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Dear Doctors: My 22-year-old son is severely bipolar, which impacts his life terribly. I have kept up with the studies that have shown success in treating bipolar with a faecal transplant. Do you know of any open studies right now that might take my son? We would travel anywhere to get it done.

Dear Reader: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by extreme swings in mood, energy, thoughts and behaviours. These repeated shifts from intense elation to crushing depression can disrupt sleep, impede judgement and interfere with the ability to think clearly. As with many conditions that affect mental health, bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum. That means each case is unique, and symptoms vary in severity, frequency and presentation. But even in its milder forms, bipolar disorder can significantly impair quality of life.

It is common for the first indications of bipolar disorder to emerge in late adolescence and early adulthood. Diagnosis includes a mental health assessment, medical history and physical exam. Once diagnosed, treatment typically combines medications, such as mood stabilisers and perhaps antidepressants, with individual, group or family-focused psychotherapy. Due to the unpleasant side effects of some of the medications, treatment can be challenging.

The cause of bipolar disorder is not yet clearly understood. Previous research has suggested links to a mix of heredity, mental health and environmental factors. More recently, though, growing awareness of a connection between the gut microbiome and the brain is leading researchers in an intriguing new direction.

This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, is a bidirectional communication system between the trillions of microbes in the gut and the brain. An imbalance in the gut microbiome has been found to contribute to inflammation, immune system dysfunction and the production of harmful metabolites.

This imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis, has been linked to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

As you have pointed out, there is evidence that gut dysbiosis may play a role in bipolar disorder as well. It is not suggested that gut dysbiosis is the sole cause of these diseases. However, some researchers believe modulating the gut microbiome may have therapeutic benefits. This may be done through diet, the use of specific prebiotics and probiotics, and faecal transplants.

This is when a person’s colon is infused with a solution containing faecal matter from a healthy donor. A few small studies have reported success in lessening the symptoms of severe bipolar disorder through fecal transplants.

We searched at clinicaltrials.gov, the United States National Institutes of Health’s clinical trials database. At this time, there do not appear to be any new or ongoing investigations into the use of fecal transplants to manage bipolar disorder. However, several bipolar studies are exploring probiotics. You may find it useful to browse all of the studies listed on the site associated with bipolar disorder. Even if none are right for your son, they are an excellent way to keep abreast of new directions in research. Universal Features Syndicate

Nintendo has announced that Thai subtitles will be added to Donkey Kong Bananza for the Nintendo Switch 2, with players able to try out the feature at Nintendo’s booth during the upcoming Gamescom Asia × Thailand Games Show in October. The update will be free for existing owners of the game.

The move comes shortly after Nintendo revealed plans to expand its presence in Thailand with a new local subsidiary. While the company has not yet provided a specific download date for the subtitle update, it confirmed that players will eventually be able to download it at no extra cost.

At the Gamescom Asia × Thailand Games Show, taking place from October 17-19, visitors to the Nintendo booth will be able to try the Thai-language version of Donkey Kong Bananza on the Switch 2.

Nintendo stressed, however, that the addition of Thai subtitles to Donkey Kong Bananza does not mean that all of its other titles will support the language. The company said announcements will be made in advance if other games are confirmed to include Thai localisation.

Typhoon Bualoi has unleashed widespread flooding across the country, with Ayutthaya, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo among the hardest hit.

The Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat has increased its discharge rate from 2,100 to 2,200 cubic metres per second to cope with rising inflows caused by the typhoon.

The surge has led to heavy flooding in 11 districts of downstream Ayutthaya, affecting 38,132 households, two mosques, 20 schools, 25 temples, and 165 rai of farmland. Water levels in tributaries and canals have risen by an average of 5cm.

Local ferry services along the Chao Phraya River, especially near Wat Khun Phrom and Ko Muang, remain operational but face strong currents and high water levels. Authorities have posted warnings urging boat operators and passengers to exercise caution. Impact zones in Ayutthaya were located in 134 tambons and 758 villages, with flooding reported in 34 community roads and eight government buildings. Agricultural damage includes rice paddies, fruit crops, and perennial trees.

In Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima, heavy rainfall inundated many areas of the district for the third time this season. Kindergarten classes at Kulno School were suspended, while grades 4-6 continue in-person study due to ongoing exams.

Phimai New Town Market is under 20-30cm of water, forcing vendors to wade through floodwaters or temporarily close shops. The Phimai Historical Park has also suspended tourist access due to flooding around the ancient Khmer temple.

In Sa Kaeo, at 1am, flash floods from Pang Sida National Park swept through Khlong Buri village, catching residents off guard. Villagers were rescued by local officials using tractors, leaving behind damaged belongings. The village, located near the park and downstream of Khlong Phra Prong Reservoir, was overwhelmed by rapid runoff that could not drain off in time. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather update on Monday for Typhoon Bualoi, which has reportedly weakened over Laos.

The department confirmed that the typhoon made landfall in Quang Binh, northern Vietnam, and weakened into a strong tropical storm. As of 4am on Monday, its centre was located 50km east of Xieng Khouang, Laos, with maximum winds of 111 km/h, moving west-northwest at 20 km/h. It is expected to weaken further into a depression and then a low-pressure system.

The TMD also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the lower North, upper Central, Northeast, East, and western South with the risk of flash floods, runoff, and riverbank overflow, especially in foothill areas and flood-prone zones. Strong winds are expected in the upper Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, with wave heights of two to three metres, or higher during thunderstorms.

A climate change bill is key if Thailand is to achieve its commitment to greenhouse gas reductions and become a regional hub for carbon credits, according to the new Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Suchart Chomklin made the remarks during his speech at the 4th Thailand Climate Action Conference at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center over the weekend.

He said the Anutin Charnvirakul government is focused on climate change policies that align with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

He said that the increase in global temperature has been over 1.75 degrees Celsius (°C), well over the 1.5°C set by the Paris Agreement.

As a result, extreme climate patterns from severe drought and floods have been more frequent.

The government would respond with the adaptation and mitigation plans, including the establishment of an early warning system, he said.

To achieve the global commitment on Net Zero by 2050, the government, he added, this year would submit NDC3.0 (Nationally Determined Contributions) to the United Nations Development Programme.

The paper will focus on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions in five dimensions: energy, transport, industry, waste management and farming. All of these sectors must reduce greenhouse emissions by 40% by 2035.

“The climate change bill is expected to go through parliament this year or early next,” he said, adding that the bill would enhance policy mechanisms, greenhouse gas reduction ambitions, adaptation to climate change and financial mechanisms to support net zero.

Mr Suchart said that a carbon tax, a penalty imposed on polluters, state subsidies, and low interest rates for SMEs could be major financial incentives in reaching the net-zero goal.

The bill would help Thailand become a hub for carbon credits with an investment platform equipped to tackle climate change, he said.

Logitech G, the global leader in gaming peripherals, made a powerful statement with the worldwide launch of its PLAY 2025 event, held at Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok on 18 September. The event showcased a full suite of next-generation gaming products, blending sleek design, high performance, and advanced technology to meet the needs of both competitive and casual gamers.

Among the highlights was the debut of the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2c, a wireless gaming mouse weighing just 51 grams. Despite its ultra-light build, it packs a punch with the HERO 2 sensor offering up to 44,000 DPI and 888 IPS speed. The LIGHTFORCE Hybrid Switches deliver crisp responsiveness, while support for 8kHz report rate and POWERPLAY wireless charging ensures up to 95 hours of uninterrupted gameplay.

Also introduced was the PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2SE, a refined version with a minimalist design and slightly heavier build at 60 grams. It retains the same high-end sensor and switch technology, and offers full customisation via Logitech G HUB software, including DPI settings, report rate, and button mapping. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and above via USB.

