Dear Mr. KIA: Today, at the office, we were informed that one of our colleagues is leaving the company next month. He has always been the life of our company parties. He’s a real funny guy and totally into magic tricks. Well, he claims to have found his calling and has decided to leave us to join a circus! He’s a real joker but who would have thought he would do it professionally. So to prep him up for his new profession, we all have decided to throw him a clownthemed farewell party. It would be great also if we could find places to buy him presents.—Clowning Around

Dear CA: It makes me wonder what goes on in your office that could drive someone to join a circus. Your office is either very boring and lifeless, or there are just too many clowns and freaks there already for him to stand out. Then again, your whole story could be fake and you could just be another one of those mad killer clowns looking to meet more mad killer clowns. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, though.

For a great party, Diamond Magic (08-9768-0241, www.diamondmagic.com) has both clowns and magicians. Magic shows come either in full-blown stage productions or simple close-up tricks. As for the clowns, they can make balloon animals, walk on stilts, do magic tricks, and go on mad killing rampages (just kidding).

For presents, Bangkok Magic (470/3-5 Suksawad Rd., 08-1404-6656. www.bangkomagic.com) claims to be the ultimate superstore for all your magical needs: trick coins and hankies, those cool cupboards where you can cut people up with a saw, cages and levitation tables. The future of clowns being rather uncertain, you could give your co-worker a starter pack to get him going.

Or why not sign him up for a course at The International Magic Academy Thailand (2502-2504 Ladprao Rd. [opposite Ladprao Soi 101/1], 02-731-0235 ext 0, www.magicgeneral.net)? Prices depend on the type of magic you’d like to learn. Start with small close-up tricks (B3,200) and work your way up to the smoke and mirrors (approx. B40,000). The course also teaches presentation, and all equipment is included.