added that Thailand should consider releasing 18 Cambodian prisoners of war only after Phnom Penh fully complies with all agreed terms.

Meanwhile, Senator Decha Nutalai noted that the 2000 MoU states both sides must maintain “friendly and amicable relations”. Given the current strained situation, he argued, the MoU may already be legally void.

Microsoft is currently piloting a new feature within Windows 11, designed to check for memory issues following Blue Screens of Death (BSOD), often colloquially referred to as the “blue screen”.

Upon restarting the machine after a BSOD event, users may be presented with a dialogue box asking: “Do you want to scan memory to find problems?”

Should the user consent, the Windows system will schedule Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to run during the subsequent reboot. This diagnostic process is estimated to take approximately 5 minutes. Upon completion, Windows will display a report detailing whether any anomalies were detected.

This new functionality is positioned as part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to enhance the overall stability of the Windows operating system. The rationale is that certain “blue screen” occurrences can be directly attributed to faulty or corrupted Random Access Memory (RAM).

Amanda Langowski, head of the Windows Insider team, explained that if a computer unexpectedly restarts after a bugcheck – a critical system error – a notification suggesting a memory scan might appear. Performing this scan, she noted, assists the system in early detection and resolution of instabilities caused by memory corruption.

In the initial testing phase, this feature is set to activate following all bugcheck codes. This allows Microsoft’s team to thoroughly analyse which types of errors correlate with memory corruption before refining the feature to target only the most relevant cases in the future.

Presently, the post-BSOD memory scan feature is rolling out exclusively to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels. Users must have updated to Build 26220.6982 (KB5067109) or Build 26120.6982 (KB5067109), respectively.

However, certain limitations remain: the system is not supported on devices using ARM64 chips, nor does it function on systems where Administrator Protection or BitLocker is enabled without Secure Boot.

The memory scan system aims to verify the integrity of the installed RAM or memory modules. This can check for issues such as a defective module, unstable timing values, or damage resulting from overclocking beyond standard specifications – all potential causes for system freezes or unexpected restarts.

Such incidents are frequently observed on computers under heavy load or those that have been custom-built. The memory scan serves as a straightforward, initial diagnostic step before users resort to seeking professional repair or replacing RAM modules.

Prior to initiating a memory scan, users are advised to take certain precautions. It is recommended to back up all critical data beforehand and ensure that both Windows and all installed drivers are updated to their latest versions.

After the scan, if the system reports RAM problems, users should consider replacing the memory module or reverting any overclocking settings, such as XMP profiles, back to their default values.

If the scan completes without finding any issues, yet the Blue Screen errors persist frequently, users are advised to investigate other hardware components, such as the mainboard or the power supply unit, for potential faults.

Tye Ruotolo will return to action at ONE 173 in Tokyo for a lightweight MMA showdown with Japan’s Shozo Isojima – a matchup that adds even more firepower to ONE Championship’s blockbuster card on November 16.

The bout pits two undefeated athletes against each other, with both men looking to make a statement in their young MMA careers.

Ruotolo, the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, made his long-awaited MMA debut in September at ONE Fight Night 35, choking out Adrian Lee in the second round. After that victory, he told the Bangkok Post he was hoping to ‘slide onto the Tokyo card’ – and his wish has been granted.

The Bangkok Post understands the 22-year-old American was initially discussed as a potential opponent for former ONE lightweight champion Shinya Aoki, but those plans shifted when Aoki was paired with Hiroyuki Tetsuka in an all-Japan matchup announced earlier this week.

Isojima, meanwhile, has been on a rapid rise of his own. The 28-year-old Japanese standout was originally scheduled to face Adrian Lee at ONE 172 in March, but the fight was cancelled after he suffered an injury. He finally made his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 36 earlier this month, earning a second-round TKO over Nicolas Vigna – and a US$50,000 performance bonus.

Backstage after the fight, Isojima told the Bangkok Post he hoped to land a slot on ONE’s next Japan card.