For keyboard enthusiasts, Logitech G launched the G515 RAPID TKL, a low-profile tenkeyless keyboard just 22mm thick. It features Analog Magnetic Switches supporting Rapid Trigger, Multipoint Action, and Key Priority. Users can fine-tune actuation from 0.1mm to 2.5mm for precision control. The durable PBT double-shot keycaps, metal frame, and LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting make it a standout choice for serious gamers.

The audio experience was elevated with the G321 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset, designed for long sessions with its lightweight 210g build and memory foam ear cups. It offers over 20 hours of battery life, a flip-to-mute boom mic with 16kHz clarity, and Bluetooth 5.2 support for mobile gaming and music. The 40mm drivers deliver immersive sound across all frequencies.

Racing fans were treated to the unveiling of R50 and RS PEDALS, bringing the precision of Direct Drive and realism of TRUEFORCE technology to the forefront. Inspired by McLaren’s racing DNA, these pedals are compatible with existing G Series gear and offer upgrade paths within the Racing Series.

The showstopper was the surprise reveal of the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE, a revolutionary wireless mouse designed specifically for esports. It introduces two groundbreaking features:

Hall Effect Switch + Rapid Trigger for ultra-precise clicks and movement

Haptic Feedback for immersive tactile response, making in-game actions feel more lifelike

Logitech G PLAY 2025 was more than a product launch-it reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to delivering a holistic gaming experience by integrating hardware, software, and inspiration to connect gamers worldwide.

A drunk woman drove her BMW sedan against the traffic flow and caused a pile-up of about 10 vehicles on Monday night, police said.

The incident happened on Ratchaphruek Road in tambon Om Kret of Pak Kret district at 9.40pm Monday. The 37-year-old woman drove against the traffic flow for about five kilometres before colliding with a pickup truck carrying a full load of coconuts, according to media reports.

Other motorists abruptly applied their brakes and veered off to avoid the BMW coming at them but ended up crashing into each other. The damaged vehicles included two Porsches.

The BMW driver reportedly had chest pain while the coconut truck driver was injured.

Former deputy finance minister Paopoom Rojanasakul expressed hope that the new government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will continue the debt relief programmes for Thais that have benefited nearly 6 million people.

According to Mr Paopoom, who was also deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party during the administrations of Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin, within two years the government launched 15 measures addressing debt relief, debt suspensions, and additional lending through Finance Ministry mechanisms, helping close to 6 million people, in addition to the regular lending carried out by financial institutions.

“I strongly hope these programmes will be carried on by the Anutin administration and not be abandoned halfway. Specifically, debt relief programmes that have provided assistance to more than 5.61 million people,” he said.

The “Khun Su, Rao Chuay” (You Fight, We Help) programme, which was designed to help those struggling with mortgage, car and small business loan repayments, included 1.7 million debtors. This programme was a collaboration between the Bank of Thailand and several agencies to support retail borrowers and small businesses struggling with debt, enabling them to restructure loans, ease their financial burdens, and regain financial stability more quickly.

The agricultural debt-relief (farmer debt suspension) measure assisted 1.43 million farmers in Phase 1 and 1.34 million farmers in Phase 2, with a total debt amount of 202 billion baht.

The debt relief measure for Code 21 debtors covered 1.09 million people, with a total debt amount of 7.62 billion baht. “Code 21” refers to debtors affected by the pandemic and the economic slowdown.

The cooperative credit programme to address debts of government personnel supported 10,319 accounts, with total debts amounting to 4.12 billion baht.

In addition, the “People’s Bank” loan programme to address informal debt approved loans for 39,716 people, with total debts of 1.42 billion baht.

Rising household debt over recent years has raised government concerns that this burden would weigh on Thailand’s economic growth, prompting an urgent search for solutions.

According to the latest report from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), household debt in the second quarter of this year tallied 87.4% of GDP, marking the first contraction.

However, the NESDC warned that credit quality remains a serious concern. The contraction was largely due to tighter lending standards adopted by financial institutions, rather than a genuine improvement in households’ financial conditions.