‘I’m speechless – I don’t know what to say, I’m so happy,’ he said. ‘I won my first fight, I knocked my opponent out, my weight went so well. Maybe a chance to fight on ONE 173 in Tokyo.’

Asked who he wanted next, Isojima replied without hesitation: ‘The opponent I couldn’t fight at ONE 172 – Adrian Lee.’

That callout didn’t materialise, but matchmakers have instead granted him another high-profile test against the man who handed Lee his first professional defeat.

The matchup further strengthens ONE 173’s historic lineup, which now features seven world title fights and a total of 18 bouts on a single day – with an intermission expected between sessions. Doors open at 11am local time, with the show scheduled from 12pm to 10pm at Ariake Arena.

Other confirmed fights include Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai title, Superbon vs Masaaki Noiri for the featherweight kickboxing crown, and Jonathan Haggerty vs Nabil Anane for the bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

World leaders and international organisations continue to express their condolences over the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, as government institutions and members of the public pay tribute to her enduring legacy of service and compassion.

On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed a letter of condolence to His Majesty the King, expressing deep sorrow over the Queen Mother’s passing and honouring her lifelong dedication to strengthening relations between Thailand and China, according to the Embassy of China in Bangkok.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on X, describing the Queen Mother’s life as “a shining example of devotion to public service that will continue to inspire generations”.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam had written to His Majesty the King to extend his deepest sympathies. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also sent a letter of condolence to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, offering his respects on behalf of the Singaporean government.

Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy published a message honouring the Queen Mother’s contributions to cultural preservation and rural development.

The Karen National Union also issued a statement, describing the Queen Mother as “a guiding light for all Karen people and citizens”.

In Bangkok, large crowds of mourners from all over the country gathered at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion within the Grand Palace to pay their respects before a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, on Monday.

To accommodate the increasing number of mourners, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has set up tents and other facilities for public convenience at Sanam Luang.

According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, the public may pay their respects before the royal portrait at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion from 8.30am to 4pm daily. A royal condolence book is also available at the site for mourners to sign.

The public will be permitted to pay homage before the royal remains at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall from Nov 9, between 9am and noon.

Investor confidence has risen sharply this week after US September inflation came in lower than expected, fuelling optimism that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates at its meeting later this week.

According to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS), US headline inflation in September rose by only 3% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month, leading markets to price in a 98.3% probability of a 0.25% rate cut — a move that has further encouraged fund inflows into risk assets globally.

Sentiment also improved on signs of progress in US-China trade talks, as well as in negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, both of which could help ease regional tensions.

Foreign investors were net buyers of Thai equities last week, totalling 7.7 billion baht, reflecting renewed confidence in emerging markets.

However, analysts warn of possible “sell-on-fact” pressure after Oct 30 if trade talks between Washington and Beijing fail to deliver further breakthroughs, especially with US President Donald Trump’s tariff hearing scheduled for Nov 5.

Adding to the optimism, the recent Thailand-Cambodia peace accord, observed by Trump, was signed successfully and is expected to reduce border tensions.

This development, coupled with progress toward a new US-Thailand trade agreement, is expected to further strengthen investor sentiment in the coming weeks, said ASPS.

On the domestic front, Finansia Syrus Securities (FSS) said shares of Delta Electronics (Thailand) (DELTA) surged by more than 10% on Monday, hitting a high of 231 baht a share and providing a strong lift to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index.

FSS anticipates DELTA’s fourth-quarter revenue rising 20% quarter-on-quarter and 67% year-on-year, driven mainly by its fast-growing data centre business — both in the AI and non-AI segments.

The firm’s fee income is projected to account for 5-6% of total revenue, with management targeting 15-20% annual growth in 2026 as data centre expansion accelerates.

Newly listed Masstech Link (MASTEC) made a strong debut on the SET, opening at 1.78 baht, up 22.7% from its initial public offering price of 1.45 baht, buoyed by positive market sentiment.