A British YouTuber was forced to seek hospital help after his Samsung Galaxy Ring’s battery swelled and trapped his finger just before he was due to board a long-haul flight in Hawaii. Airport staff insisted the ring be removed due to fire concerns.

Daniel, the owner of the tech channel ZONEofTECH, shared photos of a swollen ring on social media platform X, and his injured finger. The incident occurred shortly before boarding.

The bloated battery raised alarms among Hawaii airport authorities, who feared it could ignite during the flight. With the ring stuck tightly on his finger, Daniel had no option but to rush to a nearby hospital, where doctors finally managed to remove it.

Afterwards, he speculated on possible causes, pointing to extreme heat in Hawaii, repeated flights, or exposure to seawater. The latter appeared most likely, as salt water is known to corrode electronic devices.

Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is rated for water resistance up to 10ATM and IP68, but these standards do not cover saltwater corrosion, which experts warn can directly damage batteries and other components. The case raises questions about durability under real-world conditions.

At a Yunnan restaurant, you might expect a feast of mushrooms or a warm bowl of chewy noodles. However, some dishes carry the unmistakable, citrusy perfume of lemongrass, lime and galangal, which combine into the very familiar scent of the classic Thai tom yum soup.

This is no coincidence. It is an echo of a shared ancestry, one that makes Thailand and the highlands of Yunnan the equivalent of culinary cousins.

Yunnan’s culinary diversity comes from the Chinese province being home to 25 of the 55 ethnic minority groups recognised by the government, each with distinct cultures and cuisines.

Among them are the Bai people of Dali city, situated in the southwestern part of Yunnan province, not far from the borders with Myanmar and Laos.

To explore the food of Dali is to discover what one might call the “mountain version” of Thai cuisine. That fragrant trio of galangal, lemongrass and lime is as vital to the broths, marinades and salads of Dali as it is to those in Chiang Mai or Phuket. It creates an immediate, sensory bridge between the two cultures.

“Yunnan itself is close to Southeast Asia and rich in resources,” says Sun Hao, founder of Yunnan restaurant The Mushroom in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood. “So our menu primarily showcases the best ingredients and specialities of each region.”

A meal in Dali, much like in Thailand, bursts with fresh and raw vegetables. Mint and coriander are not mere garnishes but integral components, brought to the table for their crunch and cooling contrast to richer dishes.

This principle extends to each location’s love of vibrant, zesty salads. The Thai yam salad, a spicy, sour and herbal toss of ingredients, has a direct parallel in Dali, where raw or lightly cooked fish, mushrooms or meat are dressed in a similar combination of lime, chilli and herbs.

A similar example in Hong Kong is the pineapple shrimp with passion fruit vinaigrette dish at The Mushroom. Served cold, it bursts with fresh fruit flavours, a contrast to the typical impression of Chinese cuisine.

Another ethnic minority of Yunnan is the Dai people, who live in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and scattered areas including Gengma and Menglian counties.

The Dai people are considered the ancestors of the modern Thai population. Historical migrations of the Dai people from southern China into Southeast Asia led to the formation of Thai kingdoms like Siam. This connection is evidenced by their shared languages, cultural traditions and genetic heritage.

Even the cooking techniques speak the same language: the sizzle of charcoal-grilled meats marinated in herb pastes and the gentle steam rising from packages cooked in banana leaves.

The banana-wrapped mixed mushrooms showcase baoshao, a quintessential cooking technique of the Dai people, where food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an oven or grilled over charcoal.

The baoshao served at The Mushroom is a selection of seasonal wild mushrooms, such as black termite mushroom, maitake and black boletus, seasoned with lemongrass, mint and fresh chilli, then wrapped in fresh banana leaves and grilled slowly over charcoal.

The result is a spicy mushroom dish that has the flavours of Thailand mixed with the earthiness and complexity of Yunnan mushrooms.