The company imports and distributes engineering products and provides integrated design, installation, and maintenance solutions — a sector poised to benefit from Thailand’s ongoing infrastructure and clean energy investments.

During the morning session, the SET Index climbed to a high of 1,345.86 points, up 31.95 points, before closing at 1,330.19 points, an increase of 1.24%.

Wilasinee Boonmasungsong, research director at Globlex Securities, said that domestically the government’s stimulus programmes — including the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme and “Teaw Dee Mee Kuen” travel campaign — are expected to boost year-end consumption.

The Energy Ministry will also launch four major clean-energy projects in November, including community solar farms and agricultural solar pumps, representing over 50 billion baht in investment.

The Bank of Thailand projects GDP growth of 1.5% in the third quarter before easing to 1.3% in the last three months.

That will bring full-year growth to 2.2%, supported by public spending and a tourism recovery.

In commodities, gold prices retreated after a nine-week rally to below US$4,100 an ounce on Monday, as easing US-China trade tensions shifted demand away from safe havens.

However, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs remain bullish, forecasting that gold will exceed $5,000 per ounce by 2026-2027, supported by central bank buying and a lower-rate environment.

The US-Thailand framework for an agreement on reciprocal trade is expected to establish a robust foundation for digital reciprocity, empowering American investments in Thailand — including strategic data centre deployments.

It could facilitate Thai enterprises’ expansion into the US market’s high-growth areas such as digital health.

However, it also raises concerns over the country’s competitiveness, data sovereignty and loss of future tax collection, according to legal and tech experts.

The United States and Thailand announced a joint statement on Sunday on the framework that would see the US maintain a 19% tariff on Thai products while identifying products where tariffs could potentially be adjusted or cut to zero.

The framework covers several trade issues, including that both countries will finalise commitments by Thailand to address barriers impacting digital trade, services and investment.

“It not only enables greater American investment in Thailand’s dynamic digital sector but also opens pathways for Thai digital enterprises to access the vast US market, promoting balanced growth in a rapidly evolving global digital landscape,” Dhiraphol Suwanprateep, an adjunct law lecturer at Bangkok University, told the Bangkok Post.

According to the framework, Thailand commits to avoiding digital services taxes or discriminatory measures against US digital services and products, ensuring free cross-border data transfers for business and supporting a permanent World Trade Orgnisation (WTO) moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.

It will also ease foreign ownership restrictions in telecommunications and remove in-country processing requirements for domestic retail electronic payment transactions involving Thai-issued debit cards.

In the coming weeks, the US and Thailand will negotiate and finalise this agreement on reciprocal trade.

Mr Dhiraphol said these measures, alongside efforts to address state-owned enterprise distortions and enhance supply chain security, foster a level playing field for digital activities in both directions.

Relaxed telecommunications ownership limits allow American firms to invest in 5G networks, broadband infrastructure and joint ventures with local operators.

Fintech providers can eliminate processing barriers to deploy payment gateways, digital wallets and blockchain solutions, partnering with Thai banks to advance financial inclusion, Mr Dhiraphol added.

The commitment to free cross-border data transfers particularly benefits American businesses by enabling the establishment or utilisation of data centres in Thailand.

These facilities can serve as efficient regional hubs for data storage, processing and analytics, offering lower operational costs, reduced latency for Asean markets and compliance with trusted data flow standards.

US cloud providers and enterprises can thus optimise their global operations without mandatory localisation requirements.

Mr Dhiraphol said digital content creators, cloud service providers and e-commerce platforms benefit from non-discriminatory policies and data flow assurances, enabling investments in localised content, data centres and online marketplaces.

Emerging sectors such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) offer collaboration prospects under national security frameworks.

Mr Dhiraphol said American entities should perform regulatory assessments, engage in trade dialogue and establish regional hubs to capitalise on these incentives.

OPPORTUNITIES KNOCK

He added that Thailand’s digital firms have new opportunities to expand into the US market, thanks to commitments on free data flows and non-discriminatory digital policies.

Thai fintech and e-commerce companies can now offer mobile payments, software-as-a-service and cross-border platforms directly to US users.

“Telecom operators from Thailand can explore US partnerships or launch subsidiaries, using their strength in affordable connectivity to serve niche or underserved markets,” said Mr Dhiraphol.

He said Thailand’s strengths in telemedicine, wearables, AI diagnostics and remote patient management — built on its universal healthcare and strong mobile infrastructure — can help address US gaps in rural access, chronic disease care and cost control.

Through secure data flow provisions, Thai platforms can integrate with US health record systems, enabling cross-border teleconsultations and remote monitoring.

Startups specialising in AI analytics and personalised wellness can co-develop Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-compliant tools with US partners.

Thailand’s expertise in medical tourism and health data analytics also supports backend and efficiency solutions for American providers.

To succeed, Thai firms should ensure regulatory compliance, pursue FDA clearance, join US accelerators and leverage intellectual property protections to attract venture capital and build credibility in the US market, Mr Dhiraphol said.

Suthikorn Kingkaew, advisor at Kasem Bundit University Research Institute, said the US and its technology companies favour a global solution under the OECD’s Two-Pillar Approach, which reallocates taxing rights to countries where customers are located and sets a global minimum corporate tax.

They argue that such a framework should replace unilateral measures. This perspective helps explain why digital taxation was addressed in the joint statement on the framework for a US-Thailand agreement on reciprocal trade, in which Thailand pledged not to introduce digital services taxes (DSTs) that would specifically affect US companies.

Several countries have introduced DSTs on foreign tech giants — France (3% in 2019), Italy (3% in 2020) and the UK (2%) — targeting revenues from digital ads, user data and online platforms.

These unilateral measures have created trade tensions with the US, underscoring the need for a global solution under the OECD framework, Mr Suthikorn said.

“In Asean, no country has imposed a direct DST,” said Mr Suthikorn.

Instead, members tax cross-border digital services through existing value-added tax or goods and services tax systems, ensuring equal treatment for domestic and foreign providers while avoiding friction with the US, Mr Suthikorn added.

Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand already apply VAT on digital services.

For Thailand, a regional, coordinated approach, such as a common framework or unified rate, would be more sustainable and diplomatically prudent, Mr Suthikorn said.

“Acting alone to impose a DST could draw scrutiny or even provoke trade retaliation from the US, which illustrates the need for careful diplomacy and alignment with both regional and multilateral partners.”

CONCERN ON COMPETITIVENESS

Eakachai Ruangrat, first vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, told the Bangkok Post Thailand has made a series of pledges under international digital trade frameworks that could reshape its digital economy.

“While these moves aim to attract foreign investment and promote open markets, they also raise concerns about competitiveness, data sovereignty and local industry resilience,” he said.

No discriminatory DST means Thailand has committed not to impose a discriminatory tax on US digital service providers such as Facebook, Google and Netflix, he said.

“The absence of such taxes may disadvantage Thai companies, which must compete with global giants operating under more favourable tax conditions,” Mr Eakachai said.

Moreover, Thailand has agreed not to restrict the transfer of data across borders, including customer information sent to overseas data centres. This benefits cloud computing, fintech and e-commerce firms reliant on international servers.

However, it may conflict with national data sovereignty goals and raise concerns over the security and control of Thai citizens’ data, Mr Eakachai said.

Meanwhile, Thailand supports the ongoing WTO moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions such as e-books, software downloads, music and videos.

This promotes free digital trade and benefits consumers through lower prices. On the flip side, it may reduce government revenue and put Thai content creators at a pricing disadvantage.

Mr Eakachai said if Thailand eases restrictions on foreign ownership in telecom businesses, this will open the door for US firms to invest in mobile operators and internet service providers.

“However, Thai companies may face heightened competition and increased risk of foreign takeovers,” Mr Eakachai said.