The dish that is most uncannily similar is Dali’s wild fruit sour soup with fish and Thailand’s tom yum soup, but there are subtle differences, mainly the level of spice. While chillies are used liberally in Dali, the heat is generally a supporting actor, less intense than the fiery inferno level often found in mainstream Thai dishes.

“The soup in Dali is a bit less spicy, but it’s the sourness that I feel is the biggest difference,” says Nelson Wong, owner and founder of J’s Garden, a retailer and importer of mushrooms from Yunnan, where he frequently travels.

“The sour flavour in the Dali soup comes from fermented papaya and Yunnan heirloom tomatoes, and to me it’s more fragrant. Tom yum has sharper sour and spice.”

Both culinary traditions share a deep affection for the funky, savoury depth of fermentation, though their sources differ. Where Thai cuisine looks to the sea to provide umami in the form of fish sauce and shrimp paste, landlocked Dali and Xishuangbanna use ingredients from the land, such as fermented tofu, beans and pickled vegetables, to achieve that same depth in aroma.

Yet, for all their shared vocabulary, the two cuisines have distinct accents.

The most striking difference lies in Yunnan’s use of dairy. Dali’s dairy products, like the stretchy, grillable cheese rushan, for example, are staples almost entirely absent in Thai cuisine.

So, while a bite of Dali’s sour fish hotpot might recall the bright notes of a Thai tom yum soup, and the bright notes of a salad feel comfortingly familiar, the experience has subtle differences. But they are all tastes of a culinary family tree whose roots run deep across borders. This connection is the legacy of the migration of the Dai people from southern China into Southeast Asia.

“Customers are often surprised by our dishes,” says Sun. “They often encounter flavours and ingredients they’ve never tried before. For example, they absolutely love the Yunnan bugs, mushrooms, milk bean curd and cold rice noodles.

“The definition of Chinese food is very broad, and every region in China has its own distinct cuisine. Yunnan’s tropical regions, like Banna and Dehong, tend to have a more sour and spicy flavour because the ingredients grow in temperatures similar to those in Thailand. Some of our dishes may feel a bit like Thai food.”

Ahead of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Sept 23-29, newly instated Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow faced criticism that his appearance there might violate the constitution, which stipulates that cabinet ministers can only assume their duties after the government policy statement is made before parliament.

But as Mr Sihasak took to the rostrum at the UN headquarters in front of international delegates, his welcome speech reflected his years as a Thai diplomat.

“Thailand made the humanitarian decision to open up our borders in the late 1970s for hundreds of thousands of Cambodians fleeing the civil war in their country to seek shelter in Thailand,” Mr Sihasak said.

“We made this decision out of compassion and humanitarian principles. As a young diplomat, I witnessed that scene myself.”

Mr Sihasak’s career began in 1979 in the Division of Public and Cultural Affairs, the ministry’s Department of Information.

He has served in many key positions, including ambassadorships to France and Japan, and he was a Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations in Geneva.

He also served as President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2010 to 2011.

Mr Sihasak was born in 1957 and graduated from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science before earning a Master of Arts in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

As a seasoned diplomat, Mr Sihasak delivered his speech at the UN with firmness and in a timely fashion.

He noted that he had met his Cambodian counterpart Sokhonn Prak the day before he made his speech, and he said the conversation they had was different from the speech that the Cambodian official later delivered to the UN.

“Yesterday … we talked about peace, dialogue, mutual trust and confidence … but unfortunately, what was said today by the Cambodian side was completely opposite,” said Mr Sihasak.

He mentioned the “real victims” of the Thai-Cambodian conflict — Thai soldiers who have lost their legs from landmines, children whose schools were shelled, and innocent civilians shopping that day at the convenience store that was hit by a Cambodian rocket.

Despite having only four months in office, Mr Sihasak has a vast array of issues to manage, including balancing Thailand’s relations with China and the United States, as well as crafting a path towards sustainable peace and cooperation with Cambodia.

“Thailand chooses the path of peace because we believe that the people of both countries deserve no less,” he said at the UN event.