With Halloween just around the corner, here are some highlights of this year’s spooky sweet and savoury delights.

COCOA XO at Centara Grand at CentralWorld

COCOA XO transforms into Bangkok’s most thrilling Halloween hideaway from Oct 31 until Nov 1. Besides spine-tingling entertainment such as a DJ, tarot card reading and more, there is also a special 90-minute chocolate buffet package.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is offering Trick or Treat! Doughnuts with four special flavours. They are The Candy Bag, a chocolate whip-glazed doughnut topped with a colourful trick-or-treat candy blend and caramel custard sauce; Jack-O-Lantern, an orange whipped cream-glazed doughnut inspired by the classic Halloween pumpkin, filled with Nutella and decorated with spooky eyes; Cookies and Skreme House, a cookies-and-cream filled doughnut coated in dark chocolate glaze, topped with silver chocolate cookie blend and purple whipped cream and finished with a haunted house-shaped chocolate piece; and finally Spooky Sprinkle, an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in green chocolate and finished with festive Halloween sprinkles.

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Stock.Room at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok joins Halloween celebrations with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Brunch on Nov 1 from noon until 3pm. The one-day-only event serves a feast of flavours from Latin America and beyond.

Holiday Inn Bangkok

From tomorrow until Oct 31, Beer Republic at Holiday Inn Bangkok serves Halloween specialities including dishes such as Bat Wings, or black-glazed chicken wings, and Sai Phi Krasue, which is fried pork intestines with garlic, coriander and a homemade spicy Thai sauce. For those with a Frankenstein-like appetite, the Zombie Burger, a frighteningly good option that stars a devilishly delicious black charcoal bun loaded with a tender Wagyu beef patty, Cheddar cheese and a secret bloody sauce is recommended.

Thailand expects Israeli tourists to be better behaved in future following a meeting between Thai police and a top Israeli security official, amid growing discontent with visitors from the jewish state.

Pol Maj Gen Suwat Suksri said that at Monday’s meeting Avi Bitton, a high-level adviser to the Israeli Security Council, had strongly supported the need for Thailand to take swift and stern action, without hesitation, against Israeli offenders, including those running illegal businesses.

“We hope the discussion, to some extent, will reslove the problem of Israeli tourists engaging in inappropriate behaviour,” Pol Maj Gen Suwat, who is the Surat Thani police chief, said after the talks in Phuket.

Pol Maj Gen Suwat was one of the top police officers in southern provinces who attended the talk with Mr Bitton, who led a delegation to Phuket. The meeting was held to address the problems involving Israeli visitors and expats in Thailand.

The meeting came amid rising public sentiment against Israeli citizens in Thailand – from Pai and Phuket, Koh Phangnga and Koh Samui – fuelled by their offensive behaviour and running of illegal businesses.

The four destinations are popular with Israelis and sanctuaries have been opened exclusively for their use, including reservists recovering from the pressures of the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. They have built these Chabads, exclusive communities, in Pai and other places.

Israel has six Chabad in Thailand. They are in Pai district in Mae Hong Son, and on three islands – Phuket, Koh Samui and Phangan, according to the meeting on Monday. Security for the Israelis was a focus during the talk.

Mr Bitton explained the need to deploy maximum security at those places where Israelis stay, with no outsiders allowed inside, for the safety of their citizens because of the war in Gaza, Pol Maj Gen Suwat said.

The Israeli security adviser had promised to allow Thai authorities to inspect the areas, he added.

Israeli media outlets earlier this year identified Mr Bitton as the central police commander.

About 300,000 Israeli tourists visited Thailand from January to September this year, a 57% leap on the same period last year, Tourism and Sports Ministry figures showed.

“The rise in Israeli travellers this year can be seen as a knock-on effect of Israel’s grueling war in Gaza, with many young Israelis choosing Thailand after completing military service or reserve duty,” The Times of Israel said in March.

The influx of tourists from Israel has led to dissatisfaction among Thais as many show little respect for Thai law. Recently, on Oct 14, four of them were arrested on Koh Samui for holding a party with drugs to celebrate peace.

One of the more infamous incidents was in May when an Israeli woman refused to take off her shoes before entering a Thai restaurant on Koh Phangan, saying “My money built your country”.

Authorities and local business operators have repeatedly raised concerns about Israeli visitors’ behaviour and the rise of illegal foreign-run businesses on the resort island.

The Israeli embassy posted a message on its Facebook post on Saturday, advising its citizens in Thailand how to behave during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away on Friday.

“Avoid loud music, parties or demonstrations of public joy, dress modestly and solid tones, and respect the general atmosphere of mourning for the next 30 days,” the embassy said. “Showing respect and consideration in this sensitive time will be greatly appreciated by the Thai public,” it added.

Dear Doctors: I started helping at a food bank for a kind of selfish reason — it made me feel good. But it turns out I made some good friends, which is not easy as you get older. (I’m 66.) Now I’m seeing on the news that volunteering can be good for cognitive health. I would like to know more about that.

Dear Reader: First, congratulations on giving your time to a worthy cause. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is a real and growing problem in the United States. The work you are doing provides food for adults and children who otherwise might go hungry. One of the side benefits, as you’ve found, is that volunteer work can enrich your life as well.

The emotional satisfaction of volunteering may be obvious. But people who give their time to their communities say they find additional benefits beyond personal satisfaction. One of the unexpected rewards is more social connection with others. Volunteers also often find that donating time and effort improves their mood, builds skills, bolsters confidence and lowers stress. They also create stronger ties with their communities and even improve their physical health.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and the University of Texas at Austin identified a possible connection between volunteering and improved cognition. Their findings were recently published in the journal Social Science and Medicine. The National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health funded the research along with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The study analysed more than two decades of health data from 30,000 adults aged 51 and older. People who reported spending two to four hours a week helping others had benefits that others didn’t. The study found as much as a 15% to 20% decrease in cognitive decline for people who reported regular volunteering compared with people who didn’t practise the same behaviour.

The help ranged from formal volunteering in the community to assisting friends, family and neighbours. This help could involve shopping, cooking, cleaning, child care, and transportation for or help with medical appointments. It also included offering personal or professional skills, such as home maintenance, yard work, pet care or even tax preparation.

Another study analysing the results of previous research found that people who engaged in regular volunteer work had better episodic and working memory. They also maintained verbal fluency longer than those who did not volunteer. Similar research in Japan found that people who help others report lower rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness.

All this research points to multiple reasons for the benefits of volunteering. Increased mental, physical and emotional engagement, and the sense of purpose in helping others are all key. As you have found, and as ongoing research confirms, the act of helping others benefits not only those who receive, but also those who give. Universal Features Syndicate

Organisers of this year’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai were accused of being crass after painting the previously colourful, floral-themed artworks black as a show of mourning for the late Queen Mother.

Critics on social media said the paintjob was poorly done and insensitive, and there were better ways to express the nation’s sorrow.

The criticism prompted an urgent meeting of organisers to reconsider the decision.

On Monday, the city of Chiang Mai announced changes to the 2025 Lanna-rooted festival. The festival typically coincides with Loy Krathong, which is on Nov 5.

Due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on Friday, changes were made to this year’s concept – to mourn and pay honour to her memory

The main traditional festivities were retained, but the entertainment was cancelled.

In another change, officials on Monday night started painting over the original illuminated, artificial floral art displays erected at locations throughout Mueang Chiang Mai district. Displays that had already been painted black included those in front of the Elephant Gate.

This sparked an immediate and widespread, mostly negative, reaction. People said it was a poorly done and looked ugly.

Posters said there were better ways to express mourning, such as only toning down the colours, or removing the decorations.

As of Tuesday, organisers were still agonising over what to do about it